| Tail Number / N-Number | N53SJ |
| Manufacturer | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-135 |
| Year Built | 1953 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 18-3003 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Land |
| Builder Certification | Type Certificated |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats |
| Weight Class | CLASS 1 (Up to 12,499 pounds gross take off weight) |
| Engine Manufacturer | LYCOMING |
| Engine Model | 0-320 SERIES |
| Engine Type | Reciprocating |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (134 kW) |
| Average Cruising Speed | 97 miles per hour |
| Type of Registrant | Individual |
| Owner Name | JOHNSTON STEPHEN P |
| Street | 27107 12TH AVE S |
| City | HAWLEY |
| State | MN |
| Zip Code | 56549-9139 |
| Region | Great Lakes |
| County | Clay County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Restricted |
| Airworthiness Date | 1957-05-15 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 1989-04-21 |
| Last Action Date | 2022-08-18 |
| Expiration Date | 2030-01-31 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 51527655 |
| Mode S Code Hex | A6AFAD |