Buying guide
Citation V and Ultra for sale: what to check before you buy
Published November 13, 2026.
The Citation V and the Citation Ultra are the first two versions of the Cessna Model 560, a larger cabin than the Citation II with more powerful engines. They share one data sheet, one ceiling and one crew requirement, but not the same engines, weights or RVSM status. Below is what the official EASA data sheet says, what today's listings show, and what to check before an offer.
What separates the V from the Ultra
Both are on EASA data sheet IM.A.207, which validates FAA type certificate A22CE, and the FAA certified both on December 9, 1988. The serial number is what separates them.1
| Model 560 | Citation V | Citation Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Serials | 560-0001 to 560-0259 | 560-0260 to 560-0538 |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A, 2,900 lb of takeoff thrust each | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D, 3,045 lb of takeoff thrust each |
| Max. takeoff weight | 15,900 lb (7,212 kg) | 16,300 lb (7,394 kg); 16,650 lb on 22 listed serials with a Cessna modification |
| Max. landing weight | 15,200 lb (6,895 kg) | 15,200 lb (6,895 kg) |
| Max. operating altitude | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| RVSM | With service bulletin SB560-34-97 | 560-0260 to 560-0525 with SB560-34-97; 560-0526 to 560-0538 without it |
| Minimum crew | Two pilots, for all flights | Two pilots, for all flights |
From serial 560-0539 on, the Model 560 becomes the Encore, with PW535A engines; that is a different aircraft in price and in maintenance.1
What today's listings show
On November 13, 2026, the PlaneFox aggregator, which collects listings from European and American portals and brokers, showed 8 Citation V and Ultra listings, all of them in the United States.2
| PlaneFox, 11/13/2026 | Citation V | Citation Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Listings | 5 | 3 |
| Total hours | 6,258 to 17,400 | 7,625 to 15,205 |
| Asking price, where published | US$1,289,000 (3 listings) | US$1,100,000 to 2,150,000 |
Only one of the eight has fewer than 7,000 hours. Three V listings show exactly the same price, which is worth confirming with the broker. In the Ultra listings we have followed since September 2026, aircraft under 7,000 hours asked between US$1.995 and 2.395 million. Asking price is not selling price.
What to check on any Citation V or Ultra
- The serial confirms the version. A "V Ultra" with a serial below 560-0260 is a Citation V, and one from 560-0539 on is an Encore.1 The routine for checking serial, registration and owner is in this post.
- Engines first. Ask for the hours and cycles of each engine since new and since overhaul, the time left to the next overhaul and whether the engines are on a maintenance programme. As on the Bravo, this is where most of the price is.
- A recent borescope. This part is our reading. A clean borescope report is worth more than any description of engine condition, especially on an aircraft that has flown little.
- RVSM. Except on Ultras from 560-0526 to 560-0538, RVSM eligibility depends on service bulletin SB560-34-97.1 Ask for the record of the bulletin and the RVSM approval.
- Two pilots. The data sheet requires a pilot and a co-pilot on every flight.1 Plan the cost of the second pilot in the budget.
- Inspections and directives. Ask for the inspection tracking report with the date of each inspection, and check the directives for the airframe and engines, and compliance in the records.3
We are looking for Citation V and Ultra
We have buyers for Citation V and Ultra aircraft under 7,000 hours, with engine time remaining or on a programme and a clean borescope. If you own one, or know of one that may be for sale, write to us at amelia@gobbocapital.com. For a comparison with the Citation II and the Bravo, see Citation II, Bravo, V or Ultra.
Sources
- EASA, type certificate data sheet IM.A.207, Cessna 500, 550, S550, 560 and 560XL, issue 10, July 6, 2022: easa.europa.eu
- PlaneFox, Citation V and Ultra listings, accessed Nov. 13, 2026: planefox.com
- EASA, Safety Publications Tool (airworthiness directives): ad.easa.europa.eu