Speed has always been part of the thrill of flight. When you hear “single-engine propeller plane,” you might picture a small trainer puttering over the countryside. But today’s fastest single-engine propeller plane models can reach speeds close to small jets. Some can fly across several states in just a few hours while staying efficient and reliable.

For example, the Epic E1000 GX holds the title as one of the quickest single-engine planes ever built, with a top cruise speed of 333 knots—about 383 miles per hour. That’s faster than some small business jets!

These powerful machines show what modern design and technology can do. They blend lightweight materials, smart avionics, and advanced aerodynamics to move through the air with less drag and more control. 

In the following sections, we’ll look at what helps these aircraft go so fast, why that matters, and how far a single engine can really take them.

What Makes a Plane Fast?

The speed of any plane depends on a few key things: power, shape, and weight. When engineers design a single engine plane, they balance all three to reach the highest top speed possible without making the plane unsafe or hard to handle.

Here’s a break down:

1. Engine Power and Propeller Efficiency

A strong engine gives a plane the energy to push air backward, which moves the plane forward. Some planes use piston engines, similar to a car engine but built for flying. Others use turbine engines that power a turboprop, a propeller spun by hot gas from burning fuel.

• A turboprop like the Epic E1000 can produce around 1,200 horsepower, giving it incredible thrust.
   
• The propeller converts that power into forward motion. Each blade is shaped to slice through the air efficiently.

Together, the engine and propeller set the foundation for cruise speed—the comfortable pace a plane can hold for long distances.

2. Aerodynamics and Airframe Design

Smooth shapes reduce drag, which helps the plane fly faster using less energy. Engineers test wings and bodies in wind tunnels to find the best shape. A lightweight airframe made of carbon fiber or aluminum also boosts performance.

• The sleeker the design, the less the air “pushes back.”
   
• Fewer bumps, rivets, and sharp edges mean smoother travel through the sky.

3. Smart Avionics and Balance

Modern avionics help pilots keep an ideal cruise speed, adjust for winds, and manage engine performance safely. Systems used in planes like the Piper M600 or Beechcraft Denali make flying both faster and safer.

So, what makes a plane fast? It’s not only about power—it’s about how every part works together. The engine pushes, the design cuts through the air, and the pilot uses smart tools to keep the flight steady.

Why Speed Matters in Small Planes

Speed saves time, but in general aviation, it also expands what a pilot can do. When a light aircraft can travel faster, it can reach farther airports, carry people or cargo more efficiently, and handle tough weather better.

Here’s why speed really matters for small planes:

1. Shorter Trips and More Reach

A fast single-engine turboprop can fly over 1,000 miles in just a few hours. That means a business pilot can visit two or three cities in one day. For example, a Piper M600 can fly from Dallas to Denver at around 274 knots, saving hours compared to slower piston planes.

2. Safety and Comfort

Flying faster can help avoid rough air and weather. At higher speeds, planes can reach smoother altitudes where rides are calmer. Many of today’s fast planes have advanced autopilot systems and avionics that adjust cruise speed automatically for safety.

3. Performance and Fun

Speed adds excitement. Many pilots enjoy the challenge of managing power, altitude, and fuel efficiently. Faster planes respond quickly and feel solid in the air. The Cessna 400, for example, was built to be the fastest in its class, combining strong climb rates with great visibility.

4. Real-World Uses

• Medical flights: Quicker arrival means faster help.
   
• Business travel: Saves time over short regional routes.
   
• Family trips: Makes long flights feel shorter and more enjoyable.

So, faster planes mean more flexibility. They make aviation practical for work, adventure, and everyday travel.

From Basics to Blazing Speeds — How Far Can One Engine Go?

It’s amazing what one engine can do today. Some single-engine planes reach cruise speeds close to the speed of sound—that’s around 660 knots at sea level! Of course, no single-engine prop plane flies that fast, but a few come surprisingly close.

1. The Power of the Turboprop

The turbine revolution changed everything. By turning hot exhaust into spinning power, the turboprop gave small planes jet-like performance without needing a full jet engine. Modern models like the Epic E1000 can reach over 330 knots and fly more than 1,500 miles.

