About the CESSNA 550
The Cessna 550, more commonly known as the Citation II, is a significant model in the lineage of the Cessna Citation family of business jets. The Citation II was first announced in September 1976 as an extended and enhanced version of the Citation I, also known as the Cessna 500. The primary motivation behind the development of the Cessna 550 was to produce an executive jet capable of carrying more passengers and offering longer range while continuing Cessna’s tradition of providing easy-to-fly and cost-effective business jets. The aircraft made its maiden flight on January 31, 1977, and received FAA certification in March 1978. It officially entered service later that year. The Citation II was designed to fill the niche for a light business jet that could operate from shorter airstrips, making it highly versatile for business executives needing efficient point-to-point travel, even to smaller regional airports. The jet typically seats eight passengers in a spacious, quiet, and pressurized cabin, with a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines, offering a balance of reliability and performance. One of the remarkable benefits of the Citation II is its relatively low operational cost when compared to other jets in its category, which has contributed to its popularity among corporate flight departments and small businesses. Additionally, the aircraft’s simple avionics and systems design resulted in lower maintenance costs and greater ease of operation. Over its production run, which lasted from 1978 to 2006, nearly 1,200 Citation IIs were delivered, making it one of the best-selling business jets of its time. The Citation II laid the groundwork for subsequent models, including the Citation Bravo and Citation V, thereby solidifying Cessna’s reputation as a leader in the light business jet market.