A Buyer’s Guide to Understanding Private Jet Classes

What’s more stylish and classy than renting a private jet charter to reach your destination? Full points to you, if your answer was “owning the aircraft”. Imagine your personal jet parked in your hangar and the who’s who of social circles talking about your new toy. Moreover, you’ll have the convenience to embark on a journey as and when you need. If you are looking for private planes for sale, there is no dearth of options. However, you need to educate yourself on the options available on the market to make a prudent decision. To help, in this blog post, we discuss the various types of private jets you can buy, and list a few recommendable options.

Aircraft Classes

Private jets are classified into four major categories: light cabin jets, midsize cabin jets, super mid cabin jets, and large cabin jets. The basic criterion for this classification is cabin space.

1. Light Cabin Jets

Thanks to humble price tags and low operating costs, numerous light cabin jets are among the bestsellers in the industry. Though most light cabin jets have a twin-engine, you can also find a number of popular models with a single propelling unit. Capable of doing 300 to 500 mph, light cabin jets have a maximum continuous flying range of 1000 to 2000 miles and can carry 1 to 7 passengers. These jets are ideal for short hauls, however, require a shorter runway compared to mid-size jets,, which makes them an ideal option if you need to land on short private airfields.

Leviate Recommends: Pilatus PC-12

When it comes to value, comfort, and reliability, not many jets come close to the PC-12. Propelled by a single-engine turboprop, the jet can haul 1,200 pounds of payload, over a distance of 1,000 miles. One of the major improvements that makes the PC-12 better than its predecessors is the inclusion of mid-winglets. Other features include a beefy gear that allows landing on short and rough strips; a reconfigurable cabin, and a state-of-the-art NG avionics system from Honeywell to display weather data, charts, and other information.

2. Midsize Cabin Jets

Midsize cabin jets, as the name suggests, are more spacious and have a higher flight range compared to lighter alternatives. Designed to carry 1 to 8 passengers, the cabins of the aircraft come complete with luxe couches, club seating, standing areas, small galleys, enclosed lavatories, and may also include sleeping berths. Midsize jets are more stable as compared to light aircraft and can travel up to five hours without any need of refueling, covering approximately 3000 to 3200 nautical miles.

Leviate Recommends: Learjet 60XR

Learjet 60XR, a premium midsize jet, can accommodate up to seven passengers. It comes with PW 305 turbofan engines that enable it to defy gravity at the rate of 6000 (or more) feet per minute, with the maximum speed of approximately 620 mph. Other features include sophistic avionics, lighter compared to other similar models, a cutting-edge Flight Management System, and a large display area. All in all, Learjet 60XR is one of the most reliable options in the class of midsize cabin jets.

3. Super Mid-size Cabin Jets

Super mid jets, usually powered by twin engines, come only second to their larger counterparts in terms of cabin space and comfort. Designed to carry 1-9 passengers, these jets can achieve a top speed of 600 mph and have a flight range close to 4000 miles. Super-mid jets are ideal for those who frequently travel in groups, and are much faster than commercial flights for transcontinental journeys.

Leviate recommends: Cessna Citation X

When it comes to speed, reliability, and comfort, there are a very few super mid-size jets in the market that can beat Cessna Citation X. Capable of doing up to 700 mph, the mid-size jet can transport you from Los Angeles to New York in less than five hours. The aircraft comes with Full Authority Digital Engine Controls that enhance the engine’s stability, making it one of the most reliable jets in its class. Pressurized to ensure zero damage, the baggage compartment can carry up to 770 pounds of luggage. The carefully crafted interiors are soothing to the eyes and add to the overall aesthetics of the aircraft.

4. Large Cabin Jets

Equipped with extra-spacious cabins, lounge seating arrangements, hi-tech entertainment systems, and plenty of standing space, large jets offer a rich blend of convenience, sophistication, safety, and reliability. These aircraft can accommodate up to 16 passengers and can fly well more than 4000 miles without refueling, capable of doing up to 600 mph. Buying a large cabin jet is, therefore, one of the most attractive options you have if you’re planning a business/leisure outing with your team.

Leviate recommends: Challenger 604

Challenger 604 is powered by a couple of  General Electric CF34-3B engines and can reach a top speed of more than 700 mph. Featuring a glass cockpit, the aircraft comes complete with flight director/autopilot systems, HF-9000 high-frequency radios, digital air data computers, and a robust and easy-to-use turbulence detection radar. The aircraft can accommodate up to 16 passengers; however, ideal capacity ranges between 10-12 fliers. The cabin of Challenger 604 has surprisingly low noise levels and features a luxury gallery that makes flying more amenable.

Last Few Words

So, those were the options at hand, if you are looking to put your money in private a plane for sale. Should you wish to learn more about any of these jets, we, at Leviate Air, are here to help. Our in-house team of aviation experts will assist you in every stage of your purchase, right from initial consultation, to inspection, to closing the deal. To learn more, call us at (877) 720-2770 and we’ll ensure that your dream jet graces your hanger with no hassles, and that too within the minimum possible time.