Cessna Citation V / Ultra / Encore for Sale

Aircraft overview

The Cessna Citation V / Ultra / Encore is the Model 560 family of straight wing business jets built by Cessna as an evolution of the Citation II and S/II. The Citation V first flew in 1987 and entered production for the 1989 model year. It was followed by the Citation Ultra in the mid 1990s and the Citation Encore from 2000, with the Encore+ arriving later as the final major development. The series matters in the used market because it combines a familiar Citation operating environment with a longer cabin, good short field capability and operating costs that remain closer to light jets than to larger midsize aircraft.

Performance & specifications

Typical high speed cruise is around 420 to 430 knots, depending on variant, altitude and loading. Practical IFR range is commonly planned in the roughly 1,600 to 1,900 nautical mile class, with reserves and payload making a significant difference. Certified ceiling is 45,000 feet. The original Citation V uses two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A turbofans, while the Ultra uses more powerful JT15D-5D engines. The Encore changed to Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A engines, bringing improved climb, fuel efficiency and maintainability. Maximum takeoff weight is about 15,900 lb for the Citation V, about 16,300 lb for the Ultra and about 16,630 lb for the Encore.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin typically seats seven or eight passengers, often in a club arrangement with additional forward or side facing seating and an aft belted lavatory. Cabin height and width are approximately 4.8 feet, so the aircraft is not stand up, but it offers more length than earlier Citation II based models. Original avionics vary by year. Citation V aircraft are commonly found with Honeywell Sperry systems and later retrofit navigators. The Citation Ultra and Encore were delivered with Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics. Many aircraft have received upgrades such as WAAS GPS, ADS-B Out, modern transponders, updated displays and cabin connectivity. The Encore+ introduced Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.

Buying & value

For buyers, the main distinctions are straightforward: the Citation V is usually the value entry point, the Ultra adds stronger performance and a more modern flight deck, and the Encore brings newer engines, trailing link landing gear and later production dates. Review engine status carefully, especially hot section and overhaul timing, program enrollment and calendar limits. Also examine maintenance tracking, phase inspection history, landing gear work, corrosion findings, avionics compliance and any damage history. Well upgraded Ultras often compete strongly on value, while Encores usually command higher prices for their engine technology, comfort improvements and younger airframes.