Citation Contract Pilots
Citation Contract Pilots Type-Rated Crew for Every Citation Model, Available Now
The Textron Citation family is the most widely operated business jet series in North America. From the light cabin simplicity of the CJ2+ to the transcontinental range of the Citation X and the modern cabin of the Latitude, Citations are everywhere in business aviation — which means Citation-typed contract pilots are among the most consistently requested crew in the market.
Citation Type Ratings and Which Aircraft They Cover
The FAA's type rating system for Citation aircraft is organized around certification families. The CE-525 covers the CJ, CJ1, CJ2, CJ2+, and CJ3. The CE-560XL covers the Citation Excel and XLS. The CE-680A covers the Citation Latitude. The CE-750 covers the Citation X and X+. A pilot with a CE-560XL type rating is qualified on the Citation XLS but not on the Citation X or the Citation Latitude. When you specify a Citation model in your crew request, confirm that the responding pilots hold the correct certification group type rating — not just general Citation experience.
Avionics Familiarity Across the Citation Fleet
Older Citation models use Collins Pro Line 4. The Citation XLS uses Collins Pro Line 21. The Citation Latitude uses the Garmin G5000 suite — a significant departure from Collins-based aircraft in both interface design and operating philosophy. A contract pilot transitioning from a Citation XLS background to a Citation Latitude trip needs specific familiarization with the Garmin G5000 environment. In your crew request, ask specifically about the pilot's experience on your avionics suite, not just on the type.
The CJ Family — Light Cabin, Full Professional Standards
Citation CJ operations frequently involve single-pilot configurations under Part 91, which places the entire decision-making and systems management burden on one person. CJ contract captains need genuine proficiency, not just type rating currency. Operators sourcing CJ crews through CrewBlast can specify experience level requirements in the request to ensure both crew members meet the standards the operation requires.
Citation X and Latitude — The Performance End of the Fleet
The Citation X was the fastest production business jet in the world for many years, and its operating characteristics require crew who are current and comfortable in a high-altitude, high-speed environment. The Citation Latitude brings a stand-up cabin with passenger expectations more comparable to a super-midsize than a traditional Citation. For both aircraft, simulator currency recency matters more than on lighter platforms — confirm simulator training within the preceding twelve months.
Daily Rates and Sourcing Citation Contract Crew
CJ family captains currently bill in the $600 to $850 range. XLS and Sovereign captains bill in the $750 to $1,000 range. Citation X and Latitude captains command rates in the $900 to $1,200 range. Current rates are in the CrewBlast daily rate survey. Submit a Citation crew request on the Crew Blast request page. Specify your exact Citation model so the network surfaces pilots who hold the correct type rating. For a broader overview of how CrewBlast serves operators across all aircraft types, see the operators page.
