N89D

The airframe bearing registration N89D is a 1979-built Cessna 550 Citation II, serial number 550-0056, manufactured by Cessna (Textron Aviation). The airframe is recorded as owned by SOWELA Technical Community College, a government entity based in Lake Charles, LA, US, and remains registered in the US. Its current reported market valuation is $691,569, reflecting an older-generation light business jet with continued utility for institutional training and transport roles. Registry entries and ownership are notable for the aircraft’s use by an educational/government operator rather than private corporate ownership, with no other ownership transitions published in the supplied data.

This airframe is outfitted with a typical 7-place executive layout featuring a forward refreshment center and an aft belted lavatory; the airframe has also been reported with a 7–8 passenger executive interior arrangement. Avionics for this airframe follow a common retrofit fit that can include Garmin MX 200/GTN/GNS navigators, dual GTX transponders, a Sperry SPZ-500 IFCS autopilot and common TAWS/radar options, though specific installed components may vary by airframe. Operational use for N89D under its college ownership is consistent with short- to medium-range missions—training, personnel transport, and skills maintenance—leveraging its nearly 2,000 nm range and 307 kt cruise. Maintenance considerations for institutional operators often emphasize avionics upgrade cycles and engine shop visits appropriate to the JT15D-4 powerplants.

The Cessna 550 Citation II occupies the light twinjet segment for late-1970s to 1980s business aviation, prized for straightforward systems and respectable climb and cruise capability up to 43,000 ft. Competing models include late variants of the Learjet 31/35 and early Beechjet/Hawker 400 series; buyers historically sought Citation IIs for cost-effective operation and simple crew training. Resale and maintenance considerations for this serial (1979, s/n 550-0056) center on age-related corrosion/structure inspection, JT15D-4 engine maintenance history, and avionics modernization to remain compliant with current navigation and traffic awareness standards.