Small Aircraft
A small aircraft is classified as an airplane with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. These aircraft are commonly used for personal and business travel, as well as for flight training and recreational purposes. They are typically designed to carry a limited number of passengers and have a smaller range than larger commercial airplanes.
Small aircraft come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from single-engine planes to multi-engine turboprops and small jets. They are used for a variety of missions, including aerial photography, crop-dusting, and emergency medical transportation. These airplanes are often more versatile than larger airliners, as they can land on shorter runways and access smaller airports that are not accessible to larger planes.
Despite their smaller size, small aircraft must still adhere to strict safety regulations and undergo regular maintenance checks to ensure they are in compliance with airworthiness standards. Pilots of small airplanes must also undergo extensive training to obtain their licenses and must continuously maintain their proficiency through recurrent training.
Overall, small aircraft play a crucial role in modern aviation and continue to be an important mode of transportation and recreation for millions of people around the world.
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