The Most common piston engines used in aircraft today

The most common piston engines used in general aviation aircraft today are made by a few major manufacturers, primarily Lycoming, Continental (now Continental Aerospace Technologies), and Rotax.

The Most common piston engines used in aircraft today

Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent ones:


Lycoming Engines:

Lycoming O-320 / O-360 / IO-360

Lycoming O-320 / O-360 / IO-360
  • Found in: Cessna 172 (O-320, O-360), Piper Cherokee, Mooney, and many others.
  • Configuration: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder.
  • Notes: Reliable, widely used in training aircraft and light GA planes.

Lycoming IO-540

Lycoming IO-540
  • Found in: Piper Saratoga, Cessna 182RG, twin aircraft.
  • Configuration: 6-cylinder, fuel-injected.
  • Notes: Common in high-performance singles and light twins.

Continental Engines:

Continental O-200

Continental O-200
  • Found in: Older Cessna 150/152.
  • Configuration: 4-cylinder, carbureted.
  • Notes: Lightweight trainer engine.

Continental IO-360 / IO-520 / IO-550

  • Found in: Beechcraft Bonanza, Cessna 210, Cirrus SR22 (IO-550).
  • Configuration: Fuel-injected, 6-cylinder.
  • Notes: Popular in high-performance singles and twins.

🔧 Rotax Engines:

Rotax 912 / 914 / 915iS

Rotax 912 / 914 / 915iS
  • Found in: Light-sport aircraft (LSA), ultralights, gyrocopters.
  • Configuration: 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed, often turbocharged (914/915).
  • Notes: Very lightweight, fuel-efficient, runs on automotive gasoline.

🛠️ Honorable Mentions

  • Franklin engines: Older aircraft, less common today.
  • ULPower and Jabiru: Used in experimental/homebuