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Lesson 20 - Aircraft Characteristics

Aircraft Characteristics Lesson Introduction

Engines Groups

C172: Cessna Skyhawk Photo by Neville Murphy PA34: Piper Seneca Photo by Colin K. Work DH8A: Dehavilland-8 Photo by John Davies C5: Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Photo by James Richard Covington, Jr.

The aircraft have been broken into four engine groups to assist your learning. These engine groups are:

  • Single Engine Prop
  • Twin Engine Prop
  • Turboprop
  • Jets

Single Engine Props are generally small weight class aircraft with a climb rate between 600-1200 FPM and a cruise speed of 120-180 KTAS.

Twin Engine Props are generally small weight class aircraft with a climb rate between 1200-1700 FPM and a cruise speed of 160-200+ KTAS.

Turboprop engines power many aircraft in both the small and large weight classes with a climb rate between 1200-2400 FPM and a cruise speed of 160-240+ KTAS.

Jet engines power aircraft in all weight classes with a climb rate between 2000-3500+ FPM and a cruise speed of 320-480+ KTAS.