N558RJ

This article describes a single airframe, the Gates Learjet 55 registered as N558RJ, serial number 012, built in 1981 by Gates Learjet Corp. The airframe is owned by N558RJ LLC, a limited liability company based in Clewiston, FL, US, which appears as the current registrant on the US civil registry. No other prior operators are listed in the provided data; the company's ownership constitutes the primary notable registry action for this airframe. Broker-sourced condition notes and the listed market appraisal place the aircraft at an estimated value of $666,000, reflecting its vintage build year, refurbishments to the cabin and lavatory, and an avionics suite upgraded to modern navigational and safety standards.

The cabin is configured as a stand-up executive layout with a forward two-place divan, four aft club seats, an aft forward-facing single club seat, a forward galley equipped with coffee provision, and a rear enclosed lavatory that has been refurbished. Avionics and safety equipment for this specific airframe include a Garmin GNS-430 and GNS-530, dual Collins navigation/ADF suites, Honeywell EGPWS (KGP-860), AlliedSignal TCAS-I, and dual Collins TDR-90 transponders as reported in the broker listing. Typical missions for this Learjet 55 airframe would include short- to medium-haul executive transport and charter flights within the continental United States, leveraging its cruise speed and transcontinental-appropriate range from its base in Clewiston. Operational considerations for this airframe include systems support for the TFE731 engines and continued tracking of avionics service bulletins relevant to the installed navigation and terrain awareness equipment.

The Gates Learjet 55 occupies a midsize light business jet niche characterized by relatively high cruise speeds and altitudes for its class, here exemplified by a 419 kt cruise and 51,000 ft ceiling. Competing types historically include mid‑size light jets with similar mission profiles; buyer and charter demand for vintage Lear 55s depends heavily on airframe condition, avionics updates, and engine time since overhaul. Resale and maintenance considerations for this airframe are influenced by its 1981 build date, the installed Honeywell TFE731 engine variant, and the current valuation near $666,000, which reflects both market depreciation for older jets and value added by cabin refurbishment and modern avionics.