Cessna tech details needed for author
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Cessna tech details needed for author
Hello, my name is Luis.
Here's the thing.. I'm writing a book, and there's a chapter where this character gets to fly in a private plane (Cessna Citation XLS, exactly) from Caracas, Venezuela (CCS) to Miami, USA (MIA).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3...ort_(Venezuela)
I checked it, and it is about 2,183 kilometers away so, my question is: how much time would it take this plane to get to Miami?
Thank you in advance.
Farewell.
NOTE: My sincere apologies if this is not the right place to post such a thread, I was kind of lost on this matter. I hope you don't mind.
NOTE2: I'd also like to know how much speed would it need to takeoff? I have read books and heard youtube videos where they announce like, for example, 60 knots to takeoff, then, later on the runway, they start shouting: 40 knots... 50 knots... 60 knots...
Well, you must know what I mean by now, so I cut the BS, sorry.
Here's the thing.. I'm writing a book, and there's a chapter where this character gets to fly in a private plane (Cessna Citation XLS, exactly) from Caracas, Venezuela (CCS) to Miami, USA (MIA).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3...ort_(Venezuela)
I checked it, and it is about 2,183 kilometers away so, my question is: how much time would it take this plane to get to Miami?
Thank you in advance.
Farewell.
NOTE: My sincere apologies if this is not the right place to post such a thread, I was kind of lost on this matter. I hope you don't mind.

NOTE2: I'd also like to know how much speed would it need to takeoff? I have read books and heard youtube videos where they announce like, for example, 60 knots to takeoff, then, later on the runway, they start shouting: 40 knots... 50 knots... 60 knots...
Well, you must know what I mean by now, so I cut the BS, sorry.
Last edited by luisoliveirav; Mar 25, 2016 at 10:49 pm
#2
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Welcome to FT, luisoliveirav!
There are lots of factors that determine performance, but according to the XLS performance data at http://jetadvisors.com/citation-xls-performance/, a 1,000 nm (nautical mile) trip should have a flight time of around 2:26 (assuming no wind). Since your trip is about 1,180 nm, figure on close to 3 hours in a no-wind condition.
Takeoff speeds will also vary based on density altitude and weight. I found one example of a 106 knot rotation speed from ICT (1,333 feet MSL). From a bit closer to sea level (CCS is 235 feet MSL), you're probably looking at a rotation speed of somewhere between 100 and 110 knots, with takeoff happening about 20 knots above that.
Note that all these numbers are speculative ballpark numbers, as it's impossible to get more accurate without more data and operating handbook data.
There are lots of factors that determine performance, but according to the XLS performance data at http://jetadvisors.com/citation-xls-performance/, a 1,000 nm (nautical mile) trip should have a flight time of around 2:26 (assuming no wind). Since your trip is about 1,180 nm, figure on close to 3 hours in a no-wind condition.
Takeoff speeds will also vary based on density altitude and weight. I found one example of a 106 knot rotation speed from ICT (1,333 feet MSL). From a bit closer to sea level (CCS is 235 feet MSL), you're probably looking at a rotation speed of somewhere between 100 and 110 knots, with takeoff happening about 20 knots above that.
Note that all these numbers are speculative ballpark numbers, as it's impossible to get more accurate without more data and operating handbook data.
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Thank you guys, your help is invaluable. You're worth my respect.
I understand you can't give me exact numbers though, but it is not a big deal because, as I said, it is one chapter where this whole thing happens, the rest of the time he travels on commercial flights, and it is not an aviation book either.
So, to sum it all up: the whole trip would take somewhat three hours non-stop, and my takeoff speed dialogue would be something like, 50 knots... 70 knots... 90 knots... *takeoff*. Alright?
I understand you can't give me exact numbers though, but it is not a big deal because, as I said, it is one chapter where this whole thing happens, the rest of the time he travels on commercial flights, and it is not an aviation book either.

So, to sum it all up: the whole trip would take somewhat three hours non-stop, and my takeoff speed dialogue would be something like, 50 knots... 70 knots... 90 knots... *takeoff*. Alright?
#5
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Other advantage to flying private are that you can bypass public terminals, other passengers and security. You can arrive at your departure point (typically a private aviation terminal or FBO) minutes before departure. The plane waits for you. On most arrivals, you similarly arrive at an uncrowded private aviation terminal. If you request in advance, a driver and vehicle will meet you plane-side to take you to your final ground destination.
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Other advantage to flying private are that you can bypass public terminals, other passengers and security. You can arrive at your departure point (typically a private aviation terminal or FBO) minutes before departure. The plane waits for you. On most arrivals, you similarly arrive at an uncrowded private aviation terminal. If you request in advance, a driver and vehicle will meet you plane-side to take you to your final ground destination.
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
Nevertheless, does it mean that the departure point can't be the main International Airport, i.e. a public aviation terminal?
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Other advantage to flying private are that you can bypass public terminals, other passengers and security. You can arrive at your departure point (typically a private aviation terminal or FBO) minutes before departure. The plane waits for you. On most arrivals, you similarly arrive at an uncrowded private aviation terminal. If you request in advance, a driver and vehicle will meet you plane-side to take you to your final ground destination.
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
Here are some trip reports with pics of some recent private flights we've taken.
APA-SNA on a Challenger 604
APA-LAS on a Hawker 400XP
#8
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#9


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Captain: "Runway heading and elevation checked"
Co-Pilot: "Checked"
Captain: "Takeoff, your/my controls"
Co-Pilot: "Your/My controls"
PF: Sets power level, "Power set"
PNF: "80knts"
PF: "Checked"
PNF: "V1"
PNF: "Rotate" (or VR), PF rotates x degrees
PNF: "Positive climb"
PF: "Gear up"
PNF: "Gear up selected", Switches gear up lever
PNF: "Gear up and locked"
...
V2 calls are not made with all airlines/plane types as far as I know.
Anyway, probably slightly different procedures in different parts of the world.
For the OP, I guess if your book is not targeting plane nerds no one will notice that the cock pit communication is not 100% realistic or the timing is a bit off as long as you do not make a 3 hours flight a 12 hours flight.
Otherwise google for: "Take off roll call outs"
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#14
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NOTE2: I'd also like to know how much speed would it need to takeoff? I have read books and heard youtube videos where they announce like, for example, 60 knots to takeoff, then, later on the runway, they start shouting: 40 knots... 50 knots... 60 knots...
Well, you must know what I mean by now, so I cut the BS, sorry.
Well, you must know what I mean by now, so I cut the BS, sorry.
#15


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