N157WH Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
Light jet performance from N157WH: 450 knots, 1,500 NM range, and a 45,000-foot ceiling. The Hawker 400XP's 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 burn less fuel than midsize alternatives while maintaining jet speed and reliability.
Mission Profile
For 1-3 hour missions with 4-7 passengers, the Hawker 400XP delivers the best cost per seat-mile in the jet segment. N157WH seats 8 in a 15.5 ft by 4.9 ft by 4.8 ft cabin built for speed and efficiency.
Charter Authorization
N157WH is Part 135 certified for on-demand charter. The Hawker 400XP is one of the most cost-effective jet charter options available. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
The Hawker 400XP segment offers the lowest entry point for jet ownership. Pre-owned Hawker 400XP airframes trade actively, with pricing driven by engine program status, avionics generation, and total time. N157WH's 1997 build year places it in a specific tier of the market.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N157WH, a 1997 Beechjet under , is a twin-engine light jet originally selected by the U.S. Air Force as the T-1A Jayhawk trainer. Below is the market intelligence.
Fleet Position
Over 600 Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP aircraft were produced. Approximately 350 remain on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N157WH based in 8 passengers, . The U.S. Air Force operates over 180 T-1A Jayhawk trainers based on this airframe, ensuring deep parts support and maintenance expertise for decades.
Charter Availability
N157WH is Part 135 charter authorized. Beechjet charter rates range from $2,400 to $3,500 per flight hour. The Beechjet is one of the most affordable light jet charter options with a true twin-engine configuration. For 4 to 6 passengers on routes under 1,200 nm, the Beechjet delivers reliable service at competitive rates.
Market Position
As a 1997 airframe, N157WH is a Beechjet 400A. Pre-owned values sit at $800K to $1.5M, making it among the most affordable twin-engine jets available. The JT15D-5 engines are proven, simple to maintain, and parts are abundantly available thanks to the USAF T-1A fleet.
Pre-buy priorities: JT15D-5 engine condition ($150,000 to $200,000 per engine overhaul), landing gear status, and pressurization system. Annual operating costs of $250,000 to $350,000 at 200 hours make the Beechjet accessible for mid-market companies stepping into jet ownership.
Mission Profile
The Beechjet fills a unique niche: twin-engine reliability at entry-level jet pricing. At $800K to $1.5M acquisition for classic models, the Beechjet puts twin-engine jet travel within reach of companies that cannot justify $3M+ for a CJ3 or Phenom 300. The tradeoff is two-crew requirements and aging avionics.
When to Choose Something Else
The Beechjet is wrong for routes over 1,200 nm. Published range of 1,507 nm drops below 1,200 nm with reserves and headwinds. For coast-to-coast or Caribbean routes, step up to a CJ3 or Phenom 300.
Ownership & Operations
Operating costs for business jets break into fixed and variable categories. Fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew salaries, management fees) accrue whether the aircraft flies or not. Variable costs (fuel, maintenance reserves, landing fees, handling) scale with flight hours. Owners flying fewer than 200 hours annually often find charter or fractional ownership more economical than whole aircraft ownership.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Total time on airframe and engines is the primary metric for aircraft valuation. Lower-time aircraft command premium pricing but cost more upfront. Higher-time aircraft offer lower acquisition cost but carry higher near-term maintenance exposure. The break-even analysis depends on planned utilization: buyers flying 400+ hours annually amortize acquisition cost faster and tolerate higher initial investment.
Charter Market Context
Jet card programs and membership plans lock in hourly rates for guaranteed availability. Cards typically require a $50,000 to $500,000 deposit and offer 24 to 48 hour booking windows with fixed hourly pricing. The value depends on usage frequency: clients flying 25+ hours annually benefit from rate certainty and guaranteed availability. Below 25 hours, on-demand charter often provides better economics.
N157WH Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N157WH
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition that fits your needs. If the aircraft is not available or does not work for you, we operate private aircraft as well and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N157WH |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Beech |
| Model | Hawker 400XP (Hawker 400XP) |
| Part 135 Operator | Exec 1 Aviation, Inc. |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1997 |
| Configuration | Executive/8 |
| Home Base | Ankeny Regional Airport, Ankeny, Iowa |
| Home Airport | KIKV |
| Interior Refurbished | 7/1/2019 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 7/1/2019 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,965 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 450 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1500 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,953 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Baggage Volume | 54 cu ft |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N157WH
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Hawker 400XP
N157WH is a 1997 Beech Hawker 400XP (Hawker 400XP) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a business jet in the private aviation market.
N157WH is a Beech Hawker 400XP (Hawker 400XP). The Hawker is a business jet platform with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Beech has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Hawker 400XP is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5, each producing 2,965 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.
The Hawker 400XP has a maximum cruise speed of 450 knots. Long-range cruise is 418 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1350 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Beech Hawker 400XP (Hawker 400XP) has an approximate range of 1,500 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of coast-to-coast routes such as New York to Los Angeles, or Miami to Seattle. At a cruise speed of approximately 450 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Hawker 400XP seats up to 8 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 15.5 ft long, 4.9 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Hawker 400XP has a maximum service ceiling of 45,000 feet (FL450). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 5,500-6,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Hawker 400XP is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics avionics, supporting precision approaches, RNAV/GPS navigation, FANS/CPDLC for oceanic operations, and ADS-B Out compliance. All Part 135 charter operations require two instrument-rated pilots.
The Hawker 400XP cabin measures 15.5 ft long, 4.9 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 54 cu ft.
The Hawker 400XP has 54 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 8+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Hawker 400XP is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. This integrated flight deck provides enhanced situational awareness, synthetic vision, TCAS II, and weather radar. The system supports single-crew operations where type-certified, though Part 135 charter flights require two pilots.
The Hawker 400XP was produced from 2003-2010. The type remains in production or active service. This specific aircraft (N157WH) was manufactured in 1997.
The Hawker 400XP competes in the Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 450 knots, range of 1,500 nm, and a 4.9 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Hawker 400XP typically range from $2,000-$2,800 per flight hour, depending on operator, region, and seasonal demand. This includes crew, fuel at current Jet-A prices, and standard handling. Additional costs may include FBO fees, overnight crew expenses, international handling, and repositioning if the aircraft is not based at the departure airport.
Yes. N157WH holds an active Part 135 certificate under Exec 1 Aviation, Inc., meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact us for acquisition information about N157WH. Our aviation advisors can provide market valuation and availability details.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition. If this aircraft is not available, we operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.