N56LW Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
VLJ performance from N56LW: 350 knots, 1,200 NM, and 41,000-foot ceiling. The Cessna Citation I's 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A consume less fuel per hour than any other turbine business aircraft, keeping direct costs low.
Mission Profile
N56LW's Cessna Citation I accommodates 6 passengers in a 11.7 ft by 4.8 ft by 4.4 ft cabin. Very light jets sacrifice cabin volume for operating economy, delivering jet speed at turboprop costs.
Charter Authorization
This Cessna Citation I is authorized for charter under N56LW's Part 135 certificate. Very light jets are the entry point for jet charter. Contact us for a quote on this aircraft.
Insider Note
The VLJ category is best understood as a personal transportation tool rather than a corporate aircraft. N56LW's 6-seat cabin is designed for an owner and 1-3 companions traveling regionally. It does that one job extremely well.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
The 1981 Citation bearing registration N56LW is held by . The straight-wing Citation family (I, II, V, Bravo, Ultra, Encore, VII) spans 45+ years of production. This briefing covers where the value sits today.
Fleet Position
Over 3,500 straight-wing Citations were produced, making it the most numerous business jet family in history. FAA data shows N56LW based in 6 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
N56LW 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 1981 airframe, N56LW 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.
N56LW Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N56LW
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 | N56LW |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) |
| Part 135 Operator | Gulf Atlantic Airways, Inc. |
| Category | Very Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1981 |
| Configuration | Executive/8 |
| Home Base | Gainesville Regional Airport, Gainesville, Florida |
| Home Airport | KGNV |
| Exterior Refurbished | 2014 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,200 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 350 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1200 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Avionics | Collins |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N56LW
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation I/SP
N56LW is a 1981 Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) 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 43 years.
N56LW is a Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP). This model serves the light jet segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation I is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A, each producing 2,200 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 Cessna Citation I has a maximum cruise speed of 350 knots. Long-range cruise is 320 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1050 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation I/SP (Citation I/SP) 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 350 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation I seats up to 6 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Citation I 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 Cessna Citation I is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Collins 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 I cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 30 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation I has 30 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 6+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation I is equipped with Collins 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 I was produced from 1971-1985. The type was succeeded by the Citation II. This specific aircraft (N56LW) was manufactured in 1981.
The Cessna Citation I competes in the Very Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 350 knots, range of 1,200 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 I typically range from $1,200-$1,800 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. N56LW holds an active Part 135 certificate under Gulf Atlantic Airways, 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 N56LW. 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.