N717VL Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N717VL sits in the midsize segment where operating costs balance against cabin comfort and range. The Cessna Citation Encore covers 2,030 NM at 430 knots. 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A at 3,190 lbs each keep fuel burn predictable.
Mission Profile
The Cessna Citation Encore seats up to 8 passengers in a 17.3 ft by 4.8 ft by 4.8 ft cabin. N717VL delivers the stand-up headroom and seating configurations that distinguish midsize jets from their light-jet counterparts.
Charter Authorization
N717VL is Part 135 certified for on-demand charter operations. The Cessna Citation Encore's balanced range and cabin size make it one of the most frequently chartered midsize platforms. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
The Cessna Citation Encore's cabin width at 4.8 ft is the specification most passengers notice first. It determines whether the seating feels like a private office or a commuter flight. N717VL's 2008 build date places it in a generation where interior designers had begun widening the passenger experience.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N717VL, a 2008 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 N717VL 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
N717VL 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
A 2008 production date places N717VL in the Citation Encore/Encore+ generation with PW535A/535B engines and Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. Pre-owned values range from $2.5M to $5M. The Encore+ is the most capable straight-wing Citation ever produced: modern glass cockpit, improved range, and jet-smooth handling.
The Encore+ competes with the CJ3 on capability but offers a wider cabin and standup height. If cabin comfort matters more than range (CJ3 has 2,040 nm vs Encore+'s 1,780 nm), the Encore+ is the better choice. If maximum range matters, the CJ3 wins.
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.
N717VL Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N717VL
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 | N717VL |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation Encore+ (Citation Encore+) |
| Part 135 Operator | RVR AVIATION LLC |
| Category | Mid Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2008 |
| Configuration | Executive/8 |
| Home Base | Garfield County Airport, Rifle, Colorado |
| Home Airport | KRIL |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 3,190 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 430 knots |
| Maximum Range | 2030 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N717VL
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation Encore+
N717VL is a 2008 Cessna Citation Encore+ (Citation Encore+) 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 17 years.
N717VL is a Cessna Citation Encore+ (Citation Encore+). This model serves the midsize jet segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation Encore is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A, each producing 3,190 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 Encore has a maximum cruise speed of 430 knots. Long-range cruise is 395 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1290 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation Encore+ (Citation Encore+) has an approximate range of 2,030 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 430 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore was produced from 2000-2008. The type was succeeded by the Citation Encore+. This specific aircraft (N717VL) was manufactured in 2008.
The Cessna Citation Encore competes in the Mid Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 430 knots, range of 2,030 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 Encore typically range from $2,200-$3,000 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. N717VL holds an active Part 135 certificate under RVR AVIATION 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 N717VL. 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.