Learjet 24 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Learjet 24
- For sale now
- 1
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1974–1974
Cessna Citation CJ3
- For sale now
- 64
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Learjet 24 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 16 | — |
| Serious | 2 | — |
| Fatal | 6 | — |
| Fatalities | 18 | — |
| % Fatal | 38% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Learjet 24 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $350,000 | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 418 kts (774 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 1,473 nm (2,728 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,500 lbs (6,124 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Jet | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLearjet 24
Cessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Learjet 24 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Pick the 24 if…
- Budget matters — from $350,000 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$4,490,000.
- Faster cruise — 418 kts vs 391 kts.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 6.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1473 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1966.
- More inventory — 56 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Learjet 24 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 24 cruises at 418 kts with 1,473 nm range.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 24: from $350,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 24 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
24 engine: General Electric CJ610-4.
Seats: 6 vs 9.
Cruise: 418 vs 391 kts.
Range: 1473 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
24: 6 seats.
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data