Just curious which type you ended up going with, if any? Our owners are currently debating between the Latitude and the Legacy 450 as well. We saw the Latitude a few months ago and got to check out the Legacy today. I agree, the Legacy was very impressive! To me it's a no-brainer to go with the Legacy.

Interesting discussion. Until recently I would have said: Legacy 450. Now I'm not so sure anymore. Recently got typed in the Latitude and must say it's pretty impressive not just "for a Citation". I think it has the right balance between simplicity and redundancy, a great cabin, excellent runway performance, good range and acceptable speed. It also uses all the proven systems from the Sovereign. Yes, it's not the most modern design, the non-powererd conventional flight controls feel quite heavy and it's not the fastest midsize jet. But I think the overall package is very good. I even think that the G5000 is really good now (latest software load 4.5 includes performance). Certainly better than the 3000 in the Phenom 300 and much, much better than the G1000 before that.

To be honest though: I don't know enough about the Legacy 450. I suspect it's a more complex design and it's clean sheet. My concern would be more potential teething problems. Other than that it looks like a beautiful machine.

Try loading bags on the Legacy's tail cone compt, then tell me how you like it.

GF

Good point, I did notice how high up the baggage compartment was. Definitely looked like it would be a two-man job getting the bags up there.

The Legacy is still pretty with fewer than 75 delivered, I understand it. You need a lot of options to match the equipment standard of the competition, which increases weight and decreases range somewhat. The FBW option is new but not a performance/weight saver as much as adding envelope protection and easier integration with the avionics. Collins Fusion is really nice, a step up from PL21 but I can't say about the G5000.

GF

There are lots of aircraft that will make it, assuming there's no engine failure or cabin decompression. That doesn't mean it be anywhere close to making it under those conditions.

I have a friend who is looking the Latitude, mostly for the 6' tall cabin and the ability to operate out of his own 3000' runway at reduced weights. Your thoughts guys? The airport is on an island in Lake Superior.

F224,

Not to be pedantic, but ask him the width of that 3,000' runway? Then ask if he knows the FAR 25 determination of Vmcg and FAR 150 runway width standards. After the blank stares, you can ask about the tread width plus the allowable 30' deviation during an engine failure at or near Vmcg vice the half-width of the runway.

GF

The runways is 75' wide and is rated up to 50,000 pounds. Another operator routinely operates a Citation X into the airport, strictly VFR. I get your certification on Vmcg question don't see how FAR Pt. 150 has anything to do with it?

Oops, sorry, meant FAA Advisory Circular 150-series, specifically /5300 Airport Design. While their are large numbers of 75' wide runways, the standard, both FAA and ICAO for planes with wingspans of less than 118' is 100'. I had to deal with narrow runway ops a lot in the past.

GF