N883SC Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
At 430 knots and 1,858 NM, the Cessna Citation Excel handles the domestic missions that make up the majority of Part 135 flying. N883SC's 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545A deliver 3,800 lbs per side with a proven maintenance track record.
Mission Profile
For 2-4 hour domestic missions with 6-8 passengers, the Cessna Citation Excel is the category standard. N883SC seats 9 in a 18.5 ft cabin that balances comfort against operating cost.
Charter Authorization
Charter authorization is active for N883SC under its Part 135 certificate. This Cessna Citation Excel is positioned for regional and short transcontinental routing. Contact The Jet Finder for scheduling.
Insider Note
Operating costs for the Cessna Citation Excel range from $2,600-$3,500 per flight hour depending on utilization and maintenance program enrollment. N883SC's operator manages these costs within a Part 135 program where charter revenue is designed to offset fixed expenses.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N883SC is a 2000 Cessna Citation XLS registered to . The XLS is the most-produced midsize jet in history. Here is the operational and market intelligence for this specific airframe.
Fleet Position
Over 1,000 XLS-family aircraft are in service worldwide. The XLS is the highest-volume midsize jet on U.S. Part 135 certificates, with roughly 350 available for charter at any given time. FAA registry data shows N883SC based in —, . Fleet depth means availability is strong in all major U.S. markets, and positioning fees tend to be lower than competing midsizes because an XLS is almost always nearby.
Charter Availability
N883SC holds Part 135 charter authorization. Current XLS charter rates run $3,800 to $5,000 per flight hour depending on operator, base location, and season. The XLS sits at the entry point of the midsize category, which means it competes on price with top-end light jets while offering a standup cabin, flat floor, and an enclosed lavatory. Positioning from — typically adds $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the distance to your departure airport.
Market Position
As a 2000 airframe, N883SC is a Citation Excel (the original designation before the XLS rebrand). These aircraft trade between $2.5M to $4M, driven primarily by engine time and avionics condition. The Excel shares the same PW545A engines and basic airframe as later XLS models, but the original Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics feel dated compared to the Collins Pro Line 21 in the XLS+.
Pre-buy focus areas at this vintage: engine hot section inspection timing ($300,000 to $450,000 per engine), thrust reverser actuator condition, and pressurization controller reliability. A full Garmin G5000 retrofit ($500,000+) transforms the cockpit and significantly boosts resale value, but only makes economic sense if you plan to hold the aircraft five or more years.
Mission Profile
Core strength: the XLS moves 6 to 8 passengers in a standup cabin at the lowest cost per seat-mile in the midsize category. Houston to Washington D.C. in 2 hours 45 minutes. Denver to San Francisco in 2 hours 15 minutes. Miami to Nashville in 2 hours 10 minutes. These are the routes where a light jet seats too few and a large cabin jet costs too much.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter an XLS for short legs under 300 miles where a light jet saves $1,000+ per hour with equivalent block time. The XLS shines on routes between 500 and 1,500 nm. Below that, a Phenom 300 or CJ3+ delivers comparable door-to-door time at significantly lower cost. Above that, a super-mid gives you nonstop range and better cabin fatigue management.
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.
N883SC Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N883SC
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 | N883SC |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation Excel (Citation Excel) |
| Part 135 Operator | Lone Star Aviators, LLC |
| Category | Super light jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2000 |
| Home Airport | KHOU |
| Interior Refurbished | 6/4/2024 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 7/12/2023 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 3,800 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 430 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1858 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,590 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | — |
| Baggage Volume | 80 cu ft |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N883SC
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation Excel
N883SC is a 2000 Cessna Citation Excel (Citation Excel) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a midsize jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 25 years.
N883SC is a Cessna Citation Excel (Citation Excel). The Cessna Citation Excel is a midsize jet platform with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation Excel is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545A, each producing 3,800 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 Excel has a maximum cruise speed of 430 knots. Long-range cruise is 404 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 Excel (Citation Excel) has an approximate range of 1,858 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 Excel seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 18.5 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel cabin measures 18.5 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 80 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation Excel has 80 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 Excel 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 Excel was produced from 1998-2004. The type was succeeded by the Citation XLS. This specific aircraft (N883SC) was manufactured in 2000.
The Cessna Citation Excel 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 1,858 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 Excel typically range from $2,600-$3,500 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. N883SC holds an active Part 135 certificate under Lone Star Aviators, 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 N883SC. 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.