N403AA Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
At 350 knots, N403AA delivers genuine jet speed on missions under two hours. The Cessna Citation I's 1,200 NM range covers most regional city pairs in the continental United States. 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A at 2,200 lbs keep fuel burn at turboprop levels.
Mission Profile
N403AA targets the missions where a turboprop is too slow and a light jet is more aircraft than needed. The Cessna Citation I's 6-seat cabin at 11.7 ft by 4.8 ft handles the passenger loads that 80% of private flights actually carry.
Charter Authorization
This Cessna Citation I is authorized for charter under N403AA's Part 135 certificate. Very light jets are the entry point for jet charter. Contact us for a quote on this aircraft.
Insider Note
Very light jets have quietly built a niche in the charter market. The Cessna Citation I's operating cost at $1,200-$1,800 per hour undercuts light jets by 30-40%, making jet charter accessible to a passenger segment that previously flew commercial or turboprop.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N403AA, a 1977 Citation under , represents the aircraft that made private jet travel accessible to mid-market companies. Below is the operational context for this airframe.
Fleet Position
Over 3,500 straight-wing Citations were produced, making it the most numerous business jet family in history. FAA data shows N403AA based in 6 passengers, . Parts support and maintenance expertise are ubiquitous: every Cessna-authorized service center in the U.S. can maintain these aircraft. No other business jet has deeper parts inventory or more available mechanics.
Charter Availability
N403AA is Part 135 charter authorized. Straight-wing Citation charter rates range from $2,200 to $3,800 per flight hour depending on variant. These are among the most affordable jet charter options available. The tradeoff is speed and range: straight-wing Citations cruise at 350 to 420 knots with 1,500 to 2,000 nm range, adequate for regional operations but limited for transcontinental routes.
Mission Profile
Core strength: the lowest total cost of jet ownership. At $2,200 to $3,800 per flight hour, straight-wing Citations deliver jet speed and altitude for less than the operating cost of many turboprops. For organizations that need to fly above weather at 400 knots without spending $5,000+ per hour, the Citation family is the answer.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter a straight-wing Citation if speed matters. At 350 to 420 knots, these aircraft are 30 to 100 knots slower than swept-wing jets. On routes over 800 nm, the speed difference adds 20 to 40 minutes versus a Phenom 300 or Learjet 45.
Ownership & Operations
Part 91 operations cover owner-flown and company-flown aircraft under general operating rules. Part 135 governs on-demand air charter, requiring higher crew qualifications, maintenance standards, and operational oversight. An aircraft can operate under both parts: Part 91 for owner use and Part 135 when offered for charter revenue. Dual-use arrangements offset ownership costs by generating charter income during idle periods.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Pre-purchase inspections are non-negotiable in aircraft acquisitions. A qualified maintenance facility conducts a detailed review of airframe, engines, avionics, and records. Inspection costs range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on aircraft size and complexity. Findings from the pre-buy determine final pricing, identify upcoming maintenance events, and reveal any damage history that affects value.
Charter Market Context
Charter demand for business jets follows seasonal and economic patterns. Q4 (October through December) sees peak demand driven by year-end business travel, holiday flights, and tax planning (asset purchases before December 31). Q1 starts strong with CES, Davos, and Super Bowl driving specific route demand. Summer leisure travel to resort destinations creates predictable seasonal corridors.
N403AA Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N403AA
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 | N403AA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) |
| Part 135 Operator | PLANE TRAVEL LLC |
| Category | Very Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1977 |
| Configuration | Executive/6 |
| Home Base | Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida |
| Home Airport | KPMP |
| Interior Refurbished | 2017 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 2017 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,200 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 350 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1200 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Avionics | Collins |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N403AA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation I/SP
N403AA is a 1977 Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a light jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 25 years.
N403AA is a Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP). This model serves the light jet segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation I is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A, each producing 2,200 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.
The Cessna Citation I has a maximum cruise speed of 350 knots. Long-range cruise is 320 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1050 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) has an approximate range of 1,200 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of routes like New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, or Chicago to Atlanta. At a cruise speed of approximately 350 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation I seats up to 6 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Citation I has a maximum service ceiling of 41,000 feet (FL410). 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 Cessna Citation I is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Collins 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 Cessna Citation I cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 30 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation I has 30 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 6+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation I is equipped with Collins 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 Cessna Citation I was produced from 1971-1985. The type was succeeded by the Citation II. This specific aircraft (N403AA) was manufactured in 1977.
The Cessna Citation I competes in the Very Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 350 knots, range of 1,200 nm, and a 4.8 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Cessna Citation I typically range from $1,200-$1,800 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. N403AA holds an active Part 135 certificate under PLANE TRAVEL LLC, 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 N403AA. 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.