When it’s not enough just to fly in a fighter jet, but you’d rather fly one yourself, then purchasing one of these 7 easiest private and fighter jets to fly will make your dream come true!
There are two reasons why you’re here reading this. Either you’ve been fascinated with planes and jets your whole life, or you’re interested in flying because you’re sick and tired of all the airport drama. Waiting in lines, delays, and, unfortunately, safety issues. Not to mention you have to be at the airport much earlier than your flight begins. Sometimes you’ll spend more time waiting on the ground than in the air. Also, it is rather inconvenient when you have to transfer flights. It causes a lot of stress and anxiety since you’re never sure if the plane is going to be on time. All of the above factors contributed to your decision to buy a jet of your own. But whatever you do, don’t fly the worst modern fighter jet: F-35 stealth fighter jet. As it appears, it may become the latest “flying coffin”.
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Both jets and planes are a kind of an aircraft, but jets caught your eye because they are faster and can fly at higher altitudes. The main difference between planes and jets is in their engines. Generally, jets are faster. Is it hard to fly a fighter jet? Hmm, let us answer that question by saying that you don’t necessarily have to be a pilot to fly one, according to Fly Fighter Jet. In the US it is perfectly OK to have some kind of fighter pilot training for civilians and hit the skies. Also, if you wish to fly a fighter jet on your own and use it for your own purposes, that is also possible. Actually, Americans seem to love fighter jets and there are plenty of military jets for sale on a civilian market. However, as Aviation informs us, these warbirds are stripped off any war equipment, including radars. Some people prefer having a jet from Hawker Hunter aviation, a classic British WWII fighter jet, but they are more for showing off than for some serious flights. If you’re looking for a Hawker Hunter for sale, you can find them at Historic and Classic Aircraft Sales, for instance.
Now let’s go back to our original topic and see how we determined which private and fighter jets are easiest to fly. The first step was learning about the differences between flying a plane and a jet at Flying Mag. You definitely need more experience and it is more challenging. One of the main differences between these two is that a jet can fly at greater altitude. What caught our eye was stressing the fact that you need to have a proper amount of jet fuel. Due to their speed and flying at high altitudes (the higher you go, the more fuel you need), it is essential that a jet has enough fuel and that its injecting systems are working properly. Therefore, we decided to take fuel capacity, or the maximum range a jet can reach, as criteria for easiness. It’s easier to fly a jet that is sure to be keeping you up in the air even in unpredictable circumstances, right (for instance, if you can’t land when you wished but have to remain in the air space longer)?
For that reason, we visited Stratos Jet with the list of jets with ultra long-range performance capabilities, and The Wall Street Journal with the list of what are supposed to be the world’s best fighter jets. The latter source shows figures nautical miles, even though it’s not explicitly stated. Sukhoi T-50 was excluded from the list since it is expected to appear this year. The last thing to do was to list them from the lowest to the highest number.
In case you’re wondering which is the hardest commercial plane to fly, there was a tough choice at the forum, but a couple of names kept popping up such as Hiller OH-23B and Concorde. U-2 was inevitable in the discussion, though it’s not the worst commercial aircraft simply because the so-called Dragon Lady was a spy plane. Its popularity is such that you can even watch a whole episode on the hardest plane to fly by Mythbusters. Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance plane is the hardest airplane to fly because both, taking off and landing are challenges. Not to mention regular long missions include flying at altitudes over 50,000 feet (15,000 m). And that’s not even the maximum (70,000 feet, or 21,000 m).
If you’re keen on military jets and planes, our article about 11 fastest us air force fighter planes will prove to be a pleasant read.
Now, let’s see what you’re going to add to your shopping list. Here are 7 easiest private and fighter jets to fly, and their videos so you can make your decision easier.
7. Eurofighter Typhoon
Maximum range: 1,841 nm
Eurofighter Typhoon is made in the UK, Germany, and France. Its speed is impressive: Mach 2, which means it is twice the speed of sound. Fun fact: only 15% of the aircraft’s surface is metal, in order to avoid the radars. If you really wish to fly above the clouds, the maximum altitude that you can go to is 55,000 ft. Also, they’re bragging that even after a 1,400-hour flight simulation, the Eurojet engine still has the performance of a brand new engine.
6. Dassault Rafale
Maximum range: 1,941 nm
Made in France, this beauty which ranks 6th on our list of easiest private and fighter jets to fly, can take you places once you unload one 30mm cannon, 16 x 500-pound bombs, two air-to-air missiles. Apparently, the aircraft is so perfect the French government is planning on using it until 2050!
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Maximum range: 2,002 nm
At the moment, the US government and Lockheed Martin are trying to improve its radar coatings, but you won’t be needing it anyway. While in 2012 it was feared to become the hardest fighter jet to fly since some pilots were complaining about nausea (due to the lack of oxygen, and not loops), there haven’t been any recent news on it. The National Interest has proclaimed it to be the best fighter jet in the world for 2016, so obviously, the problem has been solved.
4. Bombardier Global Express 6000
Maximum range: 6,100 nm
You can fly up to 19 passengers in Bombardier Global Express, the number 4 on our list of easiest private and fighter jets to fly. Of course, this is a private jet, and the name has nothing to do with warbirds. It’s also recommended for long-haul flights if you wish to travel fast. If you’re looking for one after reading the article, you can find great offers at AvBuyer. You can fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Sydney, London, or basically anywhere in the world with only one stop.
3. Boeing Business Jet
Maximum range: 6,200 nm
This is one of the biggest jets from 7 easiest private and fighter jets to fly. Depending on how you want to organize the space, you can seat from 8 to 50 passengers. If you really wish for maximum comfort during your flight, you can have a BBJ with queen-size beds, wet bars, full-size showers, executive boardrooms… Basically, you can adjust the space to your needs. There’s plenty of room for everything!
2. Dassault Falcon 7X
Maximum range: 6,450 nm
Dassault Falcon 7X ranks second on our list of easiest private and fighter jets to fly, and it screams luxury. Its interior was designed by BMW DesignWorksUSA Group. An air humidifier and advanced noise control also contribute to the comfort. It has three separate lounge areas. You’ll never have to pack a lot of suitcases with this one – it can have a full-length wardrobe! You’ll be dressed for any occasion, anywhere! It doesn’t matter if you’re one day in Australia and the next in Norway. You’ll be as elegant as always.
1. Gulfstream G550
Maximum range: 6,750 nm
Gulfstream G550 is the winner of our list of 7 easiest private and fighter jets to fly. You can fly up to 19 travelers, although 14 to 16 is the optimal number. There is a full lavatory with shower, as well as separate rooms for conferences, dining, etc. This would definitely be your best purchase!
