N196PC 2008 Cessna Citation CJ3

Overview

This article covers a specific airframe, the business jet registered as N196PC, a Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 built in 2008 with serial number 525B-0231. The aircraft was manufactured by Cessna (Textron Aviation) and is recorded as owned by Papercone Aviation LLC, a corporation based in Louisville, KY, US. Registration and ownership are recorded to the Louisville-based corporate operator; no additional transfer history is provided.

Operations & Cabin

The airframe is typically outfitted in a two-crew, executive cabin layout seating configuration listed as Typical 2 crew + 6 passenger executive layout (6-8 seats), supporting up to 8 occupants in common corporate configurations. Avionics are installed as a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 suite, providing integrated flight management, navigation, communications, and digital flight displays suitable for business jet operations. With a range of 2,040 nm and cruise speed near 416 kts, the aircraft is well suited for regional-to-transcontinental missions under corporate operation from its Louisville base. Maintenance considerations follow those typical of the CitationJet CJ3 fleet, two Williams FJ44-3A turbofans producing 2,820 lbf each, with operator maintenance records governing residual value and dispatch reliability.

Model & Market Context

The Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 occupies a light-plus business jet niche, offering a balance of performance and operating economy versus larger midsize types. Competing models in the segment include other light jets that emphasize short-field capability and efficient cruise, and buyer demand often targets owner-operators and charter operators seeking lower-cycle, well-equipped CJ3 airframes. Resale and maintenance considerations hinge on avionics fit (here, Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21), engine hours on the Williams International FJ44-3A powerplants, and the airframe’s service history reflected under Papercone Aviation LLC ownership.