Lear 55

[Groundpounder]

Anyone here have any experence in the Lear 55? I've heard they are underpowered, and it seems like they don't have much baggage space, but I could be wrong.

Thanks

 

[Timebuilder]

Well, off the top of my head, the 55 has only 200 lbs additional thrust perside than the 35. It isn't much power, particularly on a hot day. In the carribean, it's a runway hog.

There is a small L-shaped baggage compartment in the back, and an additional cubby hole under the left engine where we used to stash the crew bags.

I found that with two people, the bags load up quickly on the 55 because of the door which is very close to the compartment, and you don't have to waltz the bags up and down the isle like you do in the 35, which is hard on the seat backs, even if you use a cover.

Anything else?

 

[Groundpounder]

What kind of range do they have? Coast to coast?

 

[Timebuilder]

We'd usually stop in Salinas or a similar place to refuel, landing with about 1200#.

It might be possible going east with a strong tailwind, but I wouldn't try it. Too much possibility of having to hold for ATC and have to declare minimum fuel.

I don't have the exact numbers in front of me. Hope this is good enough.

 

[Groundpounder]

Cool, thanks.

 

[banned username 2]

Anyone here have any experence in the Lear 55? I've heard they are underpowered, and it seems like they don't have much baggage space, but I could be wrong.

No, you are pretty much correct.

 

[ultrarunner]

LR-55 range...

Keep in mind you have sevral options with fuel capacity, depending upon the model...

Stock 55 carries 6707 lbs

The 55C carries 6690 lbs

The 55C ER versions carry 7049 lbs

The 55C LR versions carry 7707 lbs

 

[Jump Pilot]

I just did my recurrent in the 55. Here are some sample numbers out of the book. Your numbers may very.

80F; SL; 20,000 lb = V1 133, VR 140, V2 145, 5510 feet (with APR)

FL410 = .77 & 1160 - 1260 PPH

Vref 132 @17,000

The cockpit was much more comfy over the 35.

There is a small baggage compartment in the nose which is unpressurized and unheated.

You can also load the bags through the emergency exit over the right wing. Or so I'm told.

Max ramp weight 21,750
Max t/o weight 21,500
Max landing 18,000

The engines on the 55 do produce 200 lbs more per side than the 35. But the 55 is also 3,200 heaver at max take off weight.

Anybody need a 35 & 55 SIC?

 

[pa56pa]

LR55

Anyone here have any experence in the Lear 55? I've heard they are underpowered, and it seems like they don't have much baggage space, but I could be wrong.

Underpowered is all relative, depending on what you're using this airplane for... and to what aircraft you are comparing it with.

It's definitely underpowered compared to the Lear 35 due to heavier weights and not much increase in engine thrust performance. The company I flew with last had a 55 with aux tanks, ttl fuel capacity of 7049 and flying west to east was no problem.. even had 1300 # left over. It's a dog to climb, compared to the 30 series. From east to west... you'll definitely need to stop for fuel. It is roomier than the 30 series airplanes, a bit more luggage room that's accessible from the rear entry door (which is a plus..) I truly enjoyed flying the 55.

You can probably pick one up for under $3M... I know the one I flew is for lease or for sale... let me know if you're interested.

JR

 

[Groundpounder]

I'm not looking to fly or buy one, just somewhat curious. Thanks for the info.

 

[banned username 2]

Re: LR55

even had 1300 # left over.

Uh... Thats known as reserves... You always want to have some fuel "left over" upon your arrival...

 

[pa56pa]

LOL.... oh yes.... that was when I was flying for a part 91 company... The company I work for now (pt 135) believes that the ideal profile in fuel consumption and planning, is when you're on final, and the "low fuel" annun. light comes on... LOL

I'm just beginning to get used to that idea....

 

[banned username 2]

Reminds me of my Falcon 20 days (shiver)... We used to land with fuel "reserves" that would make a seat cushion pucker!

Now we typically try to land in the 50EX and 900EX with around 3,000 lbs remaining, if we get "real daring" we might do 2,400 lbs. (3,000 lbs is about 1:45 reserve, 2,400 lbs. is about 1:25 reserves). Either way, I haven't had to "extract" a seat cushion in many, many years!