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Turboprop aircraft are powered by engines that use a gas turbine to drive the propeller. These engines are more reliable and give aircraft the ability to fly at higher altitudes than piston engines. They also offer better short runway performance and burn less fuel than jets, meaning lower operating costs and access to many more general aviation airports which may have runways too short to manage jets. However, turboprops fly slower than jets and most are fairly small, seating 6 to 8, though there are larger turboprops available. The typical turboprop may be compared in size to a large SUV, and is often arranged in the layout of a small office. |
