Single-engine, prop-driven aircraft are the heart and soul of general aviation. They can be broken down into two categories: high-wing and low-wing. High-wing designs, such as the Cessna 172, feature a wing that is located above the fuselage, providing low stall speeds, strong stability and good visibility below the aircraft. Low-wing designs, such as the Piper Cherokee and Mooney 301, feature a wing that is located below the fuselage, providing better aerodynamics and higher air speeds. Another distinction is the layout of the landing gear--tricycle or tail-dragger. These aircraft can also feature pressurized cabins and turboprop engines, such as the Mooney 301.
Twin-engine, prop-driven aircraft form the heart of business aviation. These aircraft vary in size from smaller models, such as the Cessna 340, to larger models, such as the Beech King Air. They can be equipped with standard engines or turbo-prop engines and can have pressurized cabins. This category also includes larger aircraft that serve as the workhorses of commuter aviation. The Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft is a popular example, carrying up to 78 passengers (400 Series).
Jet aircraft are represented in business aviation, commercial aviation and military aviation. Business jets are generally designed with two engines and carry between six and 15 passengers. They feature high cruise speeds, high operating ceilings and extremely long ranges.
Jet aircraft also make up the bulk of regional airlines. The Bombardier CRJ700 is a popular example, carrying up to 78 passengers with a maximum speed of 556 miles per hour, maximum ceiling of 41,000 feet and a maximum range of 2,250 miles. (See Reference 1 and Reference 2)
Larger jet aircraft make up the bulk of commercial aviation. Capitalizing on advances in composite materials, aircraft manufacturers are now delivering commercial aircraft that are larger, quieter and more fuel effecient than ever. For example, the soon to be released Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, wide-body, twin-engine aircraft that will carry up to 290 passengers over 9,000 miles, while using 20% less fuel than a Boeing 767 of similar size. (See Reference 3)
Specialized aircraft include gliders, helicopters and V/STOL aircraft. Gliders feature long, thin wings that produce high lift-to-drag ratios, allowing them to glide great distances. Helicopters utilize one or two engines and provide access to areas that are unreachable by traditional aircraft. Vertical and short takeoff aircraft feature the ability to vector their thrust downward for takeoff and landing, transitioning to a standard configuration for level flight. Examples include the Harrier jet and the Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey. The Osprey provides vertical takeoff capability, twice the speed of a helicopter and the ability to transport up to 20,000 pounds of troops or equipment.
