N981AM Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
The Cessna Citation CJ3 delivers 416-knot cruise speed across 2,040 NM. N981AM is powered by 2x Williams FJ44-3A at 2,780 lbs each, supporting a ceiling of 45,000 feet. Efficient and direct for most domestic city pairs under 1,500 miles.
Mission Profile
N981AM's Cessna Citation CJ3 cabin accommodates 9 passengers across 15.7 ft of length. Light jets trade cabin size for operating economy, putting jet speed within reach for a broader range of operators.
Charter Authorization
Charter authorization is active for N981AM. This Cessna Citation CJ3 operates under a Part 135 certificate for regional and short-haul missions. Contact The Jet Finder to check scheduling.
Insider Note
The Cessna Citation CJ3 segment offers the lowest entry point for jet ownership. Pre-owned Cessna Citation CJ3 airframes trade actively, with pricing driven by engine program status, avionics generation, and total time. N981AM's 2007 build year places it in a specific tier of the market.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N981AM is a 2007 CJ3 under . Williams FJ44-3A engines, Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, and the lowest operating costs in the light jet category with a full lavatory.
Fleet Position
Over 450 CJ3/CJ3+ aircraft are in service, with roughly 300 on U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N981AM based in 9 passengers, . The CJ3 is single-pilot certified, which makes it popular with owner-operators and small charter companies running lean crew rosters. Fleet depth ensures availability in most U.S. regions, with charter positioning fees typically under $3,000.
Charter Availability
N981AM is Part 135 charter authorized. CJ3 charter rates range from $2,600 to $3,400 per flight hour, positioning it as the most affordable light jet with a fully enclosed lavatory. Expect $500 to $800 less per hour than a Phenom 300, though cruise speed is 20 knots slower (416 knots vs 453 knots). Positioning from 9 passengers typically adds $1,500 to $3,500.
Market Position
As a 2007 airframe, N981AM is an early-production CJ3 with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. Pre-owned values sit at $3M to $4.5M. Early CJ3s established the model's reputation for reliability and low direct operating costs. The Williams FJ44-3A engines have demonstrated strong dispatch reliability, and maintenance intervals are straightforward.
Pre-buy priorities: FJ44-3A hot section inspection status ($150,000 to $200,000 per engine), Pro Line 21 software baseline (confirm ADS-B Out compliance), and interior condition. A well-maintained early CJ3 is one of the most affordable entries into jet ownership, with annual operating costs of $200,000 to $280,000 at 200 hours.
Mission Profile
The CJ3 performs on routes between 300 and 1,800 nautical miles. New York to Miami in 2 hours 50 minutes. Chicago to Dallas in 2 hours. Los Angeles to Seattle in 2 hours 35 minutes. The aircraft seats 7 to 9 in a cabin that is compact but functional, with a fully enclosed rear lavatory that separates the CJ3 from smaller very light jets.
When to Choose Something Else
Pass on the CJ3 if your passengers expect a modern cabin interior with LED mood lighting, powered window shades, and cabin management systems. The CJ3 cabin is functional but reflects its 2004 design origins. The CJ3+ improved the cockpit dramatically but the cabin updates were incremental. For passengers who compare experiences, the Phenom 300E cabin feels a generation newer.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft management companies handle the operational complexity of jet ownership. They provide crew, maintenance tracking, regulatory compliance, insurance, and hangar coordination. Management fees run $8,000 to $25,000 per month depending on aircraft size. For owners who fly 100 to 300 hours annually, professional management reduces risk and administrative burden while maintaining access to Part 135 charter revenue.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Engine program enrollment significantly affects aircraft value and operating economics. Programs like Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, Pratt & Whitney Eagle Service Plan, and Honeywell MSP spread major engine costs into predictable hourly rates. Aircraft enrolled in these programs command 10 to 20% higher resale values than non-enrolled equivalents because buyers avoid the risk of unbudgeted engine overhauls.
Charter Market Context
The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft from a network of vetted Part 135 operators. We do not own aircraft. This broker model ensures clients see competitive options across multiple operators rather than being limited to a single fleet. Pricing transparency comes from comparing 3 to 5 operator quotes on every request. The client sees all options and chooses based on aircraft, price, and operator quality.
N981AM Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N981AM
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 | N981AM |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 (Citation CJ3) |
| Part 135 Operator | Ameritex Airways Inc. |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2007 |
| Configuration | Executive/7 |
| Home Base | William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas |
| Home Airport | KHOU |
| Interior Refurbished | 2018 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 2007 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Williams FJ44-3A |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 2,780 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 416 knots |
| Maximum Range | 2040 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,180 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 9 passengers |
| Baggage Volume | 66 cu ft |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N981AM
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Citation CJ3
N981AM is a 2007 Cessna Citation CJ3 (Citation CJ3) 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 6 years.
N981AM is a Cessna Citation CJ3 (Citation CJ3). The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a business jet platform with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is powered by 2x Williams FJ44-3A, each producing 2,780 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 has a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots. Long-range cruise is 380 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1248 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 (Citation CJ3) has an approximate range of 2,040 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 416 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 15.7 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 CJ3 has a maximum service ceiling of 45,000 feet (FL450). 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 CJ3 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 CJ3 cabin measures 15.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 66 cu ft.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 has 66 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 9+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 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 CJ3 was produced from 2004-2014. The type was succeeded by the CJ3+. This specific aircraft (N981AM) was manufactured in 2007.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 competes in the Light Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 416 knots, range of 2,040 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 CJ3 typically range from $2,200-$3,000 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. N981AM 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 N981AM. 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.