By 1998, the Citation V/Ultra platform had proven itself across 600+ deliveries. Cessna wasn't finished. The Citation Encore introduced Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A engines (3,360 lbf) - more powerful, more efficient, quieter. Trailing - link main landing gear smoothed rough runways. Increased fuel payload extended range. The interior finally matched the performance.

The Encore received redesigned trailing-link main landing gear. On paper, that sounds like a small engineering change. In the cockpit, landing gear that takes some of the sharpness out of the touchdown is something you notice very quickly, especially when operating from less-than-perfect pavement. The PW535A engines and trailing-link gear were two of the main changes that separated the Encore from the earlier Ultra.

• It is still a Model 560.

The Citation V, Ultra, Encore and Encore+ all belong to the Cessna 560 family. The Encore was the next major step after the Ultra, with the PW535A engines and improved landing gear. That common lineage is one reason the aircraft feels familiar to pilots who have flown earlier 560 variants.

• The engines brought a real improvement without changing the character of the aircraft.

The PW535A produces 3,400 lbf per engine, compared with 3,045 lbf for the Ultra's JT15D-5D. You are still flying a straight-wing Citation, but with considerably more thrust available.

• The Encore was the last step before the Encore+.

The Encore+ followed with PW535B engines and FADEC, together with updated avionics and other changes. So when you compare a Citation Encore for sale with an Encore+, don't look only at the year. Look at the engines, avionics, maintenance status and actual configuration. Two aircraft that look similar in photographs can be very different purchases.

Cessna Citation Ultra for sale / Range: roughly 1,500 to 1,700 nm depending on source and mission / Passengers: typically 7 to 8.
The Encore is the later development, with PW535A engines and improved trailing-link landing gear.

Hawker 800XP for sale / Range: approximately 2,540 nm / Passengers: typically 6 to 8.
The Hawker gives you a larger midsize cabin and more published range, but it is a different proposition in terms of aircraft size and mission.

Cessna Citation CJ2 for sale / Range: approximately 1,330 nm / Passengers: typically 6.
The CJ2 is smaller and lighter, making it a natural comparison for buyers who are considering a more compact Citation rather than the larger 560 cabin.

So, which one is better?
There isn't a universal answer.

If you need the Encore's cabin, payload and 430-knot cruise, buying a smaller CJ-class aircraft simply because it is newer may solve the wrong problem. If you regularly need the Hawker's extra range and cabin volume, the Encore may be too small.

The Citation V is the aircraft that taught Cessna how to stretch an airframe without breaking the formula. It's the grandfather of the modern Citation line, the proof that evolution beats revolution.

For the buyer seeking a Citation V, you're acquiring aviation history - a platform that defined the "mid-light" category and still delivers value decades after its first flight.

Looking for a Citation Encore for Sale?
Give us the mission first:

• How many passengers?
• Which routes?
• How much range do you need?
• What year or configuration do you prefer?
• What are your requirements for engines, maintenance and avionics?
• Where will the aircraft be registered and operated?

We will search the open market and our off-market network and come back with aircraft that fit the requirement.