The Most Popular Turboprop Airplanes

When it comes to speed, private aircraft aren’t always the greatest choice. With growing jet fuel prices and environmental concerns, the future of private aviation is returning to propeller-driven aircraft, also known as Turboprop aircraft.

Turboprop planes may travel the same distance for a fraction of the cost, and propeller planes are just as luxurious, contrary to popular belief. These aircraft are a combination of jet engines and the conventional piston engine propeller found on smaller, lighter planes. Turboprops are dependable alternatives that bridge the gap between high-speed, high-altitude jets and low-flying small aircraft.

Turboprop aircraft are typically larger than piston-powered aircraft and can fly higher, up to 35,000 feet, than piston-powered aircraft. Businesses that need to fly missions requiring 600-1,000 miles of travel between general aviation airports with runways too short to handle jets should consider turboprops. The typical turboprop aircraft seats 6-8 people and is sometimes set up like a small office, where coworkers may meet and make effective use of time while en route to a destination.

Cessna Conquest II

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cessna_441_Conquest_II_AN0841419.jpg

The Conquest was Cessna’s first turboprop-powered aircraft, debuting in 1977, and has since evolved into a sought-after aircraft for its cost-effectiveness and outstanding speed. The Cessna Conquest II is a compact, lightweight, and powerful aircraft with a maximum flight range of 1,700 nautical miles and a high cruise speed of 370 mph, comparable to jets of similar size but with a cost savings of up to 40%. It’s also certified for 35,000 feet, allowing you and your passengers to fly above the weather and rush-hour traffic.

The Conquest’s circle-shaped cabin, which produces a roomy, light-filled interior that most passengers prefer over the typical tube design, is a unique feature that sets it apart. Rich mahogany woods and quality leather seats embellish the interior. There’s also a semi-private lavatory and enough luggage space for at least four sets of golf clubs and a few duffle bags.

Piper Meridian P46T

Source: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2014/december/pilot/t_ql

The Piper Meridian is easily one of the best small turboprop planes on the market today, exemplifying the perfect blend of American engineering and elegance. The Meridian, built in Florida by Piper Aircraft, combines over 40 years of experience with cutting-edge technology and safety measures to provide a flight experience that sets new benchmarks for both passengers and pilots.

The Meridian combines the PT6A-42A turbine engine with Garmin’s superior avionics to provide a flight range of nearly 1,000 miles and a maximum approved altitude of 30,000 feet, making it a master of both short- and long-range missions. You and your passengers will arrive on time and in style without a hitch.

Its large interior comfortably accommodates up to 5 passengers and comes equipped with all of the niceties you’d expect from a Piper jet, including quality leather, luxurious carpet, and authentic woods. The convenience of work tables, USB charging ports, and lighting control will delight corporate executives.

Piaggio Avanti EVO

Source: https://acass.com/en/aircrafts/piaggio-p180-avanti-evo/

When the Piaggio Avanti EVO was released, it met three essential business requirements: speed, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Piaggio Aerospace combined the finest of Italian design with great craftsmanship to develop a high-performance aircraft that not only looks good but also performs well and has plenty of amenities.

The Avanti EVO can reach speeds of more than 460 mph, making it the world’s fastest turboprop plane, faster than some jets and at a fraction of the cost. You can enjoy the Avanti EVO’s remarkable elegance even before you board it. 

Its curved aerodynamic shape gives it a streamlined look, while the large and light-filled interior has 5 feet 9 inches of headroom and plenty of capacity for up to 8 passengers. Even a restroom is included in the standard EVO.

Bombardier Q400

Source: https://www.vikingair.com/company-careers/media-centre/longview-aviation-capital-corp-agrees-acquire-dash-8-program-bombardier

The Bombardier Q400 is a turboprop aircraft built for shorter-distance trips. It has 76 comfortable seats with boarding doors in the front and back of the plane for speedier passenger loading and deplaning. 

Larger carry-on items will be placed on a planeside cart before boarding due to limited overhead storage and under-seat space. As you exit your flight, these things will be appropriately labeled and returned to the cart, where you can retrieve them at a specified place on the ramp or jet bridge.

In terms of environmental friendliness, efficiency, and comfort, the Bombardier Q400 establishes new benchmarks. It is the most efficient turboprop available. It is known as the “network builder” because of its short take-off and landing capabilities and effective regional operations. 

Beechcraft Super King Air 350i

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The Beechcraft Super King Air 350i can transport your complete workplace from Los Angeles to Chicago nonstop, with a maximum flight range of 1,806 nautical miles and a capacity of up to 11 passengers. The corporate heavy lifter, first introduced in 1972, has experienced 40 years of continual invention and refinement, making it the best-selling business turboprop jet today.

With two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turbine power engines and high-performance propellers, the Super King Air lives up to its name. For simplified in-flight flying, pilots can use the newest NextGen-ready touch-screen avionics and MultiScan weather tracking.

In the sound-proofed cabin, which spans 17 feet long, passengers may enjoy executive chairs, fold-out tables, power outlets, and wifi connectivity. It is, indeed, a king’s cabin.