The Cessna Citation 1SP

1981 Cessna Citation 1SP- N98AV

The Citation 1SP has made a name for itself in the general aviation community as the original VLJ.  Since the last was produced in 1985 it remains to be a fuel efficient, easy to fly, extremely reliable airframe capable of 1,000 nm legs and available for purchase (SN 501-0177 at ChaseAviation.com) in the $650,000 to $700,000 range.  Those who have flown the plane know it as a "good at everything, master of nothing" performer capable of 3,000ft runways, RVSM airspace, 320kts and 150gph fuel sipping stable aircraft.

For four adults and their baggage I can say with a high degree of certainty that there is no better aircraft for the money when you look at the performance numbers, acquisition costs, and what it takes to feed it.  Cessna came out with the CitationJet 525 in 1994 as a next generation 1SP and ended up making a very good aircraft with a lighter airframe and improved performance; however, you could buy two 1SP's for what you can buy a 525 for. 

So, if own a small to medium sized business and have the need the fly within 1000nm of your home office, owning a 1SP (and maybe specifically N98AV!) can allow you to reach a larger customer base faster, while maximizing you or your employees time spent doing what you do best, making money.