For lifelong pilot and longtime Citation® owner Ryan Samples, aviation is more than just a passion—it’s a strategic advantage. As the first customer of the CJ4® Gen3™, he shares how this aircraft is redefining performance, efficiency and technology. His insights highlight not only the aircraft’s capabilities but also Textron Aviation’s commitment to innovation driven by real customer feedback.
"Owning a Citation absolutely changes your perspective on available markets, the places you can go, the meetings you can take. No other tool allows us to save as much time and to be as many places, and that’s a huge competitive advantage for us. When you realize that, it’s hard to imagine going back to traditional travel. With a Citation, you’re no longer bound by commercial schedules or airport limitations—you have the freedom to conduct business on your terms."
Samples highlights the unmatched efficiency and flexibility that private aviation brings, demonstrating why his business views the Citation® product as a strategic asset.
"The CJ4 has tremendous capability. It’s the perfect combination of performance, range, speed, and useful load. And the economics make sense—it’s not just about having a high-performance aircraft, but about having one that’s efficient and sustainable for business operations. That balance is critical because it allows us to operate at the highest level without unnecessary overhead or logistical challenges."
The CJ4® Gen3™ is the next step in Textron Aviation’s relentless pursuit of excellence. With cutting-edge technology, improved pilot experience, and a design philosophy shaped by those who fly it, the CJ4® Gen3™ is set to raise the bar once again. As Samples puts it, “It’s going to be a tremendous airplane that adds a huge amount of capability to an already very capable platform. We’re incredibly excited to be a part of it.”