Lear 45 or Citation XL

[TRBojet]

Our company is thinking about an upgrade from our Beechjet 400a to something a little bigger. I've recommended the Lear 45 as a good option, but I also think the XL might be a decent choice. Our typical missions are 1 hour hops with few daily cycles, with some trips going 1000-1800 nm. Seating capacity, baggage room, and range has been the issue with the 400a. We would still need to get in/out of some shorter runways (~4500').

Any thoughts between these 2 birds. Likes/dislikes. Reliability issues.

Any opinions would be gladly accepted.

Thanks.

 

[ultrarunner]

You can't go wrong with reliability, parts availability and product support from Cessna.

Bombardier can really suck at all three.

 

[ttflyer]

I can't compare, but I like the XL. It's not as fast as the 45 or the BeechJet (430 KTAS vs 450 KTAS) but on short missions you won't notice. It has a nice cabin and great baggage space. The only down side is the ride quality - XLs don't give the best ride in the bumps.

The lear looks good, but I think the cabin is about the same size (width) as the BeechJet. Also, I've heard it can be hit or miss on reliability. And of course you get Bombardier customer service which... eh... isn't all it could be at this time...

Just my $.02

 

[TRBojet]

I agree with you on the size of the XL vs. the Lear. I've never actually seen the cabin of the 45, but it looks like it might be a little smaller than the Cessna. And I've haven't heard the best reviews of Bombardier, but then Raytheon treated us like a 2nd class citizen. Plus our Beechjet had big reliability issues for the first couple of years. I haven't flown any Cessna equipment.

Thanks for the input. Keep them coming.

 

[NW Flyer]

I don't know the Cessna, but can weigh in on the 45.

Reliability hasn't been a problem for us, no major problems and only a couple minor electrical glitches to deal with.

Bombardier support is not the best, but it is clear that they know it and are trying hard to fix it. Wichita seems to be on the ball.

Interior is comfortable, but not the roomiest thing out there. Definitely better than the beechjet, but not quite as roomy as the CE750.

Baggage is awesome. I have flown 9 guys with big bags, and taken 8 guys on a weeklong ski trip with all their stuff (minus skis, I guess the heli operator provides them). Easy to load, heated but not pressurized. Skis or golf bags slide right in.

W&B, never a problem. Fill the seats and fill the tanks.

High and hot, pretty good, the only place I have had to watch the numbers is leaving Jackson Hole (6400 msl, 6300' runway) when it gets over 85 degrees.

It really is a good airplane, and it's a joy to fly.

 

[Pacific]

If you get the LR45 go for the XR if you can. Big improvement in performance.

 

[ultrarunner]

Is the APU working yet on the 45?

 

[LJ45]

Is the APU working yet on the 45?

yes, new valve is certified and being delivered. It might be Nov. before all of them are replaced.

IMHO...you can't go wrong with either airplane.

 

[Tgaug6300]

XLS is a truck. Lots of room, lots of baggage space. Great range. I just got done flying ours from St. Johns to Shannon, no problem. It is only getting better with the XLS+, Pro-line 21, FADEC. Bad news is you will have to wait till first quarter 09' for a new one.

 

[400A]

Both are great. 45 cabin is the same oval as your Beechjet, just longer. Lav is usable unlike the Beechjet. Hot and high #'s are better on the 45XR. If you are buying used the 45 will be less expensive but DOC's can be high on older models.

Good Luck!