Citation Mustang

Its Garmin G1000 avionics suite will be familiar to anyone coming from recent-model high-performance piston singles. The airplane had a relatively small production run from 2006 to 2017, but in that time 479 Mustangs were built. All but six are currently flying.

Those new to the Mustang will be surprised by its mix of performance and operational simplicity. Digital engine controls precisely set power for takeoff and climb; its control yokes run through the instrument panel, giving you plenty of legroom; its Garmin autopilot is exemplary; and it has big-iron-style operational features like an engine fire extinguishing system, anti-skid braking (with the bonus feature that prevents you from touching down with brakes applied), certification for flight in known icing, and onboard weather radar plus SiriusXM datalink weather.

The Mustang’s twin Pratt & Whitney PW615F turbofans put out 1,460 pounds of thrust apiece. That permits an advertised 340 knots true airspeed (KTAS) maximum cruise speed—but flight plan for 320 KTAS to be on the safe side. Its maximum range is listed as 1,150 nautical miles, but you’ll never realize this unless you fly at or near the airplane’s maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet, have optimal conditions, no headwind, and a light passenger load. At that altitude, fuel burns are lowest. Fly any lower, and fill the cabin with four passengers, and you should count on a 700-nm range to be on the safe side. Need to slow down or go down? The Mustang’s speed brakes and landing gear (which can be extended at up to 250 knots indicated airspeed) are a big help.

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Quick Look

Want to fly one?

See how the Citation Mustang measures up:

The Mustang was initially billed as a very light jet, so it’s on the small side. The cabin can be cramped with all four passenger seats in use, and baggage space is limited.

How much: Mustangs currently sell for $1.5 to $2 million. New, they went for $3.3 million. Operating costs run about $1,000 per hour.

Fly it: If you typically fly trips of around 700 to 800 nm and carry three passengers. What used to take four hours in your Bonanza will now take half that time. You can do longer trips, but you’ll have to fill the tanks, leave some passengers behind, and fly as high as you can.

Skip it: If you’re not willing to fly it frequently and master a type rating and annual proficiency checks. The airplane is certified for single-pilot operations, but it’s a jet, things happen fast, and you must be a disciplined pilot.

Other options: Embraer’s Phenom 100; Citation M2; Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet (but it has a single engine); HA–420 HondaJet; TBM 900 series (yes, turboprop singles, but with 300-knot-plus cruise speeds and 1,500-nm max ranges)