The Cessna 550 Citation II is a mid-size business jet built from 1977 to 1985

The Cessna 550 Citation II is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for corporate and charter use. Cessna built approximately 1,100 of these planes over an eight-year production run, making it one of the most common mid-size jets still flying today. The aircraft seats six to eight passengers depending on configuration, cruises at around 400 knots, and has a range of roughly 1,700 nautical miles with reserves.

If you are researching this aircraft because you own one, are thinking about buying one, or work around aviation, understanding its basic specifications and operating characteristics will help you make decisions about maintenance, operation, or value. The Citation II remains popular in the used jet market because parts are available, mechanics know how to work on it, and its operating costs fall between smaller single-engine jets and larger cabin-class aircraft.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation II carries six to eight passengers, cruises at 400 knots, and has a maximum range of about 1,700 nautical miles, making it suitable for regional business travel but not transcontinental flights.
  • Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines power the aircraft, and both engines must function for safe flight, so engine maintenance and inspections are critical to operation.
  • Fuel capacity is 5,432 pounds, which translates to roughly four to five hours of flight time depending on cruise speed, altitude, and weight.
  • The Citation II requires a type rating from the FAA, meaning pilots must undergo specific training and checkrides beyond their commercial pilot license to fly it legally.
  • Used Citation II aircraft typically sell between $500,000 and $2 million depending on age, total flight hours, engine condition, and interior refurbishment.

Engines, fuel capacity, and performance specifications

The Citation II is powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines, each producing 2,200 pounds of thrust. These engines are reliable and well-supported by maintenance networks, but they are also the single largest operating cost for the aircraft. Engine overhaul reserves typically run $400,000 to $600,000 per engine, and overhauls are due every 3,500 to 5,000 flight hours depending on the specific engine variant and maintenance program used.

Fuel capacity is 5,432 pounds, which at typical cruise burn rates of 200 to 250 pounds per hour gives the aircraft four to five hours of endurance. The maximum range of 1,700 nautical miles assumes optimal conditions—light load, high altitude, lean fuel mixture—and real-world range is often 200 to 300 nautical miles less. The aircraft climbs to 43,000 feet, though most operators cruise at 35,000 to 41,000 feet where the engines are more efficient and cabin pressurization is more comfortable.

Maximum takeoff weight is 12,500 pounds, and useful load (the weight of fuel, passengers, cargo, and crew combined) is typically 4,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the specific airframe and equipment installed. This means a fully fueled Citation II cannot carry eight passengers and their baggage; operators must choose between range and payload.

Cockpit design and pilot requirements

The Citation II cockpit is designed for two pilots and includes conventional steam gauges, mechanical flight controls, and a relatively straightforward systems layout compared to larger jets. Modern avionics can be retrofitted—many operators have added glass cockpits like the Garmin G1000 NXi—but the basic airframe and systems remain analog and mechanical.

The FAA requires that any pilot flying a Citation II hold a type rating, which is a specific endorsement beyond a commercial pilot license. Obtaining a type rating typically requires 20 to 40 hours of training in a simulator or aircraft, followed by a checkride with an FAA examiner. Training costs range from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the training provider and whether the pilot already holds type ratings in similar aircraft.

The aircraft is not difficult to fly compared to larger jets, but it demands respect for its systems, performance envelope, and weather capabilities. Pilots must understand engine management, pressurization, anti-ice systems, and the aircraft's behavior at high altitude and in icing conditions. Many accidents in Citation II operations trace back to pilot error—flying into weather the aircraft cannot handle, mismanaging fuel, or failing to follow checklists.

Maintenance, inspections, and operating costs

Citation II aircraft are subject to FAA Part 91 regulations if privately owned, or Part 135 if operated as a charter or air taxi service. Part 91 owners must comply with annual inspections, airworthiness directives, and manufacturer service bulletins, but have more flexibility in scheduling and maintenance intervals. Part 135 operators face stricter requirements: 100-hour inspections, more frequent component overhauls, and continuous airworthiness maintenance programs.

Annual inspection costs typically run $15,000 to $30,000 depending on what is found. If the inspection uncovers deferred maintenance—worn brake components, hydraulic leaks, avionics failures—costs can climb quickly. Many owners budget $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour for all direct operating costs: fuel, engine reserves, maintenance, crew, insurance, and hangar. A 200-hour flying year therefore costs $600,000 to $1 million in direct expenses alone, before fixed costs like hangar rent and insurance.

