Learjet 31 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Learjet 31 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $499,000 – $1,290,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 445 kts (824 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 1,488 nm (2,756 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,000 lbs (7,711 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 413.0 gal (1563 L) | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 145.0 GPH (549 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,200 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLearjet 31
Fuel$798/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$740,000/yr
Cessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Learjet 31 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Pick the 31 if…
- Budget matters — from $499,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,251,000.
- Faster cruise — 445 kts vs 391 kts.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2200/hr.
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1488 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1988.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 27.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Learjet 31 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 31 cruises at 445 kts with 1,488 nm range.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 31: from $499,000.
Cessna Citation CJ3: from $4,750,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 31 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
31 engine: Garrett TFE731-2.
Seats: 8 vs 9.
Cruise: 445 vs 391 kts.
Range: 1488 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
31: about $2200/hr variable cost.
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
31: 8 seats / 3,600 lb useful load.
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
31: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data