Each airplane in American Eagle's fleet is powered by jet turbine engines. No, it's true. While our planes are pulled swiftly through the air by propellers, the propellers themselves are driven by a smooth-turning jet turbine -- the same type of turbine engine that powers a Boeing 767 or other commercial jet. [More info.]

The American Eagle Fleet

HOW IT WORKS:
In any jet turbine engine -- turboprop or turbofan -- the air is drawn into the engine, compressed and mixed with jet fuel, then ignited to cause a controlled rapid expansion of hot air used to drive the propeller (or fan) for aircraft propulsion.

WHY IT MATTERS:
American Eagle typically serves routes less than 500 miles. Shorter distances and flight times make it impractical to climb to high altitudes where the turbofan is most efficient. But the turboprop is ideal for this kind of service. Turboprops combine the efficiency of propellers and the dependability of jet power.