Categories of Charter Jet aircraft

A brief account of different broad categories of private jet aircrafts available with various charter companies is:

Single-Piston Aircraft: Piston prop single-engine aircraft are ideally suited for short-range flights with a few passengers or light load of cargo in good to fair weather conditions. A gas combustion propeller engine propels Pistonprop aircraft. Main jets in this category are Beech Bonanza, Cessna 206, Cessna Skylane 210, Piper Cherokee Six, and Cirrus SR-22

Multi-Piston Aircraft: Piston prop multi-engine aircraft are ideally suited for short-range flights for a small group of passengers or light cargo. Piston prop multis are usually less expensive than turboprops or jets. Piston prop multi-engine aircraft are considered safer and more reliable than single-engine piston aircraft, especially in inclement weather situations. While piston prop multis are larger than their single-engine counterparts and can carry more people, weight and cargo, they are still typically smaller than turboprops and jets. This type of aircraft includes Beech Baron, Cessna 402, and Piper Navajo.

Turboprop Aircraft: Turboprop aircraft combine the low-cost advantages of the piston aircraft while sharing some of the performance and cabin comfort advantages of light jets. Turbine propeller engines power turboprops. With average cruising speeds of over 300 mph and an average nonstop range above 1,000 miles, a turboprop can travel further, faster and offer more comfort than piston aircraft while keeping charter costs below those of jet aircraft. King Air 90, 100, 200, 300, Cheyenne I, II, III, IV, Merlin, Beech Starship, Pilatus PC-12, Commander belong to this category.

Light Jet: Light jets are the entry-level jet class in the charter industry. Light jets are the most economical choice for short to mid-range trips. With average cruising speeds of 440 mph and an average nonstop range of about 1,500 miles, a light jet can travel further and faster than non-jet aircraft while operating in and out of airports not accessible by the major airlines. CITATIONS II, Learjet 35, Falcon 10, Westwind, Beechjet 400 comprise this category.

Mid Jets: Midsize Jet aircraft optimally blend comfort, performance and economy for medium length flights. With average cruising speeds over 500 mph and a nonstop range of about 2,100 miles, a midsize jet can travel further, faster and with more comfort then light jets while operating in and out of airports not accessible by the major airlines. This category includes Learjet 55, Falcon 20, Hawker 800, and Citation VII.

Heavy Jets: Heavy jets are top-of-the-line executive aircraft offering optimum performance and amenities for long-range flights. With average cruising speeds of 530 mph and an average nonstop range over 4,000 miles, a heavy jet can travel further and with more comfort than smaller jets while operating in and out of airports not accessible to the major airlines. Falcon 900 or 2000 Challenger 600, 601 or 604, Gulfstream II, III, IV or V.