What the Cessna 550B Citation Bravo is

The Cessna 550B Citation Bravo is a twin-engine business jet built to carry small groups of passengers over medium distances. It seats up to eight people (including the two pilots), cruises at around 400 miles per hour, and can fly roughly 2,000 nautical miles without refueling — enough to cross most of the continental United States. The plane entered service in 1993 as an upgraded version of the earlier Citation V, with more powerful engines, better avionics, and improved interior comfort.

This aircraft sits in the mid-size business jet category. It is smaller and less expensive to operate than heavy jets like the Gulfstream G450, but larger and faster than light jets like the Citation CJ2. For companies or individuals who need to move a team across the country regularly but do not require the range or cabin space of a larger aircraft, the Citation Bravo has been a common choice since the 1990s.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation Bravo carries up to eight people at a cruise speed of about 400 mph and can fly roughly 2,000 nautical miles without stopping for fuel.
  • It uses two Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines and requires a crew of two pilots, both with commercial licenses and type ratings specific to this aircraft.
  • Operating costs typically run between $3,000 and $5,000 per flight hour, depending on fuel prices, maintenance reserves, and crew expenses.
  • The aircraft was manufactured from 1993 to 2006, so most examples on the market today are used planes that require inspection for age-related wear.
  • Maintenance is performed by authorized Cessna service centers or by maintenance shops certified for this model, and engines require overhaul every 3,500 to 5,500 hours of flight time.

Engines, Performance, and Fuel Capacity

The Citation Bravo is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW535A turbofan engines, each producing 3,600 pounds of thrust. These engines give the aircraft a maximum cruise speed of about 430 knots (roughly 495 mph) and a long-range cruise speed of around 380 knots (438 mph) when flying at altitude to save fuel. The plane can climb to 43,000 feet, which allows it to fly above most weather and commercial air traffic.

The aircraft carries 5,435 pounds of fuel in its main tanks, with an optional auxiliary tank that increases capacity to 6,750 pounds. At long-range cruise speed, this fuel load gives the Citation Bravo a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles with standard reserves — the fuel needed to reach an alternate airport and circle for 45 minutes if the destination becomes unavailable. With the auxiliary tank and lighter passenger loads, range can extend beyond 2,200 nautical miles.

Takeoff distance is typically 4,500 to 5,000 feet on a standard day at sea level, and landing distance is around 2,500 feet. These numbers mean the aircraft can use many regional airports and smaller facilities that larger jets cannot reach, which is one reason it appeals to operators who need flexibility in routing.

Cabin Layout and Passenger Comfort

The Citation Bravo cabin is 17 feet long, 5 feet 4 inches wide, and 5 feet 9 inches tall — roomy enough for eight people to sit in reasonable comfort but not spacious compared to larger business jets. The standard configuration includes a forward cabin with four to six passenger seats, a galley (small kitchen area), and a lavatory. Some aircraft have a rear cabin with additional seating or a sleeping berth for longer flights.

Cabin pressurization maintains a comfortable altitude equivalent of 8,000 feet even when the aircraft is flying at 43,000 feet, which reduces fatigue on passengers during long trips. The cabin is heated and air-conditioned, and most examples include a entertainment system, though older aircraft may have basic or no in-flight entertainment. Noise levels are moderate for a business jet — quieter than regional turboprops but not as silent as the largest cabin-class aircraft.

Crew Requirements and Training

The Citation Bravo requires a crew of two pilots, both holding a commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating. Each pilot must also hold a type rating specific to the Citation Bravo, which means they have completed manufacturer-approved training and passed a check ride in this aircraft model. The training typically takes 10 to 15 days and covers systems, emergency procedures, and normal operations.

Pilots must maintain current medical certificates (first or second class, depending on the operation) and meet recurrent training requirements every 12 months. Many operators use a flight training organization approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct this training. The cost of initial type-rating training ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 per pilot, and recurrent training costs $2,000 to $4,000 annually per pilot.

Maintenance, Inspections, and Operating Costs

The Citation Bravo requires scheduled maintenance at 100-hour intervals (roughly every 40 to 50 flight hours), annual inspections, and more detailed inspections every 24 months. The engines must be overhauled every 3,500 to 5,500 hours of flight time, depending on operating conditions and maintenance practices. An engine overhaul typically costs $400,000 to $600,000 per engine, so operators usually budget for this expense over the aircraft's life.

