Introduction
The Cessna Citation Mustang (Model 510) represents one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of light jet aviation. Introduced by Cessna Aircraft Company in 2006, the Mustang pioneered the very light jet (VLJ) category—a new class of small business jets designed to offer jet performance and comfort at a fraction of traditional operating costs. Compact, efficient, and capable, the Citation Mustang remains a favorite among owner-operators and charter fleets nearly two decades after its debut.
Design and Performance
At first glance, the Mustang’s design reflects Cessna’s hallmark engineering—simple, efficient, and pilot-friendly. It features an all-metal, low-wing monoplane design with a T-tail configuration that enhances stability and control.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F-A turbofan engines, each producing 1,460 pounds of thrust, the Mustang delivers a maximum cruise speed of around 340 knots (391 mph) and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet. With a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles, the aircraft can comfortably connect cities such as Dallas to Chicago or Miami to Washington, D.C., making it ideal for short- to mid-range business travel.
Cabin and Comfort
Though compact, the Citation Mustang’s cabin is thoughtfully designed to maximize passenger comfort and usability. Configured typically for four passengers in a club arrangement, the cabin measures just over 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide.
Cessna incorporated fine leather seating, executive-style folding tables, and ample windows that create an open and comfortable atmosphere. A rear lavatory and a generous baggage capacity—with both nose and tail compartments totaling around 63 cubic feet—add to the practicality often missing from smaller jets.
Cockpit and Avionics
The Mustang’s cockpit features the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, one of the first of its kind in a certified jet. This glass cockpit revolutionized light jet operations, offering advanced situational awareness and ease of use for owner-pilots transitioning from piston or turboprop aircraft.
The G1000 system integrates flight instrumentation, engine monitoring, and navigation on large, full-color displays—reducing pilot workload and improving safety. This technology helped establish the Mustang as one of the most approachable jets for single-pilot operations.
Operational Efficiency
The Citation Mustang is lauded for its low direct operating costs—typically between $800 and $1,000 per flight hour, depending on fuel prices and utilization. Its simplicity in systems design, long component life, and proven engine reliability contribute to lower maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability.
This efficiency made the Mustang attractive not only to private owners but also to fleet operators, fractional programs, and air taxi services in both North America and Europe.
Market and Value
Production of the Citation Mustang ended in 2017, as Cessna shifted focus to the larger Citation M2, which carried the Mustang’s legacy forward with enhanced performance and cabin refinement.
Today, pre-owned Citation Mustangs remain in strong demand. As of 2025, prices typically range between $1.6 million and $2.3 million, depending on total time, maintenance history, and avionics upgrades. Aircraft with low total time and upgraded interiors or avionics packages command the highest premiums.
The Mustang’s blend of reliability, economy, and jet performance continues to make it one of the most value-stable aircraft in the light jet segment—ideal for private use, charter operations, or entry-level jet ownership.
Legacy
The Citation Mustang’s legacy lies in its democratization of jet travel. It opened the door for a new generation of pilots and owners who previously viewed jet ownership as out of reach. By combining simplicity, safety, and affordability, Cessna created not just an aircraft, but a movement toward practical, accessible business aviation.
Nearly twenty years after its introduction, the Mustang remains a benchmark for efficiency and design excellence in the light jet world—a testament to Cessna’s ability to deliver enduring value and capability in a compact package.
Conclusion
The Cessna Citation Mustang continues to hold its place as one of the most innovative aircraft in business aviation history. Its legacy endures in the M2 and other modern VLJs, yet few can claim the Mustang’s perfect blend of performance, reliability, and operating economy. For pilots seeking a true “personal jet” experience, the Citation Mustang remains a small jet with a big reputation—and a lasting mark on the skies.