N480RL Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N480RL sits in the midsize segment where operating costs balance against cabin comfort and range. The Cessna Citation V covers 1,920 NM at 426 knots. 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A at 2,900 lbs each keep fuel burn predictable.
Mission Profile
N480RL's cabin accommodates 8 passengers across 17.3 ft of length. At 4.8 ft wide and 4.8 ft tall, the Cessna Citation V provides enough room for club seating and a small refreshment center.
Charter Authorization
N480RL holds active Part 135 authorization for charter. The Cessna Citation V covers domestic city pairs efficiently. Reach out to discuss this aircraft or alternatives in the midsize category.
Insider Note
Operating costs for the Cessna Citation V range from $2,000-$2,800 per flight hour depending on utilization and maintenance program enrollment. N480RL's operator manages these costs within a Part 135 program where charter revenue is designed to offset fixed expenses.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N480RL is a 1991 Citation under . JT15D or PW530 engines, proven airframe, and the lowest acquisition costs in the jet category.
Fleet Position
Over 3,500 straight-wing Citations were produced, making it the most numerous business jet family in history. FAA data shows N480RL 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
N480RL 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 1991 airframe, N480RL 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
Straight-wing Citations handle regional routes between 200 and 1,500 nautical miles. Chicago to Nashville in 1 hour 20 minutes. Dallas to Denver in 1 hour 30 minutes. New York to Charleston in 1 hour 45 minutes. The aircraft's gentle flight characteristics and short-field capability make it ideal for operations at secondary airports with runways as short as 3,500 feet.
When to Choose Something Else
Pass on the straight-wing Citation for international operations. Range limitations and older avionics configurations make these aircraft best suited for domestic use. FANS/CPDLC equipage is rarely installed, limiting international airspace access.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft management companies handle the operational complexity of jet ownership. They provide crew, maintenance tracking, regulatory compliance, insurance, and hangar coordination. Management fees run $8,000 to $25,000 per month depending on aircraft size. For owners who fly 100 to 300 hours annually, professional management reduces risk and administrative burden while maintaining access to Part 135 charter revenue.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Engine program enrollment significantly affects aircraft value and operating economics. Programs like Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, Pratt & Whitney Eagle Service Plan, and Honeywell MSP spread major engine costs into predictable hourly rates. Aircraft enrolled in these programs command 10 to 20% higher resale values than non-enrolled equivalents because buyers avoid the risk of unbudgeted engine overhauls.
Charter Market Context
The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft from a network of vetted Part 135 operators. We do not own aircraft. This broker model ensures clients see competitive options across multiple operators rather than being limited to a single fleet. Pricing transparency comes from comparing 3 to 5 operator quotes on every request. The client sees all options and chooses based on aircraft, price, and operator quality.
N480RL Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N480RL
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 | N480RL |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation V (Citation V) |
| Part 135 Operator | Lone Star Aviators, LLC |
| Category | Mid Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1991 |
| Configuration | 7 |
| Home Airport | KRGK |
| Interior Refurbished | 1/1/2016 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 7/1/2014 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,900 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 426 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1920 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N480RL
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation V
N480RL is a 1991 Cessna Citation V (Citation V) 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. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 35 years.
N480RL is a Cessna Citation V (Citation V). The Cessna Citation V is a light jet platform with a range of 1,725 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation V is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A, each producing 2,900 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 V has a maximum cruise speed of 426 knots. Long-range cruise is 390 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1278 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation V (Citation V) has an approximate range of 1,920 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 426 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation V 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 V 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 V 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 V 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 V 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 V 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 V was produced from 1989-1994. The type was succeeded by the Citation Ultra. This specific aircraft (N480RL) was manufactured in 1991.
The Cessna Citation V competes in the Mid Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 426 knots, range of 1,920 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 V 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. N480RL holds an active Part 135 certificate under Lone Star Aviators, 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 N480RL. 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.