N550CF Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N550CF operates in the light jet segment where speed, efficiency, and airport access converge. The Cessna Citation II covers 1,580 nautical miles at 375 knots. 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 at 2,500 lbs each keep hourly operating costs among the lowest in the jet category.
Mission Profile
N550CF handles the regional missions that define light jet aviation: 400-1,500 nautical mile legs with 2-6 passengers. The Cessna Citation II's short runway capability and 8-seat cabin reach airports that larger jets cannot access.
Charter Authorization
N550CF is Part 135 certified for on-demand charter. The Cessna Citation II is one of the most cost-effective jet charter options available. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
Operating costs for the Cessna Citation II typically run $1,600-$2,200 per flight hour. For charter operators flying N550CF, light jets generate the highest margin on short-leg missions where passengers are willing to pay for speed and direct routing.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N550CF, a 1991 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 N550CF 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
N550CF 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, N550CF 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
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.
N550CF Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N550CF
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 | N550CF |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation II (Citation II) |
| Part 135 Operator | MIDWEST AVIATION DIV OF SOUTHWEST AVIATION, INC |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1991 |
| Configuration | Executive/9 |
| Home Base | Marshall Municipal Airport, Marshall, Minnesota |
| Home Airport | KMML |
| Interior Refurbished | 2007 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 2016 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,500 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 375 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1580 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N550CF
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation II
N550CF is a 1991 Cessna Citation II (Citation II) 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 10 years.
N550CF is a Cessna Citation II (Citation II). The Cessna Citation II is a light jet platform with a range of 1,400 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation II is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4, each producing 2,500 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 43,000 feet.
The Cessna Citation II has a maximum cruise speed of 375 knots. Long-range cruise is 340 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1125 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation II (Citation II) has an approximate range of 1,580 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 375 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation II seats up to 8 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 15.7 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 II has a maximum service ceiling of 43,000 feet (FL430). 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 II 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 Cessna Citation II cabin measures 15.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 36 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation II has 36 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 II 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 Cessna Citation II was produced from 1978-1996. The type was succeeded by the Citation Bravo. This specific aircraft (N550CF) was manufactured in 1991.
The Cessna Citation II competes in the Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 375 knots, range of 1,580 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 II typically range from $1,600-$2,200 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. N550CF holds an active Part 135 certificate under MIDWEST AVIATION DIV OF SOUTHWEST AVIATION, INC, 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 N550CF. 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.