On the ramp they may be old machines parked next to Textron’s latest entry-level Cessna Citations, but early-gen Cessna Model 525 CitationJets are still workhorses. For some, they’re a logical choice for owner-flown step-up jets. That of course makes a market for refurbs, including major avionics upgrades. They can use it because many of these jets from the early 1990s haven’t ever seen avionics upgrades and don’t even have WAAS GPS, and ones operated in other countries might not even have mandate-compliant ADS-B.
On a roll racking up STCs for all kinds of legacy turbines, Garmin recently earned an STC for a complete cockpit modernization for the CitationJet and it follows the lead of the aftermarket retrofit program for Citation CJ1 and CJ2 models. The bulk of the upgrade includes Garmin’s retrofit TXi flight displays, two GTN Xi navigators, new audio and transponder systems, and the GFC 600 autopilot that has coupled VNAV descents and go-arounds. There’s also CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communication) capability through the GTN Xi navigator and remote transceiver, the GWX 8000 ship’s weather radar, and the GDL 60 cellular/Wi-Fi datalink unit that works with Garmin’s PlaneSync for logging into the avionics remotely.
Garmin tailored the upgrade for the CitationJet with built-in safety features like aural takeoff V-speed alerting, stabilized approach monitoring, and through a specific EIS engine instrument system, generating N1 reference bugs that adjust for temperature and the status of the airplane’s anti-ice system. Put it all together, and we can see the automation benefits for properly trained pilots new to twin turbines.
Garmin didn’t say what the upgrade cost might be for the typical Citation 525, but as it has with other legacy turbine retrofits, this one should increase the value of these aging jets, which are powered by Williams two-spool FJ44-1A turbofan engines. CitationJets that have some avionics upgrades (we found a handful that had GPS navigator retrofits, but many still have the SPZ-5000 IFCS autopilot flight guidance system and Honeywell EFIS) might sell for around $1.5 million, but others without refurbs are generally priced less, depending on engine status.
I guess my age is showing. But When you said “old citations” I immediately thought you meant really old, like Citation II’s. Do you know if Garmin offers the N1 takeoff bugs for Pratt Whitney engines like they do for Williams engines?
Garmin’s equipment upgrade, including the EIS, covered here applies on the CitationJet and CJ1 and 2 airplanes. The STC does not cover the Pratt JT15D-powered Model 550.
I suppose 35 years isn’t THAT old in the world of little million-dollar jets
I remember the first time I ever saw a Citation. It was a Citation II and it had just arrived from Wichita. 1978. The year I soloed. 48 years ago.