N918BK

Charter & Acquisition Briefing

N918BK is a 2001 Cessna Citation CJ1 registered to SW EL LLC. The CJ1 is the entry point into Citation jet ownership. Here is the operational context for this airframe.

Fleet Position

Over 700 CJ1-family aircraft (CitationJet, CJ1, CJ1+, M2) are in service. FAA data shows N918BK based in PALESTINE, TX. 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

N918BK 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

As a 2001 airframe, N918BK is an original CitationJet (Model 525) with FJ44-1A engines. These aircraft trade between $800K to $1.5M, making them among the most affordable jets in existence. The original CitationJet established the light jet category and remains a viable aircraft for owner-pilots flying 100 to 200 hours annually.

Pre-buy focus: FJ44-1A engine condition ($100,000 to $150,000 per engine HSI), avionics state, and pressurization system health. At this price point, the CitationJet competes with high-performance piston aircraft on acquisition cost while offering jet speed, altitude, and weather capability.

Mission Profile

Optimized for owner-operators who value low operating costs above all else. Fuel burn of 90 gallons per hour is the lowest in the jet category. Single-pilot certification eliminates crew costs. Annual operating budgets under $200,000 at 200 hours make the CJ1 accessible to business owners who would otherwise fly commercial or drive.

When to Choose Something Else

Skip the CJ1 for groups larger than 4. The cabin does not accommodate 5 passengers with luggage comfortably. For 5 to 6 passengers, step up to a CJ3 or Phenom 100 for adequate cabin volume.

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.

N918BK Aircraft Intelligence

Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.