Turboprop aircraft: How does it work?

How does a turboprop work?

Would you like to charter a turboprop? AEROAFFAIRES will show you the advantages and disadvantages of these very specific aircraft.

There are two types of private aircraft engine used in business aviation: jet-powered private jets and turboprop business jets. The distinction between these 2 types of aircraft is not always obvious, yet it is essential. That said, they are not in the same category as large commercial aircraft, for example. You need to define your needs and desires to make your choice.

The turboprop is a little-known aircraft, which is why we’re going to give you all the details you need to charter your turboprop aircraft.

What is a turboprop?

In 1939, a number of engineers in the United States came up with an innovation. They used a new mechanism to drive propeller rotation: a gas turbine. The 1st turboprop engine was the Rolls-Royce Trent, built in 1945.

Today, a turboprop aircraft is easily recognized by its propellers. Whether on the wings or on the nose, the blades are the decisive element in the aircraft’s ability to take off.

In aeronautics, the fundamental difference between a private jet and a turboprop is the engine’s operating principle.

The passage of air through the engine is the key to start-up. The air passes through the compressor (high-pressure compressor) and then the combustion chamber. In terms of fuel consumption, the fuel is then injected and burned, producing an increase in heat. This drives the turbine and propeller. The faster the air enters, the higher the turbine speed, propelling the aircraft forward. The exhaust and ejection of gases, and the residual energy not recovered by the turbine blades, provide additional thrust.

How a turboprop engine works

Photo credit : Aeroaffaires

Operation of a turbojet engine used on private jets

Photo credit: Aeroaffaires

These 2 diagrams illustrate the difference in operation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of leasing a turboprop?

Today, this aircraft suffers from stereotypes. Passengers see them as slow, old-fashioned and inferior to private jets (although some military aircraft are also turboprops, for example). Yet propeller-driven aircraft offer performance that no private jet can match.

The advantages of renting a turboprop

• Versatility: turboprops outperform private jets on landing gear and takeoff. Propeller-driven aircraft can land on short runways (less than 900 meters) and on any type of surface (dirt, grass or even sand). This gives them access to virtually all airports (8,000 worldwide on AEROAFFAIRES). For example, if you want to go to Courchevel, you can only land with a turboprop, as private jets don’t have the necessary authorizations to land.

• Lower costs: in the air transport sector, a turboprop consumes less kerosene than a turbojet private jet. What’s more, the operating costs of turboprop aircraft are often one-tenth of those of turbojet aircraft.

• Short-haul: turboprops offer comparable performance to very light private jets over short distances. Turboprops fly at a slightly lower speed than very light jets. At cruising speed, this gives an average of 500 km/h for propeller-driven aircraft, compared with an average of 650 km/h for ultra-light private jets. However, the turboprop can fly at low altitude, saving time on take-off and landing, and enabling a shorter itinerary. As a result, flight times are similar: a flight from Paris Le Bourget to Geneva in a turboprop aircraft will last just as long as a flight in a light private jet, at a lower cost.

• Medical evacuations: turboprops are the aircraft most frequently used for medical evacuations. The Pilatus PC-12 offers unrivalled performance, essential for medical flights. This aircraft has access to 2,500 airfields in Europe, whereas private jets only have access to 1,500 runways. What’s more, the Pilatus PC-12 is economical, has a large payload and the cabin can be easily modified to meet medical emergencies. This means the aircraft can land and take off as close as possible to your medical establishment, and offer a safe flight thanks to the transport of specific medical equipment.

• Economical price: Turboprops are much more economical than private jets. The Phenom 100, a must-have in the ultra-light private jet category, is available for rental at 2,300 euros per hour. The best-selling turboprop Pilatus PC-12 is available for 1,400 euros per hour. For short-haul flights, renting a turboprop will prove much more cost-effective.

• Air freight: turboprops are the ideal tool for meeting air freight requirements. These economical aircraft, with their easy-to-modulate interiors and ability to land in specific locations, are very popular for air freight.

Turboprop charter limitations

• Flight speed: Only aircraft not exceeding 700km/h are equipped with a turboprop engine. The speed of the air hitting the propellers generates transonic shock waves. At 800km/h, for example, a third of the blade length is affected. This reduces aircraft efficiency by 50%, making flight impossible.