2. Comparing the Champions

Here’s how fast today’s leaders go:

• Epic E1000 GX: around 333 knots
   
• Daher TBM 960: about 330 knots
   
• Pilatus PC-12 NGX: near 290 knots
   
• Beechcraft Denali (expected): 285 knots
   
• Piper M600: around 274 knots

Each plane shows what’s possible when engineers focus on aerodynamics, efficient airframes, and powerful engines.

3. How Far They Can Travel

Most modern single-engine turboprops can cross the U.S. on one or two fuel stops. Their cruise speed lets them cover hundreds of miles per hour while staying fuel-efficient. That balance of range, comfort, and performance keeps them popular in general aviation.

4. Technology Behind the Scenes

Many high-speed planes use fly-by-wire controls, automatic power management, and real-time system monitoring. This means less pilot workload and better safety. Combined with lightweight airframes, these tools help planes maintain performance even at high altitudes.

These planes show how far one engine can really go—fast enough for long-range travel, smooth enough for everyday flying, and reliable enough for pilots who want both comfort and adventure.

7 Fastest Single-Engine Propeller Plane

Speed in aviation has always drawn attention. When people hear “single-engine propeller plane,” many think of small, quiet planes slowly making their way across the sky. But today’s designs are far from that. Engineers have created powerful, sleek, and efficient propeller aircraft that can travel faster than ever before. 

Below are seven of the most impressive examples of speed and performance in the sky today.

1. Epic E1000 GX

The Epic E1000 GX is one of the fastest single-engine aircraft ever built for private pilots. It’s made mostly from carbon fiber, which keeps it strong but very light. This gives it an advantage over older aluminum airplanes. The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A turboprop engine, which produces about 1,200 horsepower.

Its maximum cruise speed is around 333 knots, or about 383 miles per hour. That’s faster than some light jets. The cockpit includes digital screens that give pilots real-time flight data, helping them stay efficient and safe. Inside, the cabin fits six people comfortably and feels modern, quiet, and smooth at high altitudes.

The E1000 GX is a dream for pilots who enjoy performance and style. It’s also one of the most advanced aircraft in production, using cutting-edge technology to make flying faster and easier.

2. Daher TBM 960 (Part of the TBM 900 Series)

The Daher TBM line is famous in general aviation aircraft circles. The TBM 900 series changed how pilots saw speed and safety in small planes. The newest TBM 960 continues that tradition.

This plane has a turboprop engine built for efficiency and control. It’s powered by a PT6E-66XT engine with a smart power control system. This allows smooth acceleration and precise performance management. The TBM 960 can cruise at about 330 knots, with a range of over 1,700 miles.

What makes this plane special is its technology. It includes an automatic landing feature that can safely land the plane if the pilot cannot. Inside, the leather seating and touchscreen controls make it feel like a high-end car—comfortable and modern.

Many pilots call the TBM 960 the fastest single-engine turboprop currently available. It’s quick, safe, and easy to handle, even for owner-pilots who fly without a full crew.

3. Pilatus PC-12 NGX

The Pilatus PC-12 is known for being practical, tough, and comfortable. The NGX model adds more speed, a digital cockpit, and a better passenger experience. It has a turboprop engine with full digital control and produces over 1,200 horsepower.

Its maximum cruise speed is around 290 knots, which makes it fast for a large cabin airplane. It’s often used for business flights, cargo transport, and even medical evacuations. Inside, it feels more like a small private jet than a propeller plane.

Pilots like the PC-12 because it can land on short or rough runways, giving them access to airports that jets can’t use. The mix of range, speed, and reliability makes it a leader among multi-purpose planes. It’s also one of the most respected names in general aviation aircraft because of its long service life and strong reputation for safety.

4. Piper M700 Fury

The M700 Fury is one of the newest and most advanced aircraft in its class. It replaces the Piper M600 with a big focus on power and speed. With a turboprop engine producing 700 horsepower, it lives up to its name.

The Fury’s maximum cruise speed reaches about 301 knots, which puts it in league with the fastest planes in its category. It features Garmin G3000 flight displays, automatic pressurization, and a system that can land the plane by itself in an emergency.

The M700 also has a smooth design that improves aerodynamic performance. It climbs quickly, uses less fuel than similar planes, and delivers a strong combination of speed and safety. Many see it as the next generation of high-performance personal aircraft.

