Mid-Size Jet Aircraft Guides

December 22, 2020

Our Guide to the Dassault Falcon 50

A Super Mid-Size Trijet Launched as the First Transatlantic Business Aircraft

Produced first in 1976, the Falcon 50 was the first transatlantic business aircraft. Over the years, the design improved and upgrades were made available, until the model’s lineage was discontinued in 2008.

Unlike most mid-size jets, the Dassault Falcon 50 features a trijet layout - three engines! - with an S-duct air intake for the central engine. The Dassault Falcon 50 used the same fuselage cross-section as the previous twin-engined Falcon 20, its direct predecessor, but with a new advanced wing design, a better jet was born.

Today, the Falcon 50 stands as a frontrunner for companies on a budget looking for a jet for business travel. The Dassault Falcon 50 can be a good buy if your company is in the market for a reasonably-priced mid-size private jet. Read on to learn more about this particular used jet for sale on AircraftExchange.com and the upgrades it has undergone through the years.

Dassault Falcon 50 Specifications
Originally sold with three Honeywell TFE-731-3-1C engines with an optional auxiliary power unit, the jet was upgraded to the Falcon 50EX in 1995 and received three TFE 731-40 engines and an APU as standard equipment. Other upgrades included an improved rudder control system, new avionics, and more.

The upgrades brought the Falcon 50 and 50EX into the modern era, increased thrust, and reduced fuel consumption by 7 percent, all resulting in lower maintenance costs. High Mach blended winglets are in development as a retrofit.

Refer to the table below for more specifications.

Dassault Falcon 50 Range
Normal Range: 3,057 nm

Maximum Range: 3,200 nm
Service Ceiling: 31,000 ft

Dassault Falcon 50 Distances
Balanced Field Length: 5000 ft
Takeoff Field Length: 4,950 ft
Landing Distance: 3,500 ft

Dassault Falcon 50 Performance

Rate of Climb: 3430 fpm

Maximum Speed: 480 kts
Normal Cruise: 431 kts
Economy Cruise: 410 kts

Dassault Falcon 50 Operating Weights
Max T/O Weight: 38,320 lb

Max Landing Weight: 35,715 lb

Operating Weight: 22,000 lb

Fuel Capacity: 15,520 lb
Payload with Full Fuel: 1,280 lb

Maximum Payload: 3,570 lb


Inside the Plane Cabin
The cabin of the Dassault Falcon 50 is a reasonable 5.8 feet tall, 6.1 feet wide, and 23.5 feet long, separated into two zones. With a well-appointed forward galley and rear lavatory with spacious vanity, this business jet is suited for eight to nine passengers, and requires two crew members for flight.

The front zone of the cabin includes double-club seating with ledge-mounted tables. The second zone includes either double-club seating, a curved divan area, or a divan with berthing capabilities with standard seats opposite the aisle.

Of course, depending on the age of the business jet for sale that you purchase, cabin layouts will vary, considering these jets are of age to have been overhauled on the interior. When looking at used Dassault Falcon 50 mid-size private jets, you’ll want to take note of the cabin layout and finishes, including leather seats, durable flooring - usually carpet - and galley amenities.

Inside the Cockpit of the Dassault Falcon 50
The original Falcon 50 had an analog Collins avionics package, but has since been upgraded through suites to the Proline 21, a modern, fully-integrated glass flight deck. A modern avionics suite provides better pilot situational awareness, thus making the plane much safer to fly.

Aviation experts advise prospective buyers to purchase a Falcon 50 with fully-upgraded engines and avionics; otherwise, you’ll need to budget a $750,000 overhaul, at a minimum. Upgraded aircraft will cost you more (up to $800,000 more) than unimproved models. Modern avionics suites mean less downtime and expense to meet mandatory upgrade requirements.

Unless you get a fabulous deal on a Dassault Falcon 50 with all-original components, it’s not advisable to purchase one. A 12-year gear overhaul requirement and 6-year ‘C’ check airframe inspection can influence whether you purchase this jet; these deadlines may come up after your purchase.

Like most super mid-size business jets, the Falcon 50 requires two crew members to pilot the plane.

Benefits of Flying in the Dassault Falcon 50 Plane for Sale
Falcon trijets provide a slower, safer approach and landing speeds. The three-engine configuration also provides peace-of-mind on long routes over water or desolate, uninhabited areas.

A fully-upgraded Falcon 50 is an ideal entry point into modern private aviation, especially for businesses seeking a super mid-size business jet.

Dassault Falcon 50 Ownership and Operational Costs
Dassault Falcon 50 owners should budget about $1.8 million per year, based on about 300 flight hours total. The majority of the hourly cost - $3,623.48 - is devoted to fuel. Expect annual fixed costs to sit at nearly $600,000, with variable costs around $1 million. Fixed costs include things like maintenance, crew training, insurance, hangar fees, and more.

Currently, you’ll find used Dassault Falcon 50 jets for sale between $700,000 and $2 million, a major savings considering they sold for about $21 million brand new, in their later model years. The average price is about $1 million. You are more likely to find models from the 1980s to early 2000s; always refer to the engine hours and cycles when determining a plane’s remaining useful life.

Finding Dassault Falcon 50 Airplanes for Sale Near You
To locate the Dassault Falcon jet for sale that will best suit your business needs and budget, contact an International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Accredited Aircraft Dealer. Accredited dealers and brokers promise efficient and ethical business transactions as they represent you and your interests. These reputable dealers offer their extensive private aviation industry experience and connections to aviation service providers that only relationships spanning decades can provide. You won’t regret placing an immense amount of trust in an IADA Accredited Dealer.

Find an IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealer near you. See our dealers’ vetted and verified listings of pre-owned Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft for sale on AircraftExchange.com.