Turboprop vs Light Jet: Choosing the Right Aircraft

For buyers who fly missions under 1,500 nautical miles, the choice between a turboprop and a light jet is one of the most consequential decisions in the acquisition process. Both aircraft types are capable, modern, and well supported, but they serve different mission profiles with different cost structures. This comparison lays out the practical differences.

Speed and Range

Light jets cruise between 380 and 460 knots at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Turboprops cruise between 260 and 340 knots at altitudes typically between 25,000 and 31,000 feet. On a 500 nautical mile trip, this speed difference translates to roughly 30 to 45 minutes of additional travel time in a turboprop.

However, the speed advantage diminishes on shorter routes. On trips under 300 nm, the total door to door time difference between a turboprop and a light jet may be as little as 10 to 15 minutes, once taxi, climb, and descent time are factored in.

Range varies significantly by model. The Pilatus PC 12 offers 1,803 nm of range, which overlaps with many light jets. The Beechcraft King Air 350 reaches 1,806 nm. Light jets like the Phenom 300E extend to 2,010 nm and the Citation CJ4 to 2,165 nm, providing genuinely longer reach for buyers who need it.

Operating Costs

This is where the turboprop makes its strongest case. Turboprops burn less fuel, have lower maintenance reserves, and cost less to insure than comparable light jets.

A Pilatus PC 12 NG costs approximately USD 1,000 to USD 1,200 per flight hour in direct operating costs. A King Air 350 runs USD 1,400 to USD 1,800 (twin engine). By comparison, a Phenom 300E costs USD 1,800 to USD 2,200 per hour, and a Citation CJ4 costs USD 1,900 to USD 2,400.

Over 300 annual flight hours, the operating cost difference between a PC 12 and a Phenom 300E amounts to roughly USD 240,000 to USD 300,000 per year. For buyers who do not need the jet's speed advantage, that annual saving is substantial.

Runway Access

Turboprops generally require less runway than light jets. The PC 12 can operate from runways as short as 2,500 feet, and the King Air 350 needs approximately 3,300 feet. Light jets typically need 3,500 to 4,500 feet for takeoff depending on conditions.

This matters for buyers who regularly fly to destinations with shorter airfields. In mountainous regions, island locations, and rural areas, a turboprop's shorter field performance provides access that a light jet cannot match. The Pilatus PC 24 is a notable exception among jets, having been certified for unpaved runway operations.

Cabin Comfort

Modern turboprops and light jets both offer pressurised, air conditioned cabins with enclosed lavatories. Cabin dimensions are broadly comparable, though specific models vary:

The PC 12's cabin is 5 feet wide and 17 feet long, making it one of the most spacious single engine aircraft cabins available. The King Air 350 offers a 4 foot 6 inch wide cabin with executive seating for up to eight.

Light jet cabins are typically 5 to 5.5 feet wide. The Phenom 300E's cabin is notably comfortable at 5 foot 1 inch width and 17 foot 2 inch length, with a flat floor and a full lavatory.

The main cabin comfort difference is noise. Turboprops produce more cabin noise than jets due to propeller vibration, though modern soundproofing has narrowed this gap considerably. Passengers who fly frequently or conduct meetings in flight may prefer the quieter jet cabin environment.

Altitude and Weather

Light jets fly higher, typically cruising between 37,000 and 45,000 feet. At these altitudes, jets fly above most weather systems, providing a smoother ride and more direct routing. Turboprops operating at 25,000 to 31,000 feet are more frequently affected by convective weather and turbulence, though they can still navigate around most weather systems with modern radar and ATC support.

Which Is Right for You

Choose a turboprop if you:

Fly primarily under 1,000 nm per trip. Need access to short or unpaved runways. Prioritise operating cost efficiency over speed. Value cargo flexibility and cabin space.

Choose a light jet if you:

Regularly fly 1,000 to 2,000 nm trips. Need speed for time critical travel. Prefer a quieter cabin environment. Want to fly above weather at higher altitudes.

Browse turboprop aircraft for sale or business jets for sale on AeroClassifieds to compare available aircraft in both categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are turboprops safer than light jets?

Both types have excellent safety records when properly maintained and operated by trained crew. Turboprops offer slightly better low speed handling characteristics and shorter stopping distances, which can be advantageous at shorter airfields. Jets benefit from higher cruise altitudes that keep them above more weather.

Can a turboprop replace a light jet for business travel?

For missions under 1,000 nm with four to six passengers, a modern turboprop like the PC 12 or King Air 350 delivers comparable productivity at lower cost. For longer routes or time sensitive travel, the light jet's speed advantage becomes meaningful.