5. Mooney M20V Acclaim Ultra

Mooney has been building fast planes for decades, and the Mooney M20V Acclaim Ultra holds the record for the speed record among certified piston aircraft. It reaches a top speed of about 242 knots, or around 278 miles per hour.

This speed comes from its twin-turbocharged Continental engine, producing around 280 horsepower. The M20V’s sleek design, low wings, and retractable landing gear help it move through the air efficiently. The cockpit is simple and modern, using Garmin G1000 NXi avionics to make flying smooth and straightforward.

Mooney’s focus on aerodynamic design makes the Acclaim Ultra one of the most advanced small propeller aircraft still available. It’s quick, durable, and ideal for pilots who want both speed and precision without moving to a turboprop.

6. Cirrus SR22T G6

The Cirrus SR22T G6 is one of the best-selling single-engine planes in the world. It combines performance, safety, and comfort in one package. The SR22T uses a turbocharged piston aircraft engine producing 315 horsepower.

Its maximum cruise speed is about 213 knots, making it the fastest Cirrus model ever made. The plane includes a built-in parachute system for the whole aircraft, which adds peace of mind for pilots and passengers.

Inside, the cabin feels more like a luxury car with comfortable seats and large touch displays. It also includes modern navigation tools, auto-throttle, and stability systems to help new pilots fly safely.

While the SR22T is not the fastest overall, it remains one of the most popular general aviation aircraft because it blends safety, style, and performance so well.

7. Lancair Evolution and Pilatus PC-21 (Bonus)

The Lancair Evolution represents the top of homebuilt high-performance airplanes. It can reach about 330 knots depending on the engine configuration. Some versions use piston power, while others use turboprop engines similar to those in certified models. It’s designed for pilots who want jet-like speed without the cost of owning a jet.

It’s sleek, lightweight, and fully aerodynamic. Many pilots love how responsive it feels and how it performs on long trips. The Evolution is not a factory-certified plane, but it has a strong following among experienced aviators.

The Pilatus PC-21, on the other hand, is a military training aircraft known for breaking speed limits among trainers. With a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B engine producing over 1,600 horsepower, the PC-21 can reach speeds over 370 knots. It’s officially the fastest aircraft in its category, designed to prepare pilots for modern fighter jets.

While it’s not a general-use plane, the PC-21 shows what’s possible when designers push the limits of turboprop engine technology.

Why These Planes Matter

Each of these planes shows what modern engineering can do for speed and efficiency. From the luxury comfort of the TBM 960 to the record-setting Mooney Acclaim Ultra, they prove that one turboprop engine or a strong piston engine can deliver performance once limited to jets.

Here’s a quick summary:

These airplanes highlight how far single-engine technology has advanced. Each model reflects years of testing, innovation, and pilot experience. Together, they form a list of the fastest aircraft flying today that still use propeller power.

The future of fast single-engine planes looks bright. With improvements in materials, engine efficiency, and design, high-performance aircraft continue to break barriers once thought impossible. They bring together speed, reliability, and safety in ways that keep pilots excited about every flight.

Whether powered by a turboprop engine or a turbocharged piston, these airplanes prove one thing—fast, efficient flight is possible without needing a jet. The sky is wide open for pilots who want to go farther, faster, and smarter.

Conclusion

Today’s fastest single-engine propeller plane models prove how far technology has taken flight. With smart design, powerful engines, and efficient controls, these aircraft move quickly, safely, and beautifully through the sky. They give pilots and passengers the gift of speed without giving up comfort or range.

If you love flight and speed, stay tuned to Flying411 for more stories about the best machines in the sky!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How fast can a single-engine propeller plane fly?

The fastest models can reach around 330 knots, which is about 380 miles per hour.

2. What fuel do single-engine planes use?

Most piston planes use aviation gasoline, while turboprop aircraft use jet fuel.

3. What’s the difference between a turboprop and a jet engine?

A turboprop uses a turbine to spin a propeller, while a jet engine pushes air directly out the back.

4. Are faster planes harder to fly?

Not always. Modern avionics make flying easier by managing power and navigation automatically.

5. What’s the typical range of a fast single-engine plane?

Many can travel 1,200 to 1,800 miles on one tank, depending on cruise speed and weight.