N550LT

This airframe, registration N550LT, is a 1974-built Cessna 500 Citation I, serial number 500-0184, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation). The airframe is owned and operated by the government entity School Board of Leon County, Florida, based in Tallahassee, FL, US, a noted local-government operator of the type. Public records indicate the airframe retains an executive configuration consistent with Citation I examples and carries a reported valuation of $289,000; no other public listings document a different cabin or major refurbishments. The transfer into public/government operation and continued registry in the United States are the distinguishing administrative notes for this specific aircraft.

The cabin is reported as a typical 5–8 passenger executive layout, though the exact on-airframe configuration for this serial is not documented in public listings; the published seating capacity is 8. As a government-operated airframe based in Tallahassee, FL, typical mission profiles for this aircraft would align with short- to medium-range executive transport or official travel within the aircraft’s 1,328 nm range and cruise speed near 352 kts. Avionics fit and specific interior amenities are not published in available public records for this tail number; routine maintenance considerations reflect the twin JT15D-1 turbofan engines and legacy systems common to early Citation Is.

The Cessna 500 Citation I occupies a light business jet niche offering modest operating costs, relatively low purchase prices for older airframes, and performance suitable for short regional hops at altitudes up to 41,000 ft. Competing models in its era and market position include other light jets with similar range and seating; resale and buyer demand for early-model Citations often hinge on maintenance history, avionics upgrades, and condition—factors reflected in the airframe’s reported $289,000 valuation. Operators considering this airframe type typically evaluate engine OEM support for the JT15D-1 and the cost of bringing legacy avionics and interiors to current standards.