Engine condition is the single most important factor in determining an aircraft's value and operating cost. An engine with 2,000 hours since overhaul is worth significantly more than one with 4,500 hours, even if both are mechanically sound. Prospective buyers should always obtain a detailed engine condition report from a may have access to shop before purchase.

Cabin comfort and interior configurations

The Citation II cabin is 5 feet 3 inches wide and 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is tight compared to larger jets but adequate for six passengers on a four-hour flight. The cabin is pressurized to 8,000 feet at cruise altitude, meaning passengers experience the air pressure equivalent of being at 8,000 feet above sea level, which is comfortable for most people but can cause mild discomfort on longer flights.

Interior configurations vary widely. Some aircraft retain the original 1970s-era interior with cloth seats and basic galley; others have been completely refurbished with leather, modern lighting, and upgraded lavatories. A full interior refurbishment can cost $200,000 to $400,000 and adds significant value to the aircraft. Buyers should inspect the interior carefully, as older aircraft may have hidden water damage, worn insulation, or outdated wiring that is expensive to repair.

Resale value and market considerations

Used Citation II aircraft typically sell between $500,000 and $2 million depending on total flight hours, engine condition, avionics, interior condition, and market demand. An airframe with 8,000 total hours and engines near overhaul might sell for $600,000 to $800,000; the same airframe with 4,000 hours and fresh engines could command $1.5 million or more.

The market for Citation II aircraft is active but not liquid. Selling an aircraft typically takes three to six months, and prices are negotiable. Brokers charge 3 to 5 percent commission, and the seller is responsible for pre-purchase inspections, which can cost $10,000 to $20,000. Buyers should expect to negotiate hard on price and should never purchase without a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a may have access to shop.

Tax considerations vary by location and use. Aircraft used for personal business travel may may have access to for depreciation deductions; aircraft operated commercially are subject to different tax treatment. Consult a tax professional familiar with aviation before purchase.

Common issues and what to watch for

Citation II aircraft are generally reliable, but several issues appear repeatedly in the fleet. Pressurization leaks are common in older airframes, especially around door seals and window frames. Hydraulic system corrosion can develop if the aircraft sits idle for extended periods. Avionics failures are common in aircraft with original 1970s-era equipment, and replacement or upgrade can be expensive.

Engine hot section deterioration—wear in the turbine stages—can develop gradually and may not show up in routine inspections. Many operators use borescope inspections every 500 to 1,000 hours to catch this early. Cracked engine casings have been found in some JT15D engines, and the FAA has issued airworthiness directives requiring inspections and, in some cases, engine replacement.

The landing gear system is robust but requires regular maintenance. Brake wear is common, especially on aircraft that operate from short fields or at high-altitude airports where thinner air reduces braking effectiveness. Tire wear is also accelerated on rough or unprepared surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many passengers can a Citation II carry?

The Citation II is certified for six to eight passengers depending on configuration, but actual capacity depends on fuel load and weight distribution. A fully fueled aircraft with maximum range cannot carry eight passengers and their baggage; operators must balance range against payload. Most operators plan for six passengers on longer flights and eight on shorter regional hops.

Can a Citation II fly across the country?

No. With a maximum range of 1,700 nautical miles, the Citation II can fly roughly 1,400 to 1,500 nautical miles in real-world conditions. This covers flights from New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Denver, but not coast-to-coast travel without a fuel stop. Larger jets like the Citation X or Gulfstream G450 are designed for transcontinental range.

What is the difference between a Citation II and a Citation II/SP?

The Citation II/SP (Special Performance) was introduced in 1984 and features more powerful engines, better climb performance, and slightly higher speed. The II/SP is more desirable and typically commands a 10 to 20 percent price premium over a standard Citation II. Both aircraft share the same airframe and systems, so maintenance and parts are largely interchangeable.

How much does it cost to own and operate a Citation II?

Direct operating costs typically run $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour, which includes fuel, engine reserves, maintenance, crew, and insurance. Fixed costs—hangar, insurance, registration—add another $50,000 to $100,000 per year. A 200-hour flying year therefore costs $600,000 to $1.1 million in total expenses. Owners who fly fewer hours have higher per-hour costs because fixed expenses are spread across fewer hours.

Do I need a special pilot license to fly a Citation II?

Yes. You must hold a commercial pilot license, an instrument rating, and a type rating specific to the Citation II. The type rating requires simulator or aircraft training and an FAA checkride. Most pilots can obtain a type rating in 20 to 40 hours of training at a cost of $8,000 to $15,000.