N242SD Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
At 404 knots, N242SD delivers genuine jet speed on missions under two hours. The Cessna Citation M2's 1,550 NM range covers most regional city pairs in the continental United States. 2x Williams FJ44-1AP-21 at 1,965 lbs keep fuel burn at turboprop levels.
Mission Profile
N242SD targets the missions where a turboprop is too slow and a light jet is more aircraft than needed. The Cessna Citation M2's 7-seat cabin at 11.0 ft by 4.8 ft handles the passenger loads that 80% of private flights actually carry.
Charter Authorization
N242SD is Part 135 certified for on-demand charter. The Cessna Citation M2 offers the lowest hourly charter rate in the jet category. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
The VLJ category is best understood as a personal transportation tool rather than a corporate aircraft. N242SD's 7-seat cabin is designed for an owner and 1-3 companions traveling regionally. It does that one job extremely well.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N242SD is a 2020 helicopter registered to . Rotorcraft serve missions that fixed-wing aircraft cannot: point-to-point urban transport, offshore operations, EMS, and aerial work.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N242SD based in 7 passengers, . The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N242SD is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Market Position
A 2020 production date places N242SD in the current generation with FADEC engines, glass cockpit avionics, and modern safety systems. Pre-owned values sit at $2M to $15M. Current-generation helicopters offer the latest in crash survivability, automation, and operational efficiency.
Acquiring a current-generation helicopter provides access to the latest autorotation aids, health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), and terrain awareness. These systems reduce accident rates and insurance premiums while improving dispatch reliability.
Mission Profile
Optimized for missions where vertical takeoff and landing capability is essential. EMS programs save lives by reaching accident scenes and hospitals directly. Offshore operators service platforms hundreds of miles from shore. Law enforcement provides aerial surveillance that ground units cannot replicate.
When to Choose Something Else
Skip helicopters for routes over 200 nm. At 130 to 170 knots, helicopters take twice as long as light jets over 200+ mile routes. For distances exceeding 150 miles, a combination of helicopter transfer plus fixed-wing jet provides the fastest door-to-door time.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft ownership in the United States falls under FAA registration requirements. Every U.S.-registered aircraft carries an N-number that links to public records including owner name, address, airworthiness date, and certificate type. The FAA Aircraft Registry maintains this data and updates it as aircraft change hands. Prospective buyers use these records to verify ownership history, lien status, and maintenance compliance before committing to an acquisition.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Avionics modernization drives both capability and market value. Aircraft with legacy analog instruments trade at significant discounts to those with modern glass cockpits (Garmin G5000, Collins Pro Line Fusion, Honeywell Primus Epic). ADS-B Out compliance is now mandatory in U.S. controlled airspace. Buyers should factor avionics upgrade costs into their acquisition budget when evaluating older airframes.
Charter Market Context
Empty leg pricing offers 25 to 75% discounts on published charter rates. These opportunities arise when an aircraft needs to reposition from a drop-off point back to base or to the next pickup location. The tradeoff is schedule inflexibility: departure time, date, and route are fixed by the operator's existing itinerary. The Jet Finder maintains an empty leg alert system for frequent charter clients.
N242SD Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N242SD
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition that fits your needs. If the aircraft is not available or does not work for you, we operate private aircraft as well and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N242SD |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation M2 (Citation M2) |
| Category | Private Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2020 |
| Configuration | 7 |
| Home Base | Houston Executive Airport, Houston, Texas |
| Home Airport | KTME |
| Interior Refurbished | 12/31/2020 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 12/31/2020 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Williams FJ44-1AP-21 |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 1,965 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 404 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1550 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,210 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Baggage Volume | 53 cu ft |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N242SD
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation M2
N242SD is a 2020 Cessna Citation M2 (Citation M2) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a business jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 5 years.
N242SD is a Cessna Citation M2 (Citation M2). This model serves the business jet segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation M2 is powered by 2x Williams FJ44-1AP-21, each producing 1,965 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.
The Cessna Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 404 knots. Long-range cruise is 370 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1212 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation M2 (Citation M2) has an approximate range of 1,550 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of coast-to-coast routes such as New York to Los Angeles, or Miami to Seattle. At a cruise speed of approximately 404 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation M2 seats up to 7 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 11.0 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Citation M2 has a maximum service ceiling of 41,000 feet (FL410). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 5,500-6,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Cessna Citation M2 is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics avionics, supporting precision approaches, RNAV/GPS navigation, FANS/CPDLC for oceanic operations, and ADS-B Out compliance. All Part 135 charter operations require two instrument-rated pilots.
The Cessna Citation M2 cabin measures 11.0 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 53 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation M2 has 53 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 7+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation M2 is equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics. This integrated flight deck provides enhanced situational awareness, synthetic vision, TCAS II, and weather radar. The system supports single-crew operations where type-certified, though Part 135 charter flights require two pilots.
The Cessna Citation M2 was produced from 2013-present. The type was succeeded by the M2 Gen2. This specific aircraft (N242SD) was manufactured in 2020.
The Cessna Citation M2 competes in the Very Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 404 knots, range of 1,550 nm, and a 4.8 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Cessna Citation M2 typically range from $1,600-$2,200 per flight hour, depending on operator, region, and seasonal demand. This includes crew, fuel at current Jet-A prices, and standard handling. Additional costs may include FBO fees, overnight crew expenses, international handling, and repositioning if the aircraft is not based at the departure airport.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about charter availability for N242SD. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
Contact us for acquisition information about N242SD. Our aviation advisors can provide market valuation and availability details.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition. If this aircraft is not available, we operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.