61 Longest Range Light Aircraft Ranked: 2023, With Video

In 1938, Douglas Corrigan famously flew across the Atlantic without permission, claiming a faulty compass took him to Dublin instead of L.A. Whether or not his plane had a good compass, one thing it did have was range — enough of it to make the 3,050-mile flight from New York.

Although the world of aviation has changed a lot since the early 20th-century, it’s still surprisingly difficult to find light aircraft that have the range for long-distance cross-country flying, and are also relatively affordable.

In this guide, aerospecific takes a look at the top 61 fixed wing light aircraft with a range of over 1,000 miles (~ 870 NM, or 1,609 km), that you can still buy and fly today. From single engine pistons, to light twins, to turboprops and even light jets, we’ll cover them all, with helpful videos to boot.

Note: We’ll update this article as and when we get information about newer types. If you know of a plane that should be on this list, please let us know in the comments below!

Which light aircraft has the longest range?

Of currently operational planes with max takeoff weight below 12,500 lb (5,670 kg), the Cessna 441 has the longest range at 2,523 mi (4,063 km), but fewer than 280 C441s remain in use. Next in line are the Aero Commander (2,392 mi (3,852 km)) and King Air series (2,151 mi (3,463 km)).

But remember:

The furthest a plane can fly depends on operating weight, cruise altitude, wind, and other factors. The Pilatus PC-12NGX has the longest single-engine propeller plane range at 2,172 mi (3,498 km) assuming no wind and payload, but this falls to 928 mi (1,495 km) or less with a full payload.

Also, not all range estimates use the same set of assumptions; some sources may cite range based on a moderately loaded aircraft, while others may assume an almost empty plane with just a single pilot.

That said, the table below provides indicative values for the maximum range of light aircraft and single-pilot-certified planes, with maximum ranges above 1,000 miles (1,609 km).

Of twin-engine turboprops, the Rockwell Aero Commander has the most range of 2,392 mi (3,852 km), with the King Air 200 second at 2,151 mi (3,463 km). For turbofan twins, the Citation M2 CJ1 has the longest range, at 1,783 mi (2,871 km).

For single-pilot jets with max takeoff weights more than 12,500 lb (5,670 kg), the SyberJet SJ30i has the highest range at 2,875 mi (4,630 km), but only eight SJ30’s exist. The Cessna Citation CJ4 and CJ3+ come next, with a range of 2,490 mi (4,010 km) and 2,346 mi (3,778 km), respectively.

1. SyberJet SJ30i

The SJ30i is the fastest light business jet in its class, able to reach speeds of over Mach 0.83. But its manufacturer, SyberJet, ran into challenges including financial difficulties, production delays, and management changes. Only eight SJ30is have so far been delivered, with the likes of Morgan Freeman being among its more well-known customers.

2. Cessna 441 Conquest II

The Cessna 441 Conquest II is a twin-engine, turbo-prop aircraft that is known for its impressive combination of speed, range, and versatility. Its ability to reach altitudes of up to 35,000 feet — a feat that not even most modern-day turboprop jets can equal — makes it truly unusual for a turboprop, especially one from its time.

Designed for both corporate and charter use, and its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and advanced soundproofing made it a highly-rated type in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Its large cargo door, flexible interior configuration, and ability to handle a variety of missions, from transporting passengers and cargo to conducting aerial surveys, explains its use adoption among both private and commercial operators.

3. Cessna Citation series

Among the earliest types to enter the light business jet market, the Cessna Citation series was designed with a focus on ease of use, making Citations accessible to a wider range of pilots and operators than previous business jets. The Citation also incorporated advanced avionics, including autopilot systems and weather radar, that were at the time typically only found on larger, more expensive aircraft.

4. Rockwell Aero Commander Jetprop 1000B

Originally starting life as a light piston twin, the Aero Commander was later redesigned and equipped with turboprop engines. The result was a high-performance utility aircraft with impressive speed, range, and efficiency, making it a standout option in its class compared to its contemporaries. The Commander is known for its ability to operate from short runways and rugged terrain, which makes it popular among bush pilots and operators who needed to access remote locations.

5. Pilatus PC-24

The Pilatus PC-24 offers a combination of capabilities that are not typically found in a single aircraft. Though it is a turbofan jet, it has the ability to operate from short and rough airstrips like a turboprop, taking cues from its legendary PC-12 cousin. Yet it also has the speed and range of a light jet, allowing it to speedily access remote locations that many other jets cannot. Additionally, its spacious cabin and large cargo hold set it apart from its competitors, making it a top choice for operators who can afford its high sticker price.

6. Embraer Phenom series

The Embraer Phenom jets, including the Phenom 100, 100EV, and 300 models, are known for their spacious and comfortable cabins, making them popular among pilot owners, particularly those who use the jets for leisure travel. With a slightly higher cruise speed compared to competitors like the CJ3, the Phenoms also offer a taller, wider cabin, and in many cases, fractionally lower operating costs.

