Learjet 55 Aircraft 1980s

Learjet, produced under Bombardier Aviation.

1980s heavy jets include Gulfstream III/IV (early), Hawker 800 (early), Falcon 900 (early), Challenger 600/601. Rolls-Royce Tay, BR710 (predecessors) and TFE731 engines from this era are proven; airframes are heavily mandate-upgraded by now. Two-crew operations standard; recurrent training requirements unchanged from modern equivalents. Pre-buy must include thorough mandate- compliance audit and engine-program enrollment verification.

12 used Learjet 55 aircraft for sale 1980s · 10-seat · $415K – $1.1M · updated 4 hours ago

About the Learjet 55

The Learjet 55 (nicknamed "Longhorn" for the distinctive winglets) is the midsize Learjet that preceded the 60 — produced 1981-1987 with twin Garrett TFE731-3A engines, stand-up cabin and cruise around 460 kt. The 55 brought stand-up cabin comfort to the Learjet line for the first time; the 55B/C were minor variants. As an older midsize Learjet, the 55 is the most affordable way into a stand-up-cabin Learjet — but mandate upgrades, engine costs and parts availability are significant considerations.

Learjet 55 helicopter for sale

Learjet 55 Specifications

Model spec

The Learjet 55 is a 10-seat midsize jet with a cruise speed of 430 kt (796 km/h), a range of 1,850 nm (3,426 km), and a useful load of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg).

Performance
Cruise430 kt (796 km/h)
Max Speed460 kt (852 km/h)
Range1,850 nm (3,426 km)
Service Ceiling51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineGarrett TFE731-3A-2B
Fuel Capacity530.0 gal (2,006 L)
Fuel Burn165.0 GPH (625 L/h)
TBO5,000 hrs
ICAO TypeLJ55
Weights & Seats
Seats10
Max Gross Weight21,500 lbs (9,752 kg)
Useful Load5,200 lbs (2,359 kg)
Production1981–1992

12 Learjet 55 For Sale

Browse all 12 listings →

There are currently 12 used Learjet 55 for sale, ranging from $415,000 to $1,095,000, with a median asking price of $595,000.

$415,000 ↓ -$50K
For Sale
Total Time 12,575
Reg# N355UA US
Location Fort Pierce, FL
2 sources
Listed 2mo ago
$495,000
For Sale
Total Time 12,860
Reg# N155ER US
2 sources
Listed 25d ago
$595,000
For Sale
Total Time 15,019
Reg# N655TR US
Location NC
Listed 2mo ago
$595,000
For Sale
Total Time 16,681
Location PA
Listed 2mo ago
$895,000 ↓ -$70K
For Sale
Total Time 10,005
Reg# N429FC US
Location Fort Pierce, FL
2 sources
Listed 2mo ago
$1,095,000
For Sale
Total Time 11,005
Reg# N999CM US
Location Arlington, VA
Listed 2mo ago
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 16,681
Reg# N54NW US
Location Roswell, NM
4 sources
Listed 2mo ago
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 11,415
Reg# N762MG US
Location Arlington, VA
4 sources
Listed 2mo ago
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 11,556
Reg# N55FJ US
2 sources
Listed 1mo ago
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 26,077
Reg# D-CGBR Germany
Location Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Learjet 55

See how the Learjet 55 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Learjet 55 Price & Cost

How much does a Learjet 55 cost? Used 55 prices: $415K – $1.1M, average $681K (median $595K), across 6 priced of 12 active listings.

Learjet 55 Price Guide
Market Deal RatingAeroGurus rating
Great Deal
25%
1
Fair Price
75%
3

Based on 4 priced listings.

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.

Learjet 55 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (165.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$102,300/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$350,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$2,600/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 5,000 hrs)$400,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Learjet 55

Buying a Learjet 55 is about the engines, maintenance programs and avionics as much as the airframe. Engine and airframe hourly-maintenance programs transfer with the aircraft and materially change both price and risk.

What to check before buying

  • Engine status & program — time to overhaul/MPI and whether the engines are enrolled on an hourly maintenance program (the biggest value driver on any jet).
  • Airframe program & inspections — scheduled (Doc) inspections, airframe/parts programs and total cycles.
  • Avionics & mandates — a modern glass flight deck plus required mandates (ADS-B, FANS) raise value and capability.
  • Damage history & logbooks — complete, gap-free records and a clean accident history protect resale.
  • Pre-buy inspection — a full pre-buy at a type-authorised service centre before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Learjet 55

What are the main problems with the Learjet 55?
Avionics obsolescence is the primary issue — production ended in 1990 and original systems are increasingly unsupported. Fuel system interconnect switches can cause wing fuel imbalance. Main door electric lock mechanisms are problematic. At 220 gph fuel burn, operating costs run $2,750/hr — roughly $800-1,000 more per hour than the newer Learjet 60.
Is the Learjet 55 a viable purchase in the current market?
With only 147 built and a shrinking parts base, the 55 is approaching end-of-service for many operators. Fixed costs of $300-450K/yr and declining resale values make it a depreciating asset. However, for operators who need midsize jet performance on a very tight acquisition budget, a well-maintained 55 with updated avionics can serve for several more years.
What does the Learjet 55 offer that newer jets dont?
Raw speed and climb performance — the 55 can reach FL510 and cruises at 460+ knots. The stand-up cabin is roomier than the Learjet 31A. For operators in niche roles (air ambulance, organ transport) where speed to altitude matters more than cabin comfort, the 55 still has utility. But for most missions, a Citation XLS or Phenom 300 is more practical.

Learjet 55 Inventory by Country

United States11
Germany1

Learjet 55 Inventory by State

Virginia5
Florida2

Learjet 55 by Price

Under $500k2

Learjet 55 Safety Record

Across all 55 variants, 14 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1986–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Sep 24, 2025 La Guaira, OF Fatal (2)
Jan 31, 2025 Philadelphia, PA Fatal (6)
Jun 22, 2022 Caracas, Fatal (6)
Feb 19, 2021 Jeffersonville, IN Incident The flight crew’s failure to verify the correct runway for landing, which resulted in a landing on a snow contaminated r…
Feb 26, 2020 Farmingdale, NJ Incident The flight crew's failure to stop the airplane on the available runway, which was wet and resulted in the airplane impac…
View all 14 NTSB events →

NTSB records 1986–2025. Includes all Learjet 55 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

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 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data