N117MA1979 Cessna Citation I/SP

Overview

This entry covers airframe N117MA, a 1979-built Cessna 501 Citation I/SP (Citation SP) with serial number 501-0249. The airframe is owned by Capital Holdings 158 LLC, a corporation based in Aston, Pennsylvania, United States, and is registered in the US. Historical registry entries indicate earlier installation records listing Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A powerplants, while recent listings and broker material report a conversion to Williams FJ44-series engines.

Operations & Cabin

The specific airframe is outfitted in a 7-8 place executive cabin layout, with broker marketing and packet descriptions indicating an aft couch and a forward lavatory and seating arranged for executive transport. Avionics listed for this aircraft include Garmin GTN-750 and GTN-650 navigators, a GMX 200 multifunction display, dual Garmin GTX-330 transponders, and an SPZ-500 autopilot, reflecting a modernized IFR-capable panel for its class. Typical missions for this airframe would be short- to mid-range executive transport within its 1,328 nm range and cruise speeds near 357 kts, operating from its owner/operator base in Aston, Pennsylvania, or nearby US business aviation hubs. Maintenance and operational considerations for this airframe include monitoring the implications of the reported engine conversion versus historical JT15D listings and ensuring compliance with supplemental type certificates and updated maintenance records.

Model & Market Context

The Cessna 501 Citation I/SP occupies the light jet executive niche as an early Citation variant adapted for improved single-pilot certification and operational flexibility. With the reported installation of Williams FJ44-2A engines producing 2,300 lbf each, this airframe presents performance and fuel-burn characteristics competitive with upgraded light jets and conversions marketed to extend useful life and efficiency. Typical buyers or charter operators seeking this model prioritize cost-conscious acquisition, executive interior utility, and avionics modernization; resale and maintenance valuations hinge on documented engine configuration, STC history, and the completeness of logbooks. In the secondary market, aircraft with verified FJ44 conversions and updated Garmin avionics often attract higher interest than examples retaining legacy JT15D engines, but each example requires detailed pre-purchase review.