Total operating costs — including fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, insurance, and hangar — typically run between $3,000 and $5,000 per flight hour. Fuel burn is approximately 200 to 220 gallons per hour at cruise, so a 4-hour flight might consume 800 to 880 gallons of Jet A fuel. At current fuel prices, this translates to roughly $3,000 to $4,000 in fuel alone for that flight, plus crew expenses, maintenance reserves, and other fixed costs.

Maintenance must be performed by a facility certified by Cessna or the FAA for this aircraft type. Many Citation Bravo operators use authorized Cessna service centers, though some use independent shops that hold the appropriate certifications. Parts availability is generally good because the aircraft was produced for over a decade and many examples remain in service.

Production History and Used Aircraft Market

Cessna manufactured the Citation Bravo from 1993 to 2006, producing approximately 1,000 aircraft during that period. The first models (1993–1997) had less advanced avionics and slightly lower performance than later versions. In 1998, Cessna introduced the Citation Bravo with upgraded avionics packages and improved engines, which became the standard configuration for the remainder of production.

Because production ended in 2006, all Citation Bravo aircraft on the market today are used planes ranging from 18 to 31 years old. When evaluating a used Citation Bravo, buyers and operators should have the airframe and engines inspected by a may have access to technician, review maintenance records carefully, and confirm that all required inspections and overhauls are current. Aircraft that have been well-maintained and regularly flown tend to be more reliable than those that have sat idle for long periods.

Used Citation Bravo prices vary widely based on age, total flight hours, maintenance condition, and avionics upgrades. Aircraft from the late 1990s and early 2000s with low flight hours and modern avionics may sell for $4 million to $6 million, while older or higher-time examples may be available for $2 million to $4 million. These prices fluctuate with fuel costs, the broader business jet market, and the condition of individual aircraft.

Avionics and Navigation Systems

Early Citation Bravo aircraft came equipped with Honeywell Primus 1000 or Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suites, which were state-of-the-art in the 1990s but are now considered dated. Many operators have upgraded to modern glass cockpits, such as the Garmin G5000 or Honeywell Primus Epic, which provide better situational awareness, easier operation, and integration with modern air traffic control systems. These upgrades can cost $500,000 to $1.5 million depending on the system chosen and the extent of the retrofit.

The aircraft is certified for flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) — meaning it can fly in clouds and low visibility — and can be equipped for single-pilot operation in some configurations, though most operators use two pilots for safety and regulatory reasons. Modern avionics upgrades also improve fuel efficiency and reduce pilot workload, which can lower operating costs over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a Citation Bravo fly on one tank of fuel?

With standard fuel tanks, the Citation Bravo can fly approximately 2,000 nautical miles at long-range cruise speed with required fuel reserves. With the optional auxiliary tank and lighter loading, range can exceed 2,200 nautical miles. Actual range depends on winds, weight, altitude, and cruise speed selected.

How many passengers can a Citation Bravo carry?

The aircraft is certified for up to eight people total, including the two required pilots. This leaves room for six passengers in the cabin. Actual passenger count may be lower if the aircraft is carrying maximum fuel or if weight and balance limits are reached with heavier passengers or cargo.

What is the difference between the Citation Bravo and the Citation V?

The Citation Bravo is an upgraded version of the Citation V with more powerful engines, better avionics, improved interior, and slightly better performance. The Bravo entered service in 1993, while the Citation V was produced from 1978 to 1993. Used Citation V aircraft are generally less expensive but may have older systems and lower resale value.

Can a Citation Bravo land at small regional airports?

Yes. With a landing distance of around 2,500 feet, the Citation Bravo can use many regional and smaller airports that larger business jets cannot reach. This flexibility is one of the aircraft's advantages for operators who need to serve multiple destinations or avoid congested major hubs.

What does it cost to own and operate a Citation Bravo?

Operating costs typically run $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour, including fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, insurance, and hangar. Purchase price for a used aircraft ranges from $2 million to $6 million depending on age, condition, and avionics. Fixed costs like insurance and hangar may add $200,000 to $400,000 annually regardless of flight hours.