N500LR Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
At 459 knots and 3,500 NM, the Bombardier Challenger 601 sits in the sweet spot for operators who need transcontinental reach without the acquisition cost of an ultra-long-range platform. N500LR's 2x GE CF34-1A/3A deliver 8,729-9,220 lbs per side with a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Mission Profile
N500LR is configured for the missions that define heavy jet operations: full-day executive travel, team movements of 8-14 passengers, and routing that spans 2,000-4,000 nautical miles. The Bombardier Challenger 601's 12-seat cabin at 28.3 ft by 8.2 ft provides the space.
Charter Authorization
N500LR holds active Part 135 authorization. This Bombardier Challenger 601 operates on-demand charter domestically and to popular international destinations within its 3,500 NM range. Reach out to discuss this aircraft.
Insider Note
Operating costs for the Bombardier Challenger 601 typically run $3,800-$5,000 per flight hour. That includes fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, and insurance. N500LR's operator carries these costs as part of a Part 135 program, where hourly revenue from charter offsets fixed expenses.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
Registration N500LR is a helicopter held by . This briefing covers the charter economics and operational context for this rotorcraft.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N500LR based in Up to 12 passengers, . The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N500LR is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Mission Profile
Core strength: access. Helicopters land where fixed-wing aircraft cannot: hospital rooftops, offshore platforms, mountain ridges, yacht decks, and city helipads. The value is not in speed over distance; it is in the elimination of the first-mile and last-mile problem that every other form of transportation faces.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter a helicopter for large groups. Most helicopters seat 4 to 7 passengers. For groups of 8+, a fixed-wing aircraft provides more capacity at lower per-seat costs.
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.
N500LR Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N500LR
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Worldwide Jet Charter, Inc., making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N500LR |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Aerospace |
| Model | Bombardier Challenger 601 |
| Serial Number | 5012 |
| Part 135 Operator | Worldwide Jet Charter, Inc. |
| Category | Heavy Jet |
| Cabin Class | Large Cabin |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x GE CF34-1A/3A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 8,729-9,220 lbs per engine |
| Max Cruise Speed | 459 knots |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 kts |
| Maximum Range | 3,500 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 5,700 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 12 passengers |
| Cabin Length | 28.3 ft |
| Cabin Width | 8.2 ft |
| Cabin Height | 6.1 ft |
| Baggage Volume | 115 cu ft |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N500LR
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Bombardier Challenger 601
N500LR is a unknown year Bombardier Aerospace Bombardier Challenger 601 registered in the United States. It carries serial number 5012 and is classified as a heavy jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 38 years.
N500LR is a Bombardier Aerospace Bombardier Challenger 601. The Bombardier Challenger 601 is a heavy jet platform with a range of 3,500 nautical miles. Bombardier Aerospace has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 is powered by 2x GE CF34-1A/3A, each producing 8,729-9,220 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 Bombardier Challenger 601 has a maximum cruise speed of approximately 459 knots and a long-range cruise speed of 410 kts.
The Bombardier Aerospace Bombardier Challenger 601 has an approximate range of 410 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of regional routes under 500 nautical miles. At a cruise speed of approximately 459 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 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.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 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 Bombardier Challenger 601 is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 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 Bombardier Challenger 601 cabin measures 28.3 ft long, 8.2 ft wide, and 6.1 ft tall. The flat-floor, stand-up cabin allows passengers to move freely without stooping. Baggage capacity is 115 cu ft.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 has 115 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 12+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 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 Bombardier Challenger 601 was produced from 1983-1996. The type was succeeded by the Challenger 604. This specific aircraft (N500LR) was manufactured in the year shown in the specifications table.
The Bombardier Challenger 601 competes in the Heavy Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 459 knots, range of 3,500 nm, and a 8.2 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Bombardier Challenger 601 typically range from $3,800-$5,000 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. N500LR holds an active Part 135 certificate under Worldwide Jet Charter, Inc., meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N500LR. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions for the Bombardier Challenger 601. We provide market valuation, pre-buy inspection coordination, and transaction management from letter of intent through closing.
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.