The most popular turboprop aircraft, favored for their reliability, efficiency, and versatility, are well-regarded in various sectors, from business travel to regional airline services.
Beechcraft King Air Series
- Models: King Air 250, King Air 350i, King Air C90GTx
- Popularity: The King Air series is perhaps the most recognized and widely used turboprop family, known for its reliability, versatility, and operating efficiency. It’s used for executive transport, cargo, medical evacuation, and military missions.
Pilatus PC-12
- Popularity: The PC-12 is highly regarded for its ruggedness and capability to operate from short and unpaved runways. It’s a favorite for corporate travel, air ambulance, and special missions due to its spacious cabin and impressive range.
Cessna Grand Caravan EX
- Popularity: Known for its utility and flexibility, the Grand Caravan is popular for regional air transport, cargo, and skydiving operations. Its robust design allows it to handle rough airstrips, making it ideal for remote and challenging environments.
Piper M600/Meridian
- Popularity: The Piper M600 is a single-engine turboprop popular among owner-pilots and small businesses. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced avionics at a competitive price point.
Daher TBM Series
- Models: TBM 910, TBM 940, TBM 960
- Popularity: The TBM series is known for being one of the fastest single-engine turboprops on the market. It’s favored by owner-pilots and corporate operators who require speed and efficiency in a smaller aircraft.
Quest Kodiak 100
- Popularity: The Kodiak 100 is designed for rugged operations, including missionary work, humanitarian aid, and adventure travel. Its ability to operate in remote areas with minimal infrastructure makes it highly popular in challenging environments.
Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter
- Popularity: The Twin Otter is legendary for its ability to operate in extreme conditions, from polar regions to tropical islands. It’s widely used for short-haul regional flights, cargo transport, and special missions, especially in remote areas.
Airbus (formerly ATR) 42/72
- Popularity: Although more of a regional airliner, the ATR series is a leading turboprop aircraft in short-haul commercial aviation. Its popularity stems from its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to operate on short runways.
Pilatus PC-7/PC-9/PC-21 (Trainer Aircraft)
- Popularity: These turboprop aircraft are widely used by air forces around the world for pilot training. The PC-21, in particular, is noted for its advanced avionics and simulation capabilities.
These turboprop aircraft are highly valued across different sectors for their specific capabilities, and their popularity reflects their versatility and effectiveness in meeting diverse operational needs.