7. Beechcraft King Air series

As one of the earliest players in this segment, the King Air has had more than 50 years to cement its reputation as the best light twin utility aircraft, and it’s used this advantage well. Its reliability, proven track record, and large, global support network makes it almost the default choice for charter operators in remote regions.

Of course, the ridiculously wide range of models available doesn’t hurt, with more than 20 variants across the 90, 100, 200, and 350 series. Whatever else the folks at Beechcraft are good at though, they desperately need help with their naming convention, as the King Air series is a messy jumble of numbers and letters in no particular order.

8. Daher / Socata TBM series

The TBM turboprop series, ranging from the 700 to the 960 models, is known for its speed, with the 900 models having the distinction of being one of the fastest single-engine turboprops in the world, reaching speeds of over 330 knots. Compared to its PC-12 rival, the TBMs have a lower practical, real-world range and payload, but depending on the variant, can also offer significantly lower purchase price and operating costs.

9. Piper PA-46 series

The PA-46 series remains one of the few models currently in production to offer close to turboprop-levels of performance. Of course, the fact that it’s a single-engine piston means that it does so at dramatically lower costs than a turboprop, while still offering the benefit of a pressurized cabin, and the ability to fly six people (including the pilot) in relative comfort.

10. Cessna 421C Golden Eagle

As a predecessor of the C425 Conquest — itself a predecessor of the C441 Conquest II —  the Cessna 421C Golden Eagle was super successful through the ‘70s and ‘80s, having sold nearly 2,000 units. It enjoyed a reputation for being fairly comfortable for passengers, but is no longer very popular owing to its high-maintenance geared engines.

11. Beech Baron G58

T/he Baron G58 is a classic aircraft, with a reputation for reliability and a spacious cabin, perfect for short and medium-range flights.

12. Honda HA–420 HondaJet

Considered truly unique compared to other business jets due to its advanced aerodynamics and engine placement, the HondaJet is one of the most successful contemporary business jets. The engines are mounted above the fuselage, allowing a cabin that is among the largest in this class, and a reduced drag coefficient for greater fuel efficiency. The HondaJet also features a composite fuselage and a unique wing design, which allows for a faster cruise speed and improved stability. 

13. Mitsubishi MU-2

Few other aircraft can match the MU-2, with its ability to carry as many as 12 people (including the pilot) despite its incredibly low maximum takeoff weight of 11,574 lb (5,250 kg). At one time negatively affected by a series of crashes — all of which were due to pilot error — the Mitsubishi MU-2’s reputation has since been restored, after Mitsubishi successfully lobbied the FAA into mandating a type rating for the model.

14. Cirrus SR22

The SR22 needs no introduction, being Cirrus’s top-of-the-line piston single that completely redefined standards of comfort and ease of operation for small, four-seat aircraft. At a time when the cabins of most light aircraft were incredibly noisy and harsh places to be, Cirrus set the benchmark for pilot and passenger comfort, with noise, vibration, and harshness levels that approached those of premium cars. All while flying further, faster, and higher than most others in its segment.

15. Mooney M20 series

The M20, M20 Acclaim Type S, and Acclaim Ultra are known for their sleek, aerodynamic design and impressive speed, with some models capable of reaching speeds up to 235 mph.

16. Cessna Caravan series

Take the basic overall design of the Cessna 172 — the best-selling aircraft of all time, with its single engine as well as its rugged, semi-cantilever high-wing — and soup it up, to make it larger, more powerful, and more rugged. Voila, you have a winner: the Cessna Caravan. In addition to its versatility, the Caravans are known for holding up well in even the most harsh environments, and being fairly frugal.

17. Beechcraft Duke

Smaller and lighter than the King Air, the Duke has a higher cruise speed and ceiling and is generally better suited for personal use and shorter missions compared to its bigger cousin. Its compact size and low operating costs make the Duke a popular choice for owner-pilots.

18. Britten-Norman Islander

The combination of durability, short takeoff and landing capabilities, large load capacity, and cost-effectiveness make the Islander ideal for island hopping, especially in remote locations where infrastructure is limited. Combine these attributes with its large cargo door and the ability to carry up to 10 passengers, and it’s easy to see why it’s still in service despite having been around for almost 60 years.

19. Vulcanair P.68C

Designed to offer the seating capacity of a small business jet with the practicality and affordability of a personal aircraft, the P.68 is a somewhat unusual plane. Although it will never win any awards for spacious or comfortable cabins, it does offer the benefits of a twin-engine aircraft, but with an operating cost and fuel burn rate that’s lower than most single turboprops.

20. Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet

With the distinction of being the world’s only commercially available single-engine turbofan civilian aircraft, the SF50 is already remarkable before you get into its performance figures. Add that it can fly higher and faster than a PC-12 — at roughly half the price — and the cult popularity of this plane begins to make sense.