WHY TURBO PROP ARE BETTER THAN LIGHT JETS So, I went out and to talk with some non-aviation
specialists about the difference between turboprops and jets, they said that turboprops are basically
jets with propellers, although this is true, but when I gave them a chance to elaborate,
some kind of notions were shared, such as noise and bumpy flights are said to be associated
with turboprops.
Most people believe that turboprops are generally less comfortable than light jets, but this
is far from the truth.
Modern-day turboprops are just as comfortable as light jets, most seating around 6-8 passengers,
exactly like a light jet.
So how are turboprops better than jets?
Let’s find out.
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One of the major advantages of turboprops is that they have excellent short-field take-off
and landing capabilities.
Most turboprop aircraft have much shorter takeoff and landing distances than light jets,
which means they have access to smaller, regional airports with shorter runways.
The average light or mid-sized jet requires about 5,000 feet of runway to safely take
off and land, while some turboprops can safely take off and land with as little as 2500 feet
of runway length.
This grants turboprops access to some of the country’s hardest-to-reach airports.
While in flight, there is a popular belief that turboprops are less comfortable and noisier
than light jets, which isn’t true at all.
Modern-day turboprops are as comfortable as some of the best light jets.
When it comes to getting you from Point A to Point B, this is one area where light jets
usually beat turboprops; however, there isn’t a drastic difference between the two.
For instance, the traveling time from New York to Florida in a turboprop would be 4
hours, whereas it would be about 3 hours in a light jet, but also consider that roughly
80% of private flights in the US are less than two hours, this makes the use of a jet
illogical.
If you aren’t too much concerned about time, a turboprop may stand a better option, be
it chartering or buying.
Also, remember that some of the modern turboprops can fly faster than some of the light jets.
For example, the Piaggio Avanti Evo, can fly at more than 400 knots, faster than most light
jets, faster than Cessna Citation Mustang and Phenom 100, and still cost less to operate,
turboprop aircraft was specifically designed to be the most efficient at low altitudes
and slower speeds under 500 mph.
When turboprops are flown at the correct altitude and airspeed, they are extremely efficient
and burn less fuel than most light jets, which in turn lowers the hourly rate of the aircraft.
If you fly an Avanti instead of a Citation CJ3, for instance, you may save approximately
$195 per hour in fuel costs.
It is, however, essential to note that a number of factors, such as air mass and the velocity
of gases, affect the efficiency of an aircraft.
In general, turboprops are more fuel-efficient at lower altitudes, whereas light jets are
more efficient at higher altitudes.
When it comes to safety: turboprops are safer than light jets, due to their increased ‘balanced
field’ capability.
A balanced field implies how quickly, safely, and easily you can stop a plane – if anything
goes wrong – after it has reached its takeoff speed.
As turboprops have large propellers, they provide extra drag to help the plane stop
when required, besides they use much shorter take-off and landing length, giving you more
room to stop the plane or rotate to avoid a potential hazard when needed.
With a side by side comparison of Cirrus Vision jet, the most popular single-engine jet, and
Daher TBM 940, one of the most popular single-engine turboprops, the reason I chose the two aircraft
is because they are similar in size, performance and of course, they’re both single-engined.
The Vison jet can hold up to seven occupants at once, while the TBM can only hold 6.
With a cruise speed of 290 mph, the TBM is better than the Vision jet, which cruises
at 280 mph.
In terms of range, the TBM can go 2000 miles, enough to go Los Angeles to Chicago nonstop,
or halfway across the United States without setting foot on the ground.
The vison jet can only go 1000 miles, this is 1000 miles less than the distance the TBM
can travel nonstop.
But you can go for the G2 model of the vision jet, which flies 400 miles more nonstop.
Both aircraft have a useful load of 1400lbs and cruises at 31000 ft.
In a normal cruise, the TBM burns 55 gallons of fuel per hour in economy cruise, since
JET fuel typically costs $4 per gallon, the hourly fuel cost on the TBM is about $200
per hour.
Maintenance is estimated to cost $300.00 per hour.
Combining the two gives us $500 per hour in direct operating costs.
If you fly frequently and accumulate up to 400 hours annually, the TBM will cost you
about $200,000 annually.
With 4.5 million dollars, you can get this airplane brand-new.
In comparison with the Vision Jet, which burns about 80 gallons per hour in cruise, with
jet fuel typically costing about 4 dollars per gallon, hourly fuel cost on the Vision
jet is about $320 per hour, maintenance is estimated at $350 per hour, total direct operating
cost on the Vision jet is about $670 per hour, If you 400 hours yearly, annual costs on the
Vision Jet will be $260,000, that’s $60,000 more than what the TBM will cost you.
Where the vision jet wins is at purchase cost, the price for a brand-new Cirrus Vision Jet
SF-50 is $2.7 million.
Almost half the price of the TBM 940.
Even though turboprops are usually cheaper to operate and maintain, the decision to buy
a turboprop, or any private jet, comes down to your flying needs and preferences.
If you need to fly long distances, a light jet is the way the go.
To cover shorter distances, a turboprop would be the best bet.
So, what are the best Turboprops you should buy instead of a jet?
1.
