Turboprop.
A turboprop is an aircraft powered by a gas turbine engine that drives a propeller. Turboprops are efficient at speeds below about 390 knots and at lower altitudes than jets, and can use short or unpaved runways. In charter, single-engine and twin-engine turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air serve short regional sectors and small airfields.
| Term | Turboprop |
|---|---|
| Used in | Private aviation, charter brokerage and operations |
| Related terms | Very light jet (VLJ), Light jet, Cabin class |
| Sources | 2 listed below |
What does Turboprop mean in practice?
Turboprops are the sensible choice for short sectors, small airfields and lower budgets, and they appear on empty leg listings more often than many first-time travellers expect.
The Pilatus PC-12, for example, seats up to nine passengers, has a maximum range of 1,765 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 290 knots, and can operate from grass, gravel or snow runways with a take-off distance of 2,485 feet. That opens up airfields no jet can use. The drawbacks are speed and noise. A turboprop cruises well below a jet, so the same sector takes longer, and the cabin is louder and more affected by weather at the altitudes turboprops fly. Single-engine turboprops are permitted for commercial passenger flights under EASA and FAA rules, subject to conditions, but some travellers prefer two engines; ask. On cost, turboprops are usually well below light jets per hour, and for short sectors the time difference is small.
Questions
What does Turboprop mean?
A turboprop is an aircraft powered by a gas turbine engine that drives a propeller. Turboprops are efficient at speeds below about 390 knots and at lower altitudes than jets, and can use short or unpaved runways. In charter, single-engine and twin-engine turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air serve short regional sectors and small airfields.
Sources
- Pilatus PC-12 (accessed 2026-09-20)
- Wikipedia: Turboprop (accessed 2026-09-20)
Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.