When it comes to charter flights, there are a wide variety of aircraft options available to choose from. From economical propeller-driven aircraft to luxurious long-range jets, each type of aircraft suits different groups, travel and individual needs.
Factors to consider when choosing a private aircraft
When choosing an aircraft for your charter flight, there are several factors to consider, such as:
- The route and distance of the flight
- The number and combined weight of passengers
- Type and weight of baggage
- The budget
- Passengers’ personal needs
Weight and storage
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a private aircraft. It is important for the pilot to know the total combined weight of all passengers and baggage, as each aircraft has a maximum payload, which includes the weight of pilots, passengers, baggage and fuel.
Correct weight distribution has a considerable impact on the safety and integrity of the aircraft; it affects the speed, maneuverability and balance of the aircraft. A miscalculation in weight can be dangerous for all types of aircraft.
Space is also an important factor, as different types of aircraft can have very different baggage capacities. Be aware if you have large and cumbersome belongings such as skis, strollers, golf bags or musical instruments.
Budget and passenger comfort
Budget is also an important factor to consider. Different types of aircraft are priced very differently.
In addition to practical factors, passengers may also consider onboard comfort and luxury, such as a separate, private bathroom, onboard catering, the range the aircraft can achieve to the final destination, the personal space required for each passenger, the presence of an onboard cabin crew member, and the aircraft’s ability to hold in-air meetings in private.
Types of private aircraft
Reciprocating Engine Aircraft “Piston Aircraft”.
Reciprocating engines are compact and operate with an internal combustion system (Otto Cycle) similar to that of land automobiles, but whose purpose, in all cases, is to drive propellers (propellers). Aircraft that use them, and are used in this type of aviation, generally have single or twin-engine configurations.
- Single-engine piston aircraft: They are cost-effective and consume less fuel than other types of private aircraft. They are characterized by being fast and short deployments (takeoffs/landings), at low speeds. Widely used for flights between farms, estates and tourist sites with lots of nature or coastline.
- Twin-engine piston aircraft: They are more powerful than single-engine aircraft and although they have higher operational costs, they can develop much better flight times by sharing the ability to make quick and short deployments, and due to the redundancy of their two engines, they tend to be safer. They are preferred for flights between nearby cities, with people who wish to travel comfortably on a private flight at the best costs in the market.
Aircraft with Turbo Propeller engine “Turboprop Aircraft”.
The term “turboprop”, contrary to what might be believed, does not derive from the contraction of the words “Turbo Propelled”, but is the English contraction of “Turbo Propeller”, which in Spanish means “Turbo Propela” or more commonly “Turbo Hélice”. These engines work in such a way that a turbomachine generates power at high r.p.m., which is transmitted to a shaft that drives a reduction set with output shaft to a set of propellers that rotate at lower revolutions but multiply several times the applicable torque, thus presenting greater traction.
Most aircraft using Turboprops are STOL (Short Take Off & Landing) and are designed to be able to land on irregular runways, generally have better performance than those using piston engines and although their operational costs are higher, they have the ability to make longer flights and at higher speeds. They are preferred for regional charter flights as they offer the best cost/time ratio compared to their counterparts, being able to make comfortable routes between places in the Caribbean, North, Central and South America, for example.
Turbofan powered aircraft commonly known as “Jets”.
Actually the terms “Turbojet” and “Turbofan” do not represent the same engine configuration, however, because they are very similar both superficially and in their construction, the name “Jet” has been extended from turbojets to turbofans in common aeronautical jargon, but technically turbojets are no longer used for civil aviation, so when we talk about Jet aircraft we really mean turbofan aircraft.
Jets are generally the most luxurious private aircraft. They are ideal for long distances and offer great comfort on board, with ample space and much less noise as they do not use propellers, so they are preferred for regional or international flights between distant cities, allowing businessmen, diplomats and celebrities to manage their projects in person in a timely manner.
Choosing the right type of private aircraft for your charter flight will depend on several factors, including the route, distance, number of passengers, baggage, budget and personal needs of the passengers. At Privex Aviation, we are committed to helping you find the best private aircraft option for your trip, whether it is a piston aircraft, a turboprop or a luxury turbofan. Contact us for an unforgettable flying experience.
