N406CU Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
The Bombardier Challenger 650 delivers 459 knots at cruise altitude with 4,000 nautical miles of range. N406CU's 2x GE CF34-3B-1 produce 9,220 lbs per side, supporting an operating ceiling of 41,000 feet. That altitude keeps the aircraft above most turbulence and commercial traffic.
Mission Profile
N406CU's Bombardier Challenger 650 cabin accommodates 12 passengers across 28.3 ft of usable length. At 8.2 ft wide and 6.1 ft tall, the cross-section allows comfortable club seating, a conference group, and a divan for longer flights.
Charter Authorization
N406CU holds active Part 135 authorization. This Bombardier Challenger 650 operates on-demand charter domestically and to popular international destinations within its 4,000 NM range. Reach out to discuss this aircraft.
Insider Note
Heavy jets represent the most active segment in the pre-owned market. Well-maintained Bombardier Challenger 650 airframes with low hours and current inspections trade quickly. N406CU's 1992 build year and continuous airworthiness record are the data points buyers evaluate first.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N406CU, a 1992 Citation under SS LEASING II LLC, 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 N406CU based in EAU CLAIRE, WI. 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
N406CU 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.
Market Position
As a 1992 airframe, N406CU is a classic straight-wing Citation (I, II, or S/II). These aircraft trade between $400K to $1.5M, making them the most affordable jets in the world. At under $1M, a classic Citation delivers jet speed and altitude capability for less than many turboprops.
Pre-buy reality: JT15D engine overhaul timing ($150,000 to $250,000 per engine), pressurization system condition, and corrosion inspection results are the critical items. Budget $180,000 to $250,000 annually for operating costs at 200 hours. The acquisition is remarkably affordable; ongoing costs require realistic budgeting.
Mission Profile
The straight-wing Citation is the default aircraft for small flight departments, air ambulance operations, and flight training organizations. Fuel burn of 120 to 160 gallons per hour, predictable maintenance costs, and the deepest parts inventory in business aviation make it the most operationally reliable jet platform available.
When to Choose Something Else
The Citation II/V/Bravo is wrong for groups of 7 or more. The cabin seats 6 to 8 but becomes tight with luggage for larger groups. For 7+ passengers, a Citation XLS or Phenom 300 provides necessary space.
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.
N406CU Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N406CU
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Heartland Aviation, LLC, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N406CU |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| FAA Model | 650 |
| Serial Number | 650-7010 |
| Year | 1992 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing multi engine |
| Category | Heavy Jet |
| Part 135 Operator | Heartland Aviation, LLC |
| Owner (FAA) | SS LEASING II LLC |
| Location | EAU CLAIRE, WI |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2× Turbine |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | ~220 knots (~253 mph) |
| Approximate Range | ~1,200 nautical miles |
| Passengers | Up to 4 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N406CU
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation III
N406CU is a 1992 Cessna Citation III registered in the United States. It carries serial number 650-7010 and is classified as a Heavy Jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 33 years.
N406CU is a Cessna Citation III. This model serves the heavy jet segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N406CU is registered to SS LEASING II LLC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Eau Claire, WI. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The Bombardier Challenger 650 was produced from 2015-present. The type remains in production or active service. This specific aircraft (N406CU) was manufactured in 1992.
The manufacturer serial number is 650-7010.
N406CU is registered in the United States according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. The specific base of operations depends on the operator's scheduling and positioning requirements. Contact The Jet Finder for current location and availability information.
Yes. N406CU holds an active Part 135 certificate under Heartland Aviation, LLC, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N406CU is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by Heartland Aviation, LLC.
N406CU is a fixed wing multi engine classified as a Heavy Jet.
The Bombardier Challenger 650 has a maximum cruise speed of 459 knots. Long-range cruise is 424 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1377 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation III 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 220 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Bombardier Challenger 650 seats up to 12 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 28.3 ft long, 8.2 ft wide, and 6.1 ft tall. Standard configurations include forward club seating, a mid-cabin conference group, and an aft divan.
N406CU maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N406CU is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under Heartland Aviation, LLC. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N406CU. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N406CU directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
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