Learjet 55 vs Learjet 60

The Learjet 55 and the Learjet 60 represent two generations of the same design ambition: a Learjet with enough cabin for passengers to sit comfortably and enough range for serious cross-country missions. The Learjet 55 (1981–1986) broke from the classic narrow tube that defined the Learjet brand — introducing a wider cabin, stand-up headroom for average-height adults, and Garrett TFE731-3 turbofan engines in an aircraft that was genuinely bigger than anything Learjet had offered before. Its production run was short, ending in 1986; the 55C final variant addressed early service concerns but the program was discontinued. The Learjet 60 (1993) carried the 55's ambition forward — a stretched, re-engined design with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofans, more range, improved cabin volume, and the 60 XR extended-range variant that refined it further through a production run lasting until approximately 2012. The 60 is the aircraft the 55 was trying to be.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Learjet 55
For sale now
12
Model years available
1981–1990
Learjet 60
For sale now
44
Median asking
$3,650,000
Range
$2,331,500–$4,975,000
Model years available
1994–2013

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Learjet 55Learjet 60
All events148
Serious00
Fatal40
Fatalities180
% Fatal29%0%
View full Learjet 55 NTSB record →View full Learjet 60 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 55 Learjet 60
Learjet 55
View 11 listings →
Median $595,000
 Learjet 60
View 43 listings →
Median $3,650,000
Price Range $431,000 – $1,055,000 $2,331,500 – $4,975,000
Category Midsize Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 10
Cruise Speed 430 kts (796 km/h) 438 kts (811 km/h)
Range 1,850 nm (3,426 km) 2,405 nm (4,454 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) 23,500 lbs (10,660 kg)
Useful Load 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) 5,800 lbs (2,631 kg)
Fuel Capacity 530.0 gal (2006 L) 635.0 gal (2403 L)
Fuel Burn 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) 185.0 GPH (700 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $450,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $380,000
Hourly Variable $2,600 $2,800
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Learjet 55

Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,600/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $870,000/yr

Learjet 60

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $940,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 55 or Learjet 60?

Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 55 for the lowest acquisition cost into Learjet's wide-body family — 55s trade at a significant discount to Learjet 60s and offer the same basic wide-cabin proposition for owner-operators who fly shorter domestic routes and don't need the 60's extended range. The TFE731-3's MRO support infrastructure is mature and widespread. Choose the Learjet 60 for the complete package — PW305A engines with more thrust, more range, a larger preowned fleet with better parts availability than the discontinued 55, and a production history that provides more airframes in better average maintenance condition. Safety axis: the Learjet 55 fleet has a specific service bulletin and airworthiness directive history related to elevator control characteristics in certain conditions — Learjet issued SBs addressing these, and the vast majority of the surviving fleet is compliant. Any Learjet 55 purchase requires independent verification of full AD and SB compliance through pre-purchase inspection by a Learjet 55-qualified shop. This is not a casual due-diligence item; it is a type-specific requirement.

Pick the 55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $431,000 vs $2,331,500, you save ~$1,900,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2600/hr vs $2800/hr.

Pick the 60 if…

  • Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 430 kts.
  • Longer range — 2405 nm vs 1850 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1981.
  • More inventory — 43 listings vs 11.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the known airworthiness issues with the Learjet 55?
The Learjet 55 experienced several accidents early in service related to elevator tab control behavior under specific conditions. Learjet issued service bulletins and FAA airworthiness directives addressed the root cause. The surviving fleet — the majority of which is compliant — can be operated safely, but compliance verification is a pre-purchase requirement, not an option. Buyers must confirm full AD and SB compliance through logbook records reviewed by a Learjet 55-qualified inspector. Do not accept a seller's assurance alone; require independent verification.
How does the Learjet 60's range compare to the Learjet 55?
The Learjet 60's PW305A engines and larger fuel capacity give it a meaningful range advantage. The 60 can complete transcontinental U.S. missions (coast-to-coast) with a practical payload; the Learjet 55's Garrett TFE731-3 engines limited its range relative to the longer-legged 60. Buyers should verify range for each specific aircraft from the performance supplement in the flight manual, as configuration, optional fuel tanks, and avionics weight affect actual range.
Are the Learjet 55 and 60 single-pilot aircraft?
Neither. Both the Learjet 55 and Learjet 60 are operated as two-pilot aircraft — the type ratings, insurance requirements, and operational conventions for both assume two-pilot crew. The Learjet brand is associated with performance that demands two-pilot discipline; single-pilot operation of either type is not standard practice in the preowned market.
Which is better, Learjet 55 or Learjet 60?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 55 cruises at 430 kts with 1,850 nm range. The 60 cruises at 438 kts with 2,405 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 55: from $465,000. Learjet 60: from $2,388,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 55 and Learjet 60?
55 engine: Garrett TFE731-3A-2B. 60 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305. Cruise: 430 vs 438 kts. Range: 1850 vs 2405 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
55: about $2600/hr variable cost. 60: about $2800/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?
55: 10 seats / 5,200 lb useful load. 60: 10 seats / 5,800 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?
55: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 60: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$450,000. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data