N918AM Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N918AM sits in the VLJ segment where acquisition and operating costs make jet ownership accessible. The Cessna Citation CJ1 covers 1,300 NM at 389 knots behind 2x Williams FJ44-1AP producing 1,900 lbs each.
Mission Profile
The VLJ segment serves owner-operators, air taxi services, and charter operators on short routes. N918AM's Cessna Citation CJ1 carries 6 passengers with 10.8 ft of cabin length. The aircraft accesses runways as short as 3,000 feet.
Charter Authorization
N918AM holds Part 135 authorization. The Cessna Citation CJ1's low operating cost makes it accessible for first-time charter clients and frequent short-haul travelers. Reach out to discuss availability.
Insider Note
Pre-owned Cessna Citation CJ1 values have stabilized after initial depreciation. N918AM's 2003 build year places it in the market at a specific price point. Buyers should verify avionics currency and engine program status as the two highest-impact variables.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N918AM is a 2003 CJ1 under . At under $2M acquisition and $180,000 annual operating cost, the CJ1 is one of the most affordable jets to own and fly.
Fleet Position
Over 700 CJ1-family aircraft (CitationJet, CJ1, CJ1+, M2) are in service. FAA data shows N918AM based in 6 passengers, . The CJ1 is single-pilot certified and has the highest owner-pilot ratio in the Citation family. Fleet depth ensures parts availability and service access at virtually every Cessna-authorized center in the U.S.
Charter Availability
N918AM is Part 135 charter authorized. CJ1 charter rates range from $2,000 to $2,800 per flight hour, among the lowest in the jet category. The tradeoff: the cabin seats 5 to 6 without a standup aisle, and the lavatory is a belted seat with emergency provisions rather than an enclosed facility. For 2 to 4 passengers on routes under 800 nm, the CJ1 delivers jet speed at near-turboprop pricing.
Market Position
N918AM is a 2003 Citation CJ1 with upgraded FJ44-1AP engines and improved avionics. Pre-owned values sit at $1.5M to $2.2M. The CJ1 brought FADEC engine controls and better hot-and-high performance over the original CitationJet.
At this vintage, the CJ1 offers the best value in entry-level jet ownership. Acquisition cost is 40 to 60% below a comparable CJ3, and operating costs run $150,000 to $200,000 annually at 200 hours. For owner-pilots whose missions stay under 1,000 nm with 2 to 4 passengers, the CJ1 does everything needed.
Mission Profile
The CJ1 covers regional missions at costs that compete with high-performance piston aircraft. Atlanta to Hilton Head in 45 minutes. Denver to Moab in 50 minutes. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe in 30 minutes. The aircraft reaches FL410 in under 20 minutes, getting above weather and terrain that would ground piston aircraft.
When to Choose Something Else
The CJ1 is wrong for routes over 1,000 nm. Published range of 1,300 nm drops below 1,000 nm with reserves, headwinds, and 4 passengers. For routes consistently over 800 nm, the CJ3 (2,040 nm) provides genuine nonstop capability with margin.
Ownership & Operations
Operating costs for business jets break into fixed and variable categories. Fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew salaries, management fees) accrue whether the aircraft flies or not. Variable costs (fuel, maintenance reserves, landing fees, handling) scale with flight hours. Owners flying fewer than 200 hours annually often find charter or fractional ownership more economical than whole aircraft ownership.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Total time on airframe and engines is the primary metric for aircraft valuation. Lower-time aircraft command premium pricing but cost more upfront. Higher-time aircraft offer lower acquisition cost but carry higher near-term maintenance exposure. The break-even analysis depends on planned utilization: buyers flying 400+ hours annually amortize acquisition cost faster and tolerate higher initial investment.
Charter Market Context
Jet card programs and membership plans lock in hourly rates for guaranteed availability. Cards typically require a $50,000 to $500,000 deposit and offer 24 to 48 hour booking windows with fixed hourly pricing. The value depends on usage frequency: clients flying 25+ hours annually benefit from rate certainty and guaranteed availability. Below 25 hours, on-demand charter often provides better economics.
N918AM Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N918AM
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 | N918AM |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation CJ1 (Citation CJ1) |
| Part 135 Operator | Ameritex Airways Inc. |
| Category | Very Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2003 |
| Configuration | Executive/6 |
| Home Base | William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas |
| Home Airport | KHOU |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Williams FJ44-1AP |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 1,900 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 389 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1300 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N918AM
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation CJ1
N918AM is a 2003 Cessna Citation CJ1 (Citation CJ1) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a very light jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 12 years.
N918AM is a Cessna Citation CJ1 (Citation CJ1). The Cessna Citation CJ1 is a very light jet platform with a range of 1,300 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation CJ1 is powered by 2x Williams FJ44-1AP, each producing 1,900 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 CJ1 has a maximum cruise speed of 389 knots. Long-range cruise is 355 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1167 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation CJ1 (Citation CJ1) has an approximate range of 1,300 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of routes like New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, or Chicago to Atlanta. At a cruise speed of approximately 389 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation CJ1 seats up to 6 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 10.8 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 CJ1 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 CJ1 is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 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 CJ1 cabin measures 10.8 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 CJ1 has 53 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 6+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation CJ1 is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 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 CJ1 was produced from 2000-2005. The type was succeeded by the CJ1+. This specific aircraft (N918AM) was manufactured in 2003.
The Cessna Citation CJ1 competes in the Very Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 389 knots, range of 1,300 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 CJ1 typically range from $1,400-$2,000 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.
Yes. N918AM holds an active Part 135 certificate under Ameritex Airways Inc., meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact us for acquisition information about N918AM. 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.