How Fast Can Different Cessna Planes Fly? (Top Speeds)

Cessna planes are among some of the most popular aircraft, and many have questions about these planes. One of the things people are the most curious about concerning Cessnas is how quickly they fly.

Cessna planes fly anywhere from 124 to 717 mph. Although these are lower speeds than commercial planes, they are quite impressive for small planes.

There are many factors that might influence how fast a plane flies, from the plane model to the flying conditions. Here, we’ll take a look at the speeds that some of the Cessna models can fly.

The Fastest Cessna: Cessna Citation X

People in the market for planes that can exceed 250 mph will likely want to focus on luxury business models. Out of the Cessna models, the one that fits this definition is the Cessna Citation X.

This popular private jet model can easily seat 12 passengers with two crew members. The plane comes at a cost of $23 million, making it a more practical option for corporate usage.

The Cessna Citation X has a top speed of 717 mph, also measured as Mach 0.935. To put this speed into perspective, that means the jet travels at 93.5% of sound – quite an impressive figure!

In fact, by most estimates, this plane is the fastest civilian aircraft. Relatively few models come close to this aircraft for speed, with the exception of commercial and military planes.

How the Cessna 172 Compares

The Cessna 172 enjoys a reputation for being Cessna’s most popular and affordable model. This plane’s top speed of 188 mph is mid-range, adequately meeting the aviation needs of many.

That’s just one of the reasons why the Cessna 172 is one of the best small planes to buy.

Despite having less speed overall than the Citation X, this plane is the top-selling Cessna model. The design simplicity and relative flying ease help make up for fewer features in comparison to other models.

The Cessna 172 has set flight refueling endurance records twice, which speaks well of its durability. One of the things these records prove is the craft’s ability to withstand flying at speeds above the average.

How Fast is the Cessna 310?

The Cessna 310 is one of the models that has been around the longest, dating back to 1953. This model has a top speed of 237 mph, which helps demonstrate its popularity.

Since the original 310s arrived on the market, more advanced designs have led to greater speeds. One newer variant, the 310R, can easily reach 272 mph.

All of these planes easily seat four or six. The 310R has a twin-engine design that increases the speed and power.

Is the Cessna 208 Caravan a Fast Model?

One of the things that make the Cessna 208 Caravan a popular aviation model is its set of practical features. The model’s speeds of up to 208 mph also help contribute to its popularity.

These planes accommodate eight passengers and two crew members and offer generous cargo space. The durable yet lightweight aluminum frame allows the aircraft to reach its maximum speed easily.

The plane features a turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney. This engine helps contribute to the plane’s overall reputation for speed.

How Fast is the Cessna 182 Skylane?

The Cessna 182 shares much in common with the 172, including its lightweight build. This plane can easily maintain its speed even with the extra cargo space and capacity for up to six.

This model dates back to 1956, making it one of the most popular aircraft still in the air today. Top speeds may range between 168 and 170 mph.

Speeds of 200 mph are possible but not recommended because of instability concerns. When kept within target speed levels, this plane is reliable and safe to fly.

what Speeds Can the Cessna 162 Skycatcher Reach?

The Cessna 162’s high-wing also features strut bracing. With production on this line taking place from 2009 to 2013, it is a relatively newer model.

This plane’s top speed averages out to around 135 mph. The compact design and lighter weight help this plane maintain the lift required.

How Fast Are Some Other Cessna Models Worth Mentioning?

The slowest Cessna model is the 150, later replaced by the Cessna 152. This plane boasted a top speed of 124 mph, which is considerably slower than the speeds of current Cessnas.

Another Cessna model worthy of mention is the Cessna Citation Longitude. Its 644 mph or 0.84 Mach top speed is quite impressive, although slower than the Cessna Citation X.

This aircraft costs $27 million, making it a little pricier than the Citation X. This plane has a similar capacity to its faster relative, holding 12 passengers and two crew members.

How Do Cessnas Compare to Commercial Planes?

Although all planes have speeds that far surpass those of ground transportation, it’s reasonable to wonder how these speeds compare. Putting these speeds into their proper perspective is helpful in determining how the speeds compare.

Commercial planes easily boast speeds of over 600 mph. These planes fly four to five faster than most Cessnas, with the Citation X being a notable exception.

Comparing Cessnas to Other Private Planes

Cessna models are comparable to similar planes from other brands. One of the things that explain the similarities is many plane models use the same engines, providing similar performance.

The Gulfstream G600/G500 easily accommodates 18 passengers, giving it a larger capacity than the Cessna Citation X. This jet boasts a comparable speed of over 700 mph.

Dassault has three comparable jets boasting speeds of over 600 mph, the Dassault Falcon 7X, 200LX, and 900LX. These jets are also ideal for business use because of their larger passenger capacity.

One last comparable model is the Bombardier Global 6000, which has a top speed of over 600 mph. This plane’s capacity is quite large, holding 19 passengers and four crew members.

What Other Factors Affect Flight Speed?

Several factors may affect Cessna top speeds. Some directly relate to the way the plane has been designed, such as the type of engine and the configuration. Conditions during flying, such as the weather, may also impact flight speeds.

Different factors affect speed during takeoff, cruising, and landing. The plane’s weight usually has the most significant impact on takeoff speed.

At cruising altitude, planes usually travel at lower speeds than the maximum as a means of conserving fuel. The landing speed is one of the most variable, with flap settings, the runway surface, and the plane’s weight acting as factors.

I go into these factors in much more detail in my article about how fast do planes go?

What Role Weather Conditions Play

The weather can have an effect on a Cessna’s speed and overall performance. However, the good news is that the effects are seldom severe enough to warrant major disruption to flight plans.

Planes can safely fly at cruising altitude during cold weather with minimal concerns. However, airport runways must be clear of ice and snow for safe takeoffs and landings.

Rain may possibly affect pilot visibility, depending on the overall severity. Thunderstorms may increase the risk of turbulence, potentially affecting the overall performance and speed.

Flying against headwinds while in the air can decrease a Cessna’s speed. These winds can also increase the amount of turbulence that the plane must endure, which could affect the flight’s length.

Final Thoughts

Cessna planes can enjoy speeds of over 700 mph, which makes the brand one of the most popular in the aviation industry. Although not as fast as commercial planes, these private planes offer the superior performance that many desire when flying.