Charter Aircraft Guide
Selecting the right aircraft for an air charter trip
can sometime be a daunting task. There are a myriad of options and pricing
can seem rather intimidating. The following are some basic categories
of airplanes that are available for your next charter flight:
Single-Engine Piston
The single-engine piston airplane is the entry level
charter airplane. Depending on the ariplane it will have between 4 and
6 total seats. However, the pilot seat(s) are included in that number
and weight restrictions usually reduce the number of usable seats by
one or two seats. This means that most single-engine piston airplanes
are good for 1-2 passengers on trips of less than 250 miles. Aircraft
in this category include the Cirrus SR22, the Cessna 172, and the Piper
Saratoga. These single-engine airplanes fly at speeds between 120 and
190 miles per hour.
Light Twin
 The twin-engine piston airplane has been popular for
many decades as an economical airplane with the improved safety margin
of having a second engine. Light Twins typically have 6 total seats.
However,
the pilot seat(s) are included in that number and weight restrictions
usually reduce the number of usable seats by
one or two seats. This means that most light twin-engine piston airplanes
are good for 1-3 passengers on trips 150 - 350 miles. Airplanes in this
category include the Beechcraft Baron, the Cessna 310, and the Piper
Seneca. These light twins fly at speeds between 160 and 230 miles per
hour.
Cabin Class Piston Twin
 The Cabin Class Piston Twin Egine airplane also has
the improved
safety
margin
of
having a second engine and is built with a larger cabin. This larger
cabin creates a center aisle between the seats giving a little more elbow
room to make the flight more comfortable. Cabin Class Twins typically
have 6 -9 total seats. However, the pilot seat(s) are included
in that number
and
weight
restrictions
usually reduce the number of usable seats by one or two seats. This means
that most cabin class twin-engine airplanes are good for 1-5 passengers
on trips of 150 - 400 miles. Some Cabin Class twin-engine airplanes are
pressurized allowing for higher altitudes and more comfortable flights.
Airplanes in this category include the Piper Navajo, the Cessna 414,
and the Cessna
421.
These light
twins
fly
at
speeds between 190 and 240 miles per hour.
Turboprop Airplanes
 Turboprop (sometimes called jet prop) airplanes are
similar in size to the Cabin Class Twins but are powered by jet engines
that turn the propeller. Turboprops are available in single engine or
multi-engine version. They are faster and fly higher than piston powered
airplanes. They are suitable for up to 4-8 passengers depending on the
model and the distance being flown, and are great for trip distances
of 250-600 miles. Airplanes in this category include the Beechcraft King
Air, the Pilatus PC12, and the Cessna Conquest. Turboprop airplanes fly
at speeds between 250 and 325 miles per hour.
Jet Airplanes
 Jet
airplanes are the upper end of the air charter market.
With speeds ranging from 400-500 miles per hour, jets are designed to
transport passengers quickly to long distance destinations. Airplanes
in this category include the Learjet, the Cessna Citation, and the Beechjet.
Jets are available in almost any seating configuration from 5-8 passenger
seats for most business jets, all the way up to a large airliner.
Call Nation Aviation today to learn more about air charter can help
you accomplish more in your business.
All air charter flights are provided by FAA
approved, certificated air charter companies. |
