Business aviation is a subcategory of general aviation. General aviation is defined as any kind of civilian flight operations taking place outside the control of a “common carrier.” Passenger or freight travel on major services is typically excluded from this definition (e.g. - United Airlines, FedEx, UPS, etc).
Business Aviation vs General Aviation
General aviation includes recreational, as well as business use of air crafts. On the other hand, business aviation generally excludes recreational use, unless the individuals are using it as a means to an end (conducting their business) rather than an end in itself.
One of the major distinguishing things about business aviation is its high level of internal supports and costs compared to common carriers or recreational aviation. Pilots, mechanics, rules, regulations, etc. are all enormous costs that most business aviation users simply must absorb in order to maintain and operate their planes. Airlines can defray some of these expenses through economies of scale. The annual costs of a large company's business aviation needs can range anywhere from $5 million to $50 million (according to one Forbes Magazine article). However, depending on a particular company's business needs, the benefits can greatly outweigh the costs.
Business Aviation Aircraft and Regulations
Fixed-wing turbine and propeller-driven aircraft are the most common types of business aviation aircraft. Helicopters can also be included in the business aviation category. Of all three types, propeller craft are the most common business aviation aircraft.
The business aviation industry is also, as with their traditional airline counterparts, heavily regulated by the FAA. In light of this regulatory environment, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) was created to provide some support and guidance for business aviation users. The NBAA now has more than 8,000 members, most of which are large corporations, along with a significant number of smaller companies and some wealthy individuals. Hollywood producers, radio talents, and overseas financiers are just a few examples of those who need to move quickly and can afford to use a private jet.