Learjet 55

Turbofan twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear

Range Map

Origin:

• nm at current load

• click map to move • two fingers to move map

Payload vs. Range

Configure weights

Pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs

Luggage / pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Occupants

lb + lbs / pax

Select payload

gal

Fuel on board

lbs

Extra weight

Range

Available Range / nm

Mission capable. Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.

Fuel tradeoff required. You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).

Over max gross weight. Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Extra weight is the additional payload available with your selected passengers.

Mission Profile

Used market

420

KTAS

Cruise Speed

2,165

Max Range

51,000

Service Ceiling

Occupants

2157

lbs

Wet Payload

Endorsements & ratings:

High-Altitude
Pressurization
Multi-Engine
Instrument

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Learjet 55

Type certificated 1981 Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet

Overview

The Learjet 55, branded the “Longhorn” for its distinctive winglets, is the first stand-up-cabin Learjet and a deliberate Gates Learjet attempt to compete with the larger Cessna Citation III and Hawker 800 brackets. First flown in 1979 and certificated in 1981, the Model 55 paired a new larger fuselage with the supercritical “Longhorn” wing originally developed for the abandoned Learjet 28/29 program. 147 airframes were built across the 55, 55B, and 55C variants through 1986; the line was succeeded several years later by the redesigned Learjet 60, which shared the cabin but moved to PW305A turbofans. All 55-series variants used twin Honeywell TFE731-3A turbofans rated at 3,700 lbf each.

For the GA buyer, the Learjet 55 sits in a transition bracket: it carries the Lear performance pedigree but adds the cabin volume that the rest of the family lacks. Compared with the Learjet 35/36 it gives up some cruise speed and trades up for stand-up cabin height, longer transcontinental range, and the supercritical wing’s improved low-speed manners. Compared with the Cessna Citation V, it offers a higher ceiling and a more spirited handling character but lower fuel economy and a longer required runway. The natural step-up is the Learjet 60, which inherits the cabin and adds modern avionics, FADEC, and meaningfully better range.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Stand-up cabin. Unlike previous Learjets, the Model 55 features a cabin height of roughly 5‘7”, allowing for much greater passenger comfort during longer flights.
High-altitude performance. Certified for flights up to 51,000 ft, allowing it to climb above most weather and commercial traffic for smoother, more direct routing.
Range. Capable of transcontinental flights (approximately 2,000+ nm), making it a versatile option for business travel.

Trade-offs

Runway performance. Requires a relatively long runway for takeoff (5,600+ ft at sea level), which may limit access to smaller general aviation airports compared to lighter jets or turboprops.
Operating costs. As an older jet with twin turbofan engines, fuel burn and maintenance costs are higher than modern light jets.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weights

Height: 14.7 ft
Length: 55.1 ft
Parking area (ft²): 3233.38 ft²

Max Takeoff Weight: 21,500 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 18,000 lbs
Useful Load: 8,857 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 1000 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 420 KTAS
Never-Exceed (V_NE): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 350 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (V_NO): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 300 KIAS
Approach Speed: 143 KIAS
Stall, Clean (V_S₁): 110 KIAS
Range: 2165 NM
Service Ceiling: 51,000 ft
Rate of Climb: 1240 - 4180 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle: 5,600 ft
Landing ground roll: 2,800 ft

Engines

Sources

Where the figures on this page come from. Learjet 55 specifications are traced to published references; estimated values are flagged inline next to the figure.

FAA TCDS A10CE Rev. 68 drs.faa.gov

Similar to the Learjet 55

Similar Turbofans

Learjet 35/36

Cruise

418 kts

Range

2125 nm

Seats

2 × Jet Low Wing Used market