eli5: Why do small jet aircraft, like regional jets and private jets, have engines on the rear, but larger jet planes have engines on the wings?

Question

eli5: Why do small jet aircraft, like regional jets and private jets, have engines on the rear, but larger jet planes have engines on the wings?

In: 312

Answer 1

Along with all the other reasons listed, if the engines are wing mounted that leaves less room for high lift devices (leading and trailing edge flaps) which results in longer runways needed for takeoff and landing. Short field performance is important for the smaller jets to enable them to have more options for airfields.

This is one reason the Boeing 727 used rear mounted engines albeit three rather than two.