Cessna Citation S/II Aircraft under $500,000

← Cessna Citation II family

The Cessna Citation SII (S/II) is a light business jet produced from 1985 to 1997, an upgraded version of the Citation II featuring more powerful Pratt and Whitney Canada JT15D-4B engines and a redesigned wing. Seating up to 10 passengers, the Citation SII cruises at 404 knots with a range of 2,000 nautical miles, offering solid light jet performance for regional and coast-to-coast business travel.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 15,100 lbs and fuel burn of approximately 135 gallons per hour, the Citation SII delivers efficient light jet economics. The straight-wing design provides excellent short-field performance and low-speed handling, allowing the SII to access smaller airports that swept-wing jets cannot use.

The Citation SII appeals to owner-operators, small businesses, and charter companies seeking an affordable entry into jet ownership with proven reliability. Its, gentle handling characteristics, and low acquisition costs on the pre-owned market make it a practical choice for operators who fly 200 to 400 hours per year. The large Citation fleet worldwide ensures strong parts availability, experienced maintenance shops, and comprehensive support from Cessna service centers.

Cessna Citation S/II aircraft for sale

1 used Cessna Citation S/II aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 10-seat · Reference price ~$1,100,000 ($650,000–$1,800,000) · updated 4 days ago

Cessna Citation S/II Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna Citation S/II is a 10-seat light jet with a cruise speed of 345–404 kt (639–748 km/h), a range of 1,600–2,000 nm (2,963–3,704 km), and a useful load of 3,850–5,200 lbs (1,746–2,359 kg).

Performance
Cruise345–404 kt (639–748 km/h)
Max Speed375–420 kt (694–778 km/h)
Range1,600–2,000 nm (2,963–3,704 km)
Service Ceiling43,000–45,000 ft (13,106–13,716 m)
Engine & Fuel
EnginePRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-4
Fuel Capacity387.0–470.0 gal (1,465–1,779 L)
Fuel Burn125.0–135.0 GPH (473–511 L/h)
TBO4,500 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats8–10
Max Gross Weight13,300–15,100 lbs (6,033–6,849 kg)
Useful Load3,850–5,200 lbs (1,746–2,359 kg)
Production1985–1997

Cessna Citation S/II for Sale

Cessna Citation S/II asking prices range from $330,000 to $330,000, with a median of $330,000 (market reference $1,100,000).

1985 Cessna Citation S/II

1985 Cessna Citation S/II for sale
$330,000
For Sale
Total Time 9,289
Reg# N633AT US
Location Fayetteville
Via Ron Northern
Listed 2mo ago

Cessna Citation S/II Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
Citation II 1978–1996 10 345 kts (639 km/h) 1,600 nm (2,963 km) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) $349K – $1.1M An early, often single-pilot-certified light jet — among the most affordable ways into Citation jet ownership on the used market. 21
Citation Bravo 1997–2006 8 370 kts (685 km/h) 1,680 nm (3,111 km) 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) $550K – $2.8M A modernised classic light jet of the Citation V line — efficient engines and a stand-up cabin make it a value-priced owner and charter jet. 12

Compare Cessna Citation S/II

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Cessna Citation S/II Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna Citation S/II cost? Used Citation S/II prices: from $330K; market reference $1.1M, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.

Cessna Citation S/II Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Cessna Citation S/II Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (135.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$83,700/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$200,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$1,950/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 4,500 hrs)$300,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The Citation S/II's cost structure follows the straight-wing 550 family: JT15D-4B maintenance and overhaul is the dominant variable. The JT15D is a mature, well-supported engine with a large installed base; overhaul cost is lower than larger turbofan jets. Confirm engine time-since-overhaul and maintenance-program enrollment on both engines. Phase inspections and avionics currency are the other standard items; nothing unusual relative to the wider 550 fleet.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna Citation S/II

Buying a Cessna Citation S/II comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Citation S/II (Model S550) is a distinct variant within the Citation II family — sharing the 550's cabin but fitted with a supercritical wing originally developed for the Citation III and an improved JT15D-4B engine. The result is better climb, cruise, and fuel efficiency than the base Citation II (Model 550) in the same fuselage.

The supercritical wing: The wing on the S/II was designed for the swept-wing Citation III and adapted to the straight-wing 550 fuselage — a meaningful aerodynamic upgrade over the original 550 wing that reduces drag at cruise. This is the defining characteristic of the S/II over the standard Citation II (550).

Versus Citation II (550): If the base 550's wing and JT15D-4 meet your mission requirements, the standard Citation II offers similar utility at lower acquisition cost. The S/II is appropriate where the aerodynamic refinements and JT15D-4B engine economics justify the premium on a specific example.

Versus Citation Bravo (550 Bravo): The Bravo uses the base 550 wing but a more modern PW530A engine. The S/II uses the better wing (supercritical) with the JT15D-4B. These are different trade-offs: wing aerodynamics versus engine modernity. Both are upgrades from the standard 550; which is more valuable depends on your operating profile.

Crew: Unusually for the family, the S/II was certified with a single-pilot exemption — so, with the appropriate rating, it can be operated single-pilot rather than requiring two crew. Confirm the specific aircraft's certification and the pilot rating required.

Buy it if: you want the Citation II cabin with a genuinely better aerodynamic package — the supercritical wing — and are comfortable with the JT15D-4B ecosystem. The Citation Bravo offers a more modern engine in the same fuselage without the wing upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna Citation S/II

About the Cessna Citation S/II
The Cessna Citation S/II (Model S550) was produced approximately 1984–1994, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4B engines (2,500 lbf each). The S/II is an enhanced version of the Citation II with more thrust, improved performance, and updated avionics over the standard 550. It bridges the gap between the base Citation II and the more capable Citation V.
Citation S/II vs Citation II — what's the difference?
The JT15D-4B in the S/II provides more thrust than the II's JT15D-4, giving better cruise performance and improved climb. The S/II also incorporated avionics updates. For buyers choosing between used II and S/II examples, the S/II is generally preferred for its performance improvements, and the acquisition premium is typically modest relative to the capability gain.
Citation S/II vs Citation V — step up or stay?
The Citation V uses the JT15D-5 engine family with more thrust still, producing higher cruise speeds and more range than the S/II. Step to the V when mission range consistently pushes the S/II's limits or when the additional speed meaningfully changes travel times. For typical 500–800 nm IFR missions, the S/II is often sufficient.
What to inspect on a used Citation S/II?
JT15D-4B health on both engines (hot-section inspections, TBO status). Pressurization seals and outflow valve (30-to-40-year-old aircraft). Avionics status and any updates installed. Full engine and airframe maintenance records. A pre-buy by a Citation-specialist shop is recommended.
Is the Citation S/II well-supported?
Yes — the JT15D family is well-supported by Pratt & Whitney Canada and authorised overhaul facilities. The Citation 550 family is one of the most common light jets in the world; parts, maintenance expertise, and pre-buy specialists are widely available. The S/II is a proven, well-understood aircraft.

Cessna Citation S/II Inventory by Country

United States5

Cessna Citation S/II by Price

Under $500k5

Cessna Citation S/II by Decade

1980s1

Cessna Citation S/II Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Cessna Citation S/II. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 4 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data