... and just expanding further on the benefits of a propellor (in particularly in terms of field length available) - the prop assists in creating lift by virtue of its prop wash being sent back over the wing whereas a jet must rely solely on its forward movement through the air before any lift is generated.
This equates to a shorter takeoff distance ie; less runway required for the propellor driven aircraft with similar power/thrust available. Two good comparisons would be the Embraer 145 and the Saab 2000. Similar power units but you'd rather be in the Saab when there's a shortage of concrete in front of you.
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Shaker One