Operators of the Citation 500/501, including SkyJet Aviation, would like to see a more convenient spare parts centre in Europe. The company's Gloria Kiraly says: "Basically we are satisfied with the availability of spare parts because we can get everything from the United States, but sometimes the shipping time is too long and the price is too expensive."

SkyJet Aviation has had mixed experiences where maintenance is concerned. "We have found some organisations to be reliable but others have proved not to be dependable." The company's wish list for improvements includes longer range and lower fuel consumption but it praises the easy handling and good access for maintenance.

North Flying's Bruno Sorensen expresses satisfaction with maintenance support, dispatch reliability, operating capability and value.

But Manuel Campos de Almeida, although satisfied with the 501's maintenance support, dispatch reliability and operating capability, is unhappy with the value. He says the best aspect is the unloaded short field take off and landings and the worst aspect is noise levels.

Another respondent, William 'Bill' Dolan of Rockville Investments (Jersey) Ltd is very satisfied with the maintenance support, dispatch reliability and value and satisfied with the operating capability.

The best aspect, he says, is that the aircraft is easy to fly, is reliable and has a low purchase price. However he is concerned at the cost of maintenance.

Manufacturer's comment

Cessna is planning a centrally-located parts depot in Europe for all Citation aircraft but cannot give further details at this point. At present, parts needs are therefore handled by Cessna's Paris service centre or one of 11 further independent service centres in Europe. Cessna will build a new European Citation service centre at Valencia Airport, Spain. The opening date is not yet confirmed. There is, therefore, no dedicated centre for 500/501 parts but these parts are covered by the facilities mentioned.