N138DE 1999 Embraer ERJ-145LR

Overview

This article describes the specific airframe bearing tail number N138DE, a regional jet built in 1999 and manufactured by Embraer S.A. as an Embraer ERJ-145LR with factory serial number 145129. The airframe is recorded as owned by Champion Air LLC, an LLC based in Mooresville, NC, US, and has operated within the United States civil registry. The airframe’s registration and ownership record indicate a single corporate owner rather than an airline operator, and public records show standard corporate custody without noted major incidents. Condition and valuation specifics beyond registry and configuration are not published in the provided data set.

Operations & Cabin

The individual N138DE is configured with a single-class regional cabin in a 55-seat layout (typical), suitable for short- to medium-haul point-to-point and regional scheduled or charter missions. Typical mission profiles for this configuration include high-frequency regional services, corporate shuttle roles, and charter operations between airports within the aircraft’s 1,550 nm range and at cruise speeds around 450 kts. Avionics fit and specific onboard amenities for this airframe are not detailed in the provided data; maintenance considerations follow the twin-engine regional jet standard given the two Rolls-Royce AE 3007A1 powerplants, which influence engine shop visit cycles and parts logistics. The owner’s base in Mooresville, NC suggests US-based operational and maintenance oversight consistent with FAA regulations.

Model & Market Context

The Embraer ERJ-145LR family occupies the regional jet niche for 50-60 seat commuter and regional markets, offering trans-regional capability up to approximately 1,550 nm and cruise performance near 450 kts. Competing models historically include other 50-seat regional jets and turboprops, with buyer and charter demand shaped by operational economics, stage lengths, and fleet commonality. For an airframe like N138DE, resale and maintenance considerations hinge on engine condition and component life, airframe cycles, and adherence to US registry maintenance standards, factors that strongly affect marketability in the regional and corporate charter segments.