N463JA Aircraft Overview
N463JA is a Cessna Citation Ultra registered in the United States with serial number on file. Midsize jets define the entry point for turbine-powered business aviation, offering jet speed and reliability with lower acquisition and operating costs than midsize or heavy platforms.
Cessna Citation Ultra Market Position
The Citation Ultra upgraded the Citation V with Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5D engines and increased range. The type maintains the Citation V's straightforward systems and single-pilot certification, making it a practical choice for owner-operators and small flight departments with limited crew resources.
Performance Profile
The Cessna Citation Ultra cruises at 430 knots with a published range of 2030 nautical miles under standard reserves. These numbers support most regional missions of two to three hours without refueling. Power comes from 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D. An operating ceiling of 45000 feet keeps the aircraft above most weather and turbulence.
Mission Profile
Midsize jets excel at missions under 1,500 nautical miles with smaller passenger groups. The Cessna Citation Ultra typically seats 8 passengers in a cabin that prioritizes speed and efficiency over cabin volume. For owner-operators and small flight departments, this category delivers the lowest cost per seat-mile in the jet segment.
Charter Authorization
N463JA is not currently listed on a Part 135 certificate in the FAA D085 database. The aircraft operates under Part 91 as a private or corporate flight. Charter availability for this model can be arranged through operators in our network.
Insider Note
Midsize jets access thousands of airports that larger aircraft cannot reach. Runway requirements are typically under 4,000 feet, opening up regional and county airports closer to the final destination. This can save an hour or more of ground transportation compared to flying into a major hub.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N463JA, a 1998 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 N463JA based in 8 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
N463JA 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
N463JA is a 1998 Citation (Bravo, Ultra, V, or VII) at $1.5M to $3M. These variants brought improved engines (PW530A on the Bravo, JT15D-5D on the Ultra/V), better avionics, and refined interiors. The Citation V and Bravo are the sweet spot of the straight-wing family: modern enough for daily operations, affordable enough for mid-market companies.
At this vintage, the straight-wing Citation competes with turboprops like the King Air 350 on acquisition cost while offering 30 to 50 knot higher cruise speeds and jet altitude capability. For companies transitioning from turboprops to jets, the Citation V or Bravo is the natural next step.
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.
Inquire About N463JA
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 | N463JA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation Ultra (Citation Ultra) |
| Category | Mid Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1998 |
| Configuration | Executive/8 |
| Home Base | Wisconsin |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 3,045 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 430 knots |
| Maximum Range | 2030 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N463JA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation Ultra
N463JA is a 1998 Cessna Citation Ultra (Citation Ultra) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a Mid Jet in the private aviation market.
N463JA is a Cessna Citation Ultra (Citation Ultra). The Cessna Citation Ultra is a business jet platform with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation Ultra is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D, each producing 3,045 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 Cessna Citation Ultra has a maximum cruise speed of 430 knots. Long-range cruise is 395 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1290 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation Ultra (Citation Ultra) has an approximate range of 2,030 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 430 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation Ultra seats up to 8 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 17.3 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Citation Ultra 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 Cessna Citation Ultra is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Honeywell Primus 1000 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 Ultra cabin measures 17.3 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 72 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation Ultra has 72 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 Cessna Citation Ultra is equipped with Honeywell Primus 1000 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 Ultra was produced from 1994-1999. The type was succeeded by the Citation Encore. This specific aircraft (N463JA) was manufactured in 1998.
The Cessna Citation Ultra competes in the Mid Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 430 knots, range of 2,030 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 Ultra typically range from $2,100-$2,900 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.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about charter availability for N463JA. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
Contact us for acquisition information about N463JA. 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.