AIRCRAFT · GLOSSARY

Turboprop

Aircraft powered by turbine engines driving propellers — slower than jets but capable of operating from very short and unpaved runways.

IN PRACTICE

Turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 and TBM 960 are the right tool for missions under 600 nm into airfields with limited infrastructure. They burn 40-50% less fuel per hour than a comparably-sized jet.

Cabin pressure and comfort have closed the gap with light jets, and modern turboprops cruise at 280-310 kt — fast enough for most regional missions.

ON LIMITLESS SKY

GO DEEPER ON LIMITLESS SKY

Frequently asked

What does Turboprop mean in private aviation?

Aircraft powered by turbine engines driving propellers — slower than jets but capable of operating from very short and unpaved runways.

How much does it cost to charter a turboprop?

Charter pricing for a turboprop depends on flight time, fuel, segment fees and federal excise tax. Our quote engine prices every turboprop mission transparently, including all surcharges before you commit. Get a live estimate on the fleet page below.

What is the typical range and seating of a turboprop?

Turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 and TBM 960 are the right tool for missions under 600 nm into airfields with limited infrastructure. They burn 40-50% less fuel per hour than a comparably-sized jet.

How does a turboprop compare to other jet categories?

See the related terms below for adjacent categories — light, midsize, super-midsize, heavy and ultra-long-range — and our aircraft comparison guides for side-by-side range, cabin and operating-cost data.

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RELATED TERMS

  • Very Light Jet (VLJ)The smallest category of business jet, typically certified for single-pilot operation with
  • STOLShort Take-Off and Landing — a category of aircraft designed to operate from runways well
  • Short-Field PerformanceAn aircraft's certified ability to operate from runways shorter than the industry norm — a
  • Light JetTwin-engine business jet seating 6-8 passengers with ranges of roughly 1,500-2,000 nm — th
  • Midsize JetBusiness jet category offering a stand-up cabin, ~2,500-3,000 nm range and seating for 7-9
  • Super-Midsize JetBusiness jet with a wide-body cabin, ~3,000-3,800 nm range and trans-continental capabilit
  • Heavy JetLarge-cabin business jet seating 10-16 passengers with intercontinental range, including t
  • Ultra-Long-Range JetTop-tier business jet with 6,000+ nm range — Gulfstream G650/G700, Bombardier Global 7500,
  • VIP AirlinerCommercial airliner — typically a Boeing BBJ or Airbus ACJ — converted to a private cabin
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