By Stefaan Ghijs
Many people often talk about private jets, but they actually refer to a private aircraft instead. Whether the aircraft is equipped with propellers or jet engines is seen as irrelevant by people. To make things simple: The word private jet is used by a lot of people to describe private flying.
But what are the differences between using a private jet with engines and a propeller plane? Below, we will explain several differences.
Distances
Despite the popularity of private jets, a propeller plane continues to play a very important role in today’s air transport. Most airlines use propeller aircraft for shorter distance flights. A propeller-driven aircraft is an efficient aircraft for flights with a distance between 700 and 1000 kilometers. For longer distances, a propeller aircraft is not the most efficient and cost-effective aircraft.
If you have to travel a greater distance, a private jet is a better choice for your private flight. On the long flights the higher speed of a private jet is no doubt paying off. On short flights the advantages of a private jet compared to a propeller plane are negligible, as the time savings in operating a private jet versus a propeller aircraft are minimal.
The minimal gain of time with a private jet is related to the fact that private jets have to climb to higher altitudes after take-off. The latter in comparison with a propeller aircraft that continues its flight on lower altitudes.
Runways for a propeller plane
Propeller aircraft are ideal for shorter runways. High-altitude airports in the Alps can also be reached easily with a propeller plane. The average private jet requires at least 1500 meters of runway to be able to land or take-off safely. Propeller aircraft only require on average 750 meters of runway length. Also grass runways are usually impossible to be operated with a private jet. A grass runway poses no problems for propeller planes.
Weather conditions
When you fly with a private jet you have the advantage that you can fly at a higher altitude and above bad weather. Flying higher allows airplanes to avoid turbulence that occurs at lower altitudes.
Propeller planes fly at a lower altitude and therefore have to deal with bad weather more often. Of course, in such cases the flight path will be changed circumventing any bad weather which you might encounter en-route.
Prices
The price to rent a propeller aircraft is often lower compared to a jet. A price for an entry-level private jet starts at € 1,800.00 per flying hour whereas the price for a propeller aircraft starts on average at € 580.00 per flight hour. The prices are often lower because the lower fuel costs and the landing fees of a propeller aircraft.
Do you nonetheless wish to travel with a private jet? Check here some tips to book a cheaper private jet!
Comfort
Depending on the purpose of a private flight passengers are looking for on-board comfortability. Passengers who travel for business over a short distance often have less requirements than passengers going on holidays. A business passenger on board mostly opens his laptop and starts working immediately after take-off. Passengers who go on a holiday taking a private jet rather enjoy the overall experience.
So, there are clear differences between a private jet and a propeller plane. But in the end the aircraft choice comes down to the customer needs. The only thing we can do is explain the pros and cons so that you as a customer can make a well-informed decision.
With Fly Aeolus we travel to more than 1600 destinations in Europe. You can check out the price for an air taxi flight with a Cirrus SR22 by using our Fly Aeolus flight calculator. Do not hesitate to contact us for all your flight requests via info@flyaeolus.com or call us at +32 (0) 3 500 9082 (Belgium), +31 (0) 15 820 0999 (the Netherlands) or +49 (0) 30 9789 6996 (Germany).
We would be more than happy to help you making the right choice.