Career Pilot

Turbine Aircraft Technology

Turbine aircraft technology is another subject the aspiring professional pilot must master. Turbine-powered aircraft, whether jets or turboprops, comprise the majority of commercially flown aircraft today. While the four forces of flight affect them the same as any other airplane, their systems are much more sophisticated than those of piston-engine training aircraft and will require more knowledge

For example, most turbine aircraft have an auxiliary power unit—a small jet engine that produces power when its main engines are shut down. Expect the hydraulic system to be significantly different than anything you’ve seen on a piston aircraft. And while taxiing, you may be steering the aircraft with a tiller instead of the rudder pedals.

AOPA has compiled a list of articles to help get you started: