Nowadays, most people can distinguish between a commercial airplane and a private jet. But very few know the difference between a private jet and a turboprop plane. Or you may be thinking, does it matter if I know? It may or may not. But understanding the difference can inform your decision about which jet to charter.
The turboprop plane and a very light jet have some similarities. But they also have big differences that could impact your travel plans.
What Makes Up a Jet and What Makes Up a Turboprop Plane?
A jet is an aircraft powered by a jet engine. Basically, it creates motive power by using fuel like gas or oil inside the engine to drive the jet to move forward. Whereas turboprops use gas power to move the propeller to generate thrust.
Turboprop engines work by having the intake, compressor, reduction gearbox, turbine, combustor, and propelling nozzle. These elements efficiently convert engine power to drive the propeller for effective thrust.
But Why Does Knowing the Two Separate Engines Matter?
They matter because they perform differently. Jet engines have an internal combustion engine which maximizes their efficiency by speed. In other words, the faster jets go, the better they are at not wasting fuel or time. Turboprops, powered by gas, excel at slower speeds over shorter distances. By going slower, they are becoming more efficient in fuel.
Due to varying engine types and aircraft design, their performances differ. A jet engine can reach destinations faster and they fly long distance trips. Whereas, a turboprop is designed to go slow and make shorter trips in the regional area. (1)
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Private Jet and Turboprop
Flying in both of these planes is excellent. Here are the benefits or drawbacks that can help you decide which flight to choose.
The Costs Between the Two
Anytime you fly private, there are always a lot of fees. There are maintenance fees, crew and pilot fees and other airport charges. But, if you’re wanting a more economical choice, then turboprop is the right fit for you. You are saving a lot of costs because you’re flying on this lightweight turboprop plane. The savings of costs are significant than a private jet because of the aircraft type and the engine.
However, if you need to get somewhere fast, then chartering a private jet is a better option. You won’t have to worry about missing that meeting. The plus side is that you can go as far as you want when you’re flying on a private jet.
Exterior Differences & Similarities Between Private Jets and Turboprops
Turboprops and private jets are beautiful aircraft. But if you look at both of them at the same time, you will notice that they’re not quite the same in design. They are both designed for different purposes.
For instance, the jets are sleeker in design than turboprops. Turboprops have exterior propellers and private jets do not. Private jets and Turboprops feature engines on each side. Yet, both are designed with sophistication and luxury.
Private Jet & Turboprop Interior Similarities and Differences
Despite the exterior differences, the interior design is gorgeous. It is all designed with luxury in mind. With plush leather seats and reclining seats to magnify complete comfort while traveling. It has all the amenities that you would expect for your travels. The interior cabin makes a difference in the world when it comes to comfortable travel.
Normally private jets can store more luggage or passengers depending on the size of the jet. But the great difference about turboprops is that the seating is versatile. So, if you want to carry more luggage, they can remove seating to make room for more cargo in the back.
In-flight Engine Noise & Altitudes
The design of the engines makes one louder than the other. Private jets have quieter engines, which is ideal when flying into city airports. The propellers make turboprops louder. So they don’t always fly into city airports due to nearby residential homes.
It doesn’t matter if turboprops are noisy because they have soundproofed the cabin. It silences the distracting engine noise for passengers. So they travel in comfort throughout the flight. The only thing that wouldn’t be silenced is during takeoff. (2)
They both fly at different altitudes. A jet can fly higher than 30,000 feet in the air. But a turboprop should not attempt to fly higher than 25,000 – 30,000 feet.
The turboprop was not built to fly at high altitudes. So, it’s very unsafe to push the limits for this propeller type plane. Turboprops are very dependent on the weather forecast. Turboprops cannot fly in inclement weather.
But a jet can fly higher than 30,000 feet and travel through bad weather and it would be completely safe. They may have a little turbulence depending on how severe the weather is, but that’s not a big deal. (3)
Landing in Airport Destinations
The best part of a Turboprop is that it doesn’t need a traditional large asphalt runway to land. In fact, turboprops can reach the most remote airports. Or they can land in very underdeveloped runways. Turboprops can even take off from very short runways. The point is by flying this type of aircraft, you have more airport destinations to travel to than a private jet. Private jets need longer runways and they need asphalt runways to take off or land.
Are They Both Safe?
There’s been a myth that one of them is safer than the other. Brighton Aviation is here to shatter that myth by saying that they are both very safe. Both types feature turbine engines designed for reliability, simplicity, and easy operation. You and your travel companions are in very safe hands.
Which Aircraft is Right For You?
The big question is which one should you choose? They both have great benefits and they have small disadvantages to each one. But it all comes down to you. What kind of trip are you planning?
How many passengers are coming with you? How far is the distance you are traveling? What fits into your travel budget? How much luggage storage do you need? And there are many more questions that are deciding factors.
Now, gather your travel plans and connect with Brighton Aviation. They can consult with you to determine the aircraft type that best fits your needs. Brighton Aviation cares about you receiving the best private flight experience. Don’t delay, book today.