by James Clark

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

The jet era of aviation is a time now that has certainly revolutionized the way we travel. However, despite what others may say about propeller driven aircraft being outdated and not as efficient, there is still a very large demand for both jets and propeller driven aircraft. Power-driven airplanes have been thrusted by propellers since the first aircraft took to the air in 1903. Since then, science has done a complete make over on propeller-driven aircraft to make them extremely cost efficient, and even fast! There are five main types of engines that are used today that employ the use of jet engines and propeller engines; Each of which have modern designs in aircraft that are made to be extremely efficient. These types of engines include: internal combustion propeller engines, turboprop engines, turbo shaft engines, turbojet engines, and turbofan engines.

The first of these engines is the internal combustion engine. This was the very first type of engine to be used in an aircraft, and is still employed on many aircraft today. It is mostly used in private aviation, flight training, and small charter operations. These airplanes are usually not pressurized because they fly at a fairly low altitude, and therefore there is less technology that has to be invested in making a strong pressure vessel. These airplanes do not cost a lot of money to operate, and they are perfect for people who just want to go out on a nice Sunday afternoon for a scenic flight. Before jet engines were invented, internal combustion propeller engines were used in large airliners, but the problem nowadays in using these aircraft for large commercial operations is that they are not nearly as fast, the engines are not as reliable, they do not produce as much power, and therefore can not carry large amounts of payload long distances. However, in the flight training industry, they are perfect for training new pilots. They are good for teaching people how to fly because things happen slower in the airplane, and the engine is a lot easier to manage.

Secondly, there are turboprop engines. Turboprop engines are essentially a jet engine connected to a propeller through a reduction gearbox. Turboprop airplanes are very useful for companies that need more power, longer range, and efficiency in transporting moderate amounts of payload over long distances without having quite the same amount of fuel consumption as a jet engine.

Thirdly, there is a turbo shaft engine, which is used on helicopters. It works

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