N717AJ

This article covers the specific Gates Learjet airframe bearing tail number N717AJ, a factory-built unit completed in 1978 with serial number 183. The airframe is recorded as being owned and operated by owned by KALITTA CHARTERS LLC, a corporation based in Ypsilanti, MI, US, and is registered in the US civil registry. The airframe’s known valuation is $700,000, reflecting its age and configuration as a late-1970s business jet; no additional registry entries or notable incident history are published for this individual serial in the supplied data.

The airframe is configured in a typical small-cabin business jet layout accommodating 10 seats, suitable for short to medium-range charter missions and company transport within the aircraft’s 1,930 nm range envelope. Operated from Ypsilanti, MI, US under KALITTA CHARTERS LLC, the aircraft’s operational profile would commonly include regional point-to-point charters and repositioning flights consistent with its maximum cruise of 436 kts and high-altitude capability up to 45,000 ft. Specific avionics fit, cabin refurbishments, or unique interior amenities for this serial are not provided in the supplied data. Maintenance considerations for this airframe center on legacy systems and engine support for the Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-2-2B engines, which drive operational economics and scheduling for an airframe of this vintage.

The airframe belongs to the Gates Learjet 35A family, a light business jet class known for high cruise speeds and transcontinental regional capability in its era. Within the market, this configuration competes with other late-1970s light jets for charter and corporate operators seeking high-speed point-to-point performance; its continuing value, here listed at $700,000, reflects age, systems vintage, and ongoing maintenance demands. Resale and operator demand tend to hinge on airframe condition, avionics upgrades, and engine maintenance status specific to the TFE731 powerplants fitted to this serial.