Learjet 60
The Learjet 60 is a mid-size business jet developed by Bombardier under the Learjet brand, known for its high performance, fast climb rates, and strong transcontinental range. It's a direct evolution of the Learjet legacy, offering more cabin space than its predecessors while still maintaining the sporty, high-speed profile Learjets are famous for.
✈️ Overview:
- Role: Mid-size business jet
- Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace (Learjet division)
- First flight: October 10, 1990
- Introduced: 1993
- Production ended: 2013
- Total built: ~400+
🛠️ Key Specs (Learjet 60):
- Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofans
- Max cruise speed: Mach 0.81 (~521 mph / 839 km/h)
- Range: ~2,405 nautical miles (4,455 km) with 4 passengers
- Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
- Takeoff distance: ~5,450 ft (1,661 m)
- Landing distance: ~3,420 ft (1,042 m)
- Crew: 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
- Passengers: Typically 6–8
- Cabin dimensions:
Length: 17.7 ft (5.4 m)
Width: 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Height: 5.7 ft (1.75 m)
- Length: 17.7 ft (5.4 m)
- Width: 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
- Height: 5.7 ft (1.75 m)
🔍 Design Features:
- Stretched fuselage from the Lear 55, with upgraded engines and systems
- Supercritical wing design for better aerodynamics at high speeds
- T-tail layout with wing-mounted engines
- Known for high climb rates—can reach 41,000 ft in just 18 minutes!
- Cabin includes club seating, fold-out tables, a lavatory, and a small galley area
✨ Variants:
✅ Strengths:
- Fast and efficient for its class
- Strong high-altitude performance and quick climb
- Good range for coast-to-coast flights in the U.S.
- Luxurious interior with executive-level amenities
- Can operate from relatively short runways
❌ Weaknesses:
- Small cabin cross-section for a midsize jet—less headroom and aisle space than competitors like the Citation XLS or Hawker 800XP
- Known for tricky landings due to center of gravity and thrust characteristics (especially in windy conditions)
- Older avionics in early models (fixed in the 60XR)
- Limited baggage space compared to newer designs
🪦 Legacy & Current Use:
- Still widely used in corporate, charter, and private aviation
- Known for its performance and reliability, even decades after production ended
- While newer jets have more cabin space and efficiency, the Learjet 60 remains a solid performer with a loyal following
🛩️ Fun Fact:
The Learjet 60 is often described as a "hot rod in the sky" thanks to its combination of speed, steep climb angles, and sleek design—it’s a favorite among pilots who love performance.
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Learjet 60 | Original production model (1993–2007) |
| Learjet 60SE | "Special Edition" with premium interiors and avionics |
| Learjet 60XR | Updated version (2007–2013) with Pro Line 21 avionics, redesigned cabin, quieter interior, and better performance monitoring |
| MRO | Location | Learjet 60 Services |
|---|
A list of parts on the Learjet 60 is coming soon. Please check back again next week.