• Aircraft comfort: Turboprops are being modernized. New aircraft on the market, such as the Pilatus PC-12 NGX, now offer a level of comfort almost comparable to that of a private jet. However, the majority of propeller-driven aircraft suffer from soundproofing problems and a lack of high-tech equipment on board.

Photo credit: Pilatus

Which turboprops are the most popular to rent?

The aircraft listed below are available for rental with AEROAFFAIRES. When you rent an aircraft from a broker or an airline, the strict rules of public passenger transport must be respected. Airlines have an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This approval guarantees passengers an aircraft in perfect condition and qualified pilots. The AOC guarantees a high level of aircraft maintenance and strict monitoring of pilot qualifications.

For turboprops, a fundamental rule is added: “two engines, two pilots”. As a result, all aircraft available for rental by airlines and brokers must be twin-engined (with the exception of Pilatus PC-12 and TBM 850), so as to have a second engine available in case of failure. It is essential to understand the importance of the AOC in order to distinguish between the aircraft offered by brokers and the passenger aircraft offered by airlines.

Pilatus PC-12, the most modern turboprop aircraft

A true Swiss Army knife of business aviation, the Pilatus PC-12 meets all the requirements of a wealthy clientele. A technological jewel, this aircraft is also an accomplishment in terms of design and comfort. With a leather interior redesigned by BMW Design Work, Wifi, latest-generation air-conditioning system, reduced noise pollution, increased flight speed and record take-off distance (just 750 meters), the Pilatus PC-12 NGX is the must-have turboprop on the market.

Price example:

Paris – Saint Tropez from 8,500 euros for 7 passengers

Photo credit: Pilatus

Piaggio Avanti, the fastest turboprop

Nicknamed the Ferrari of the air, the Piaggio Avanti P 180 is comparable to a private jet: comfortable, spacious and fast. Its cruising speed of 700 km/h is a record for a turboprop. What’s more, its large windows, 175-centimeter ceiling height, on-board silence and interior design put it head and shoulders above the best light private jets.

Price example;

Geneva – Nice from 5,500 euros for 7 passengers

Photo credit : Piaggio Aero

King Air C90 GT, the most popular propeller plane

The King Air is one of the most popular aircraft to rent. Its luxurious interior is perfectly organized. Its cabin is 50% larger than that of light private jets. With a range of 1,700 kilometers and an average speed of 400 km/h, this aircraft is ideal for short-haul flights.

Price example

London – Amsterdam from 6,500 euros for 7 passengers

Photo credit : Beechcraft

Beechcraft 1900 D, for group flights of less than 20 people

With room for 19 passengers, the Beechcraft 1900 D is the ideal aircraft for domestic flights. It is one of the only aircraft on the market capable of carrying more than 15 passengers and landing on short runways. What’s more, the aircraft’s cabin can be modified to accommodate up to 6 stretchers for medical evacuation. Air freight is also possible with this turboprop.

Price example

Paris – Cardiff from 11,500 euros for 18 passengers

Photo credit : Beechcraft

Fokker 50, for flights of more than 20 people

An airliner capable of carrying up to 50 passengers, the Fokker 50 is ideal for transporting groups and sports teams. This aircraft offers optimum flying conditions, with large windows and a cabin height of 1.97 meters. What’s more, the aircraft’s interior can be transformed into a VIP configuration to offer passengers an exclusive flying experience.

Price example

Brussels – Nice from 35,500 euros for 49 passengers

Photo credit : Fokker

Vulcanair Aviator TP 600, for mountain flights

Equipped with state-of-the-art flight technology, the Vulcanair TP 600 is one of the most powerful aircraft in its category. These Rolls-Royce turbines enable the aircraft to land (notably with a thrust-reversal system) and take off on very short runways. Along with the Vulcanair P68, this aircraft is the only turboprop authorized to land in Courchevel for public transport.

Rent a Vulcanair Aviator TP 600 between Paris and Courchevel from 7,500 euros

Photo credit: Alpine Airlines

Conclusion

Turboprops are the perfect aircraft for short distances (Paris-Geneva or Nice-Milan). Above all, you need to define your needs carefully. If cost and flexibility of take-off and landing are more important than speed and comfort, then turboprop aircraft are just what you’re looking for. And don’t forget that some propeller-driven aircraft offer the same level of comfort as a private jet.

Make your first turboprop flight with AEROAFFAIRES, our aviation experts answer all your questions 24/7 on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82