N500WJ

The airframe bearing tail number N500WJ is a Cessna 501 Citation I/SP built in 1977, serial number 501-0275. This specific airframe is registered in the United States and is currently owned by individual WESTON DANTE, based in Tequesta, FL, US, reflecting a single-owner status in public records. The airframe’s registry shows typical long-term private operation from a Florida base, and its 1970s construction places it among early-production Citation I/SP examples that have often undergone avionics and interior upgrades to remain operationally viable. Maintenance and condition specifics beyond installed systems and interior configuration are not published.

The cabin of this airframe is finished in taupe leather in an executive layout, featuring 2 aft-facing seats, a 3-place bench, and 1 barrel seat, with a forward galley and aft lavatory providing full short- to medium-range executive comfort. Avionics fit includes modernized elements: dual Garmin GTN-750 units, Garmin GWX-70 weather radar, Garmin GTX-345R ADS-B transponder, Sperry SPZ-500 autopilot, and Bendix KGP-560 EGPWS, supporting single-pilot or two-pilot IFR operations depending on operator preference. Typical missions for this airframe, given its 1,328 nm range and 323 kt cruise, would include regional point-to-point corporate or owner-flown trips along the U.S. east coast and Caribbean hops from its home base in Tequesta. The combination of original airframe vintage and selected modern avionics suggests recurring investments in avionics and avionics-related maintenance during its operational life.

The Cessna 501 Citation I/SP occupies a light-citation niche, offering modest short-to-medium range performance with twin JT15D engines producing 2,200 lbf each and a high single-engine-out climb capability relative to its era. Competing models in its generation include early Learjet and Beechjet types, with buyers valuing lower acquisition cost and simple systems over the higher speed of some competitors. For owners and prospective buyers of this specific serial, considerations include aging-structure inspections, potential refurbishment of interior systems, and ensuring current avionics and safety equipment remain compliant with modern airworthiness requirements to sustain resale or charter appeal.