Piper Meridian: Easily one of the best small turboprop planes on the market today, the
Piper Meridian has come to exemplify the ultimate combination of American engineering and elegance.
Manufactured by Florida’s very own Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, the Meridian combines
over 40 years of experience with state-of-the-art U.S. technology and safety features to deliver
a flight experience that sets a new standard for both passengers and pilots.
A master of both short-range and long-range missions, the Meridian brings together the
highly trusted Pratt and Whitney PT6 turbine engine and Garmin’s advanced avionics to
yield a flight range over 1,000 miles at an altitude of 30,000 ft.
You and your passengers will have no problems arriving on time and in style.
The Meridian’s interior is the envy of other aircraft.
It’s spacious cabin comfortably seats up to 5 passengers with all the luxuries you’d
expect from a Piper plane; premium leather, lush carpet, and genuine woods.
Corporate executives will rejoice in the convenience of work tables, USB charging ports, and lighting
control.
The price for a brand-new Piper Meridian is about $3m.
2.
Piaggio Avanti EVO: There When Italy’s leading aerospace manufacturing company released the
Piaggio Avanti EVO, they delivered on three key business demands: speed, comfort, and
cost-effectiveness.
Piaggio Aerospace blended the very best in Italian design with superb craftsmanship to
create a high-performance aircraft that not only turns heads for its dashing looks, but
also for its superior performance and amenities.
The Avanti EVO exceeds speeds of 460 mph, making it the world’s fastest turboprop
plane, even faster than some jets and at a fraction of the operational cost.
It’s also one of the few turboprop planes that can fly nonstop from New York to California,
with an impressive range of 2,759 nautical miles.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about your ecological footprint, the EVO emits 40% less
CO2 emissions compared to other light aircraft.
Before you even board the Avanti EVO, you can appreciate the aircraft’s striking beauty.
Its curved aerodynamic design provides a sleek profile, while the spacious and light-filled
cabin offers headroom of 5 foot 9 inches and an abundance of space for up to 8 passengers.
The standard EVO even comes with a restroom.
The price for a brand-new Piaggio Avanti EVO is about $7.5m.
3.
Beechcraft Super King Air 350i With a maximum flight range of 1,806 nautical
miles and an impressive capacity of up to 11 passengers, the
Beechcraft Super King Air can carry your entire office from Los Angeles to Chicago non-stop.
First released in 1972, the corporate heavy lifter has undergone 40 years of continuous
innovation and improvement, making it today’s best-selling business turboprop plane.
True to its name, the Super King Air rules the skies with twin Pratt & Whitney Canada
PT6 turbine power engines and high-performance propellers.
Pilots can take advantage of the latest NextGen-ready touch-screen avionics and MultiScan weather
tracking for simple in-flight aviation.
However, the Beechcraft team aims to please those who want to fly, just as much as those
who want to be flown.
Passengers can enjoy executive seating, fold-out tables, power outlets, and Wi-Fi connectivity
in the soundproofed cabin, which measures 17-feet-long.
Yep, it’s a cabin fit for a king.
There are 6 interior design packages to choose from, ranging from elegant silver and pewter
tones to timeless saddle tan with distinctive rich woods.
Currently, to buy this airplane brand new will cost you about $8m.
4.
Pilatus PC-12 NGX Are you looking for a multi-purpose powerhouse
that can take you from gravel to grass or even more rudimentary runways?
Don’t look past the PC12.
The newest model, the PC-12 NGX brings years of intelligent thinking into arguably the
best single-engine turboprop.
Fitted with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine, the NGX climbs and cruises faster than its
predecessors without any increase in horsepower.
This airplane is built for versatility.
It’s perfect for business executives, with up to 10 passengers treated to a true office
in the sky with the latest entertainment and communication devices, as well as reliable
WIFI and USB ports.
Designed in conjunction with BMW, you can choose from six flashy interior packages featuring
European leathers and ergonomic seating.
Where the PC-12 excels is the aircraft’s safety profile.
With almost 1,700 PC-12s in the air and over 600 million flight hours, it’s considered
one of the safest and most reliable aircraft.
It’s also one of the most versatile singlepilot turboprop planes used all around the world
for business charters, air ambulance, surveillance, law enforcement, and cargo transport.
A brand-new PC 12 cost about $5.5m
5.
Epic 1000, Introduced in 2015, Over the last two decades, there has been a shortage of
new entrants into the turboprop market.
The E1000 came with so many advancements, with a sleeker modern design, this is certainly
the most beautiful single-engine turbo prop to look at.
The E1000 promises a 360 mph cruise speed and may be a viable option for those seeking
a speed machine.
Initially introduced back in 2004 as the Epic LT.
On paper, the E1000 slays the TBM 930, its nearest competitor.
it is stated to deliver fuel burns of 60 gallons per hour at cruise speeds of 300 knots and
40 gallons per hour fuel burn at 300 knots up to 34,000 feet.
The time to climb to maximum altitude is just 15 minutes.
According to Epic aircraft, useful on this aircraft is 1,100 pounds with a range of at
least 1,650 nautical miles, according to the company.
The price for a brand new Epic E1000 will cost you $3.5m.
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