N650SF Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
The Cessna Citation III delivers 480-knot performance across 2,000 NM of range. N650SF is powered by 2x Honeywell TFE731-3B-100S at 3,650 lbs per side. This covers most domestic city pairs within a 3-4 hour block time.
Mission Profile
The Cessna Citation III seats up to 9 passengers in a 18.3 ft by 5.5 ft by 5.7 ft cabin. N650SF delivers the stand-up headroom and seating configurations that distinguish midsize jets from their light-jet counterparts.
Charter Authorization
N650SF's operator holds Part 135 authorization. The Cessna Citation III's 2,000 NM range and 9-seat cabin cover the domestic missions that drive the highest charter demand.
Insider Note
Midsize jets access more airports than heavy or ultra-long-range platforms. The Cessna Citation III's shorter runway requirements mean N650SF can reach county airports, executive terminals, and secondary fields that reduce ground transportation time for passengers.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N650SF is a 1984 Cessna Citation registered to . The Citation 500/550/560 family is the most-produced business jet series in history. Here is the 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 N650SF based in 9 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
N650SF 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 1984 airframe, N650SF 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.
N650SF Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N650SF
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 | N650SF |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation III (Citation III) |
| Category | Midsize |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1984 |
| Configuration | 9 |
| Home Airport | KHOU |
| Interior Refurbished | 2/5/2016 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 1/10/2020 |
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 | 9 passengers |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N650SF
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation III
N650SF is a 1984 Cessna Citation III (Citation III) 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 42 years.
N650SF is a Cessna Citation III (Citation III). The Cessna Citation III 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 III is powered by 2x Honeywell TFE731-3B-100S, each producing 3,650 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 51,000 feet.
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum cruise speed of 480 knots. Long-range cruise is 440 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1440 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation III (Citation III) 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 III seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 18.3 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum service ceiling of 51,000 feet (FL510). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 4,500-5,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Cessna Citation III is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Honeywell SPZ-8000 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 III cabin measures 18.3 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 56 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation III has 56 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 9+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation III is equipped with Honeywell SPZ-8000 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 III was produced from 1983-1992. The type was succeeded by the Citation VII. This specific aircraft (N650SF) was manufactured in 1984.
The Cessna Citation III competes in the Mid Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 480 knots, range of 2,000 nm, and a 5.5 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Cessna Citation III typically range from $2,400-$3,200 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.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about charter availability for N650SF. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
Contact us for acquisition information about N650SF. 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.