N728QS

Charter & Acquisition Briefing

The 2017 Challenger 350 bearing registration N728QS is held by Unknown. Honeywell HTF7350 engines, 3,200 nm range, and a flat-floor cabin that seats 10. This briefing covers what those specs mean in practice.

Fleet Position

Over 800 Challenger 300/350/3500 aircraft are in service globally, with approximately 350 on U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N728QS based in , . The Challenger 350 is the most-chartered super-midsize jet in North America. Fleet density ensures availability in every major market, and the 350's popularity means crew pools are deep and positioning costs are competitive.

Charter Availability

N728QS is Part 135 charter authorized. Challenger 350 charter rates range from $5,000 to $7,000 per flight hour. The 350 sits at the price-performance sweet spot: enough cabin for 8 to 10 passengers, 3,200 nm range for coast-to-coast nonstop, and Mach 0.83 cruise that matches large-cabin jets at 30% lower hourly rates. Positioning from adds $3,000 to $6,000.

Market Position

A 2017 production date places N728QS in the mid-production Challenger 350 run. Pre-owned values range from $16M to $22M. These aircraft carry low total time (typically 1,500 to 3,500 hours), current avionics software, and the benefit of Bombardier's manufacturing maturity. Depreciation has been gradual due to sustained demand.

Acquiring a mid-production 350 versus stepping up to a Challenger 650 is a common decision. The 350 offers Mach 0.83 cruise, 3,200 nm range, and a 6.1-foot-wide cabin. The 650 offers Mach 0.82, 4,000 nm range, and a 7.2-foot-wide cabin. If cabin width and range matter more than acquisition cost, the 650 wins. If you want the same speed at half the price, the 350 is the rational choice.

Mission Profile

Core strength: transcontinental range at super-mid pricing. New York to Los Angeles for $25,000 to $35,000 per leg with 8 passengers is $3,000 to $4,400 per person in a flat-floor cabin with catered service. That per-person cost undercuts business class on major carriers while eliminating connections, security lines, and schedule dependency. For frequent coast-to-coast travelers, the economics speak for themselves.

When to Choose Something Else

Do not charter a Challenger 350 for mountain airports with runways under 5,500 feet. Takeoff distance at sea level is approximately 4,835 feet, but that increases significantly at elevation. Aspen (7,006 ft runway, 7,820 ft elevation) is achievable but may require payload restrictions in summer. For routine short-field access, a Pilatus PC-12 or Phenom 300 provides more margin.

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.

N728QS Aircraft Intelligence

Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.