The Cessna Citation 550 is a mid-size business jet built from 1984 to 1994

The Cessna Citation 550, also called the Citation Bravo in its later years, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for business travel and charter operations. Cessna manufactured approximately 1,100 of these aircraft over a ten-year production run. The 550 seats up to eight passengers in a pressurized cabin and can cruise at around 400 knots (460 mph), making it faster than most turboprops but smaller and less expensive to operate than heavy jets.

The aircraft became one of the most common mid-size jets in the used market because of its reliability, relatively low operating costs, and strong resale value. If you are researching one for purchase, charter, or straightforward understanding the aircraft type, the 550 has a well-documented history and a large support network of maintenance facilities and parts suppliers.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation 550 is a pressurized twin-engine jet that carries up to eight passengers and cruises at approximately 400 knots, making it suitable for cross-country business travel.
  • Production ran from 1984 to 1994, with the later models marketed as the Citation Bravo; roughly 1,100 aircraft were built during this period.
  • Operating costs are moderate for a jet aircraft, typically ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per flight hour depending on fuel prices, maintenance reserves, and crew expenses.
  • The 550 requires two pilots and a type rating from the FAA; many flight schools and training centers offer Citation 550 training programs.
  • Used Citation 550 aircraft are widely available on the market, with prices varying based on age, total flight hours, maintenance history, and avionics upgrades.

Cabin layout and passenger capacity

The Citation 550 cabin is 17 feet long and 5 feet wide, creating a narrow but functional space for business travel. The standard configuration seats six to eight passengers depending on how the interior is arranged—some owners configure it for four or five passengers with more spacious seating and additional legroom, while others maximize capacity for charter or corporate shuttle operations.

The cabin is pressurized to 8,000 feet, meaning passengers experience the air pressure equivalent of an 8,000-foot altitude even when the aircraft is flying at 25,000 feet or higher. This reduces fatigue on longer flights compared to unpressurized aircraft. The cabin includes a lavatory and a small galley area, though the galley is more basic than what you would find on larger jets.

Engine specifications and performance

The Citation 550 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 turbofan engines, each producing 2,500 pounds of thrust. These engines are known for reliability and have a long service history across multiple aircraft types. The 550 can take off from a runway as short as 3,000 feet and land in roughly 2,500 feet, giving it access to many smaller regional airports that larger jets cannot use.

Maximum cruise altitude is 43,000 feet, and the aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 1,900 nautical miles with four passengers and reserves. Range decreases with a full passenger load or headwinds. The 550 burns roughly 200 to 250 gallons of jet fuel per hour during cruise, depending on altitude and weight.

Maintenance requirements and operating costs

The Citation 550 requires scheduled maintenance at regular intervals: 50-hour inspections, 100-hour inspections, and annual inspections. Every 2,000 flight hours, the aircraft undergoes a more extensive inspection. Engine overhauls are typically due around 3,500 to 5,000 flight hours, depending on the engine condition and manufacturer recommendations.

Total operating costs typically fall between $2,500 and $4,000 per flight hour when you include fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, hangar, insurance, and other fixed costs. The exact figure depends on local fuel prices, how often the aircraft flies, the age and condition of the engines, and whether you own it outright or are paying a loan. Many owners use a cost-per-hour reserve system, setting aside money each month to cover major maintenance and engine overhauls that occur less frequently.

Pilot training and certification

Flying a Citation 550 requires a commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating and a type rating specific to the Citation 550. The type rating is an FAA certification that proves you have trained on the aircraft's systems, emergency procedures, and performance characteristics. Training typically takes 20 to 30 hours of flight time plus ground school, and costs between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the training provider and whether you already hold a multi-engine rating.

Many flight schools and training centers offer Citation 550 training programs. Some owners use a fractional ownership program or charter service that provides crew, so pilot certification is not required if you are a passenger. If you own the aircraft, however, you must either hold the type rating yourself or hire a crew that does.

Used market availability and pricing

The Citation 550 is one of the most common mid-size jets on the used market because so many were built and because they remain popular in charter fleets and corporate operations. You can find used 550s listed through aircraft brokers, auction sites, and specialized aviation marketplaces. Prices vary widely based on the aircraft's age, total flight hours, engine condition, avionics upgrades, and interior condition.

A 1980s-era 550 with high flight hours and older avionics might sell for $500,000 to $1 million, while a well-maintained 1990s model with newer glass cockpit avionics and low flight hours could command $2 million to $3 million or more. Before purchasing any used aircraft, you should hire an independent pre-purchase inspection performed by a may have access to mechanic who specializes in Citation aircraft. This inspection typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 but can reveal hidden maintenance issues that could cost far more to repair later.

Avionics and technology upgrades

Earlier Citation 550 models came equipped with analog instruments and older autopilot systems. Many owners have upgraded to glass cockpit systems such as the Garmin G1000 NXi or Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, which provide modern navigation, weather radar, and flight management capabilities. These upgrades can cost $500,000 to $1 million or more, depending on the system chosen and the complexity of installation.

Avionics upgrades significantly affect the aircraft's value and operating experience. A 550 with modern glass cockpit avionics, terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS), and traffic collision avoidance (TCAS) is more desirable on the used market and safer in instrument conditions. However, older avionics do not make an aircraft unsafe if it is properly maintained and the pilot is trained on the systems installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a Citation 550 fly on a single tank?

The Citation 550 has a maximum range of approximately 1,900 nautical miles with four passengers and fuel reserves. With a full cabin of eight passengers, range decreases to roughly 1,200 to 1,400 nautical miles. Range also depends on cruise altitude, headwinds, and weight distribution.

Can a Citation 550 land at small airports?

Yes. The 550 can take off from a runway as short as 3,000 feet and land in roughly 2,500 feet, giving it access to many regional and smaller airports. However, runway condition, elevation, temperature, and weight affect actual performance, so pilots must calculate performance for each specific airport.

What is the difference between a Citation 550 and a Citation Bravo?

The Citation Bravo is the later version of the 550, produced from 1992 onward. The Bravo has slightly more powerful engines, improved avionics, and a higher maximum altitude. The airframe and basic systems are similar, so maintenance and training overlap significantly.

How much does it cost to charter a Citation 550?

Charter rates for a Citation 550 typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour, depending on the charter company, location, and market conditions. This rate usually includes crew, fuel, and basic catering. Positioning fees (the cost to fly the aircraft to your departure airport if it is not already there) may explore.

Do I need a special license to own a Citation 550?

No special license is required to own an aircraft. However, if you intend to fly it yourself, you must hold a commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating and a type rating specific to the Citation 550. If you hire a professional crew, you do not need any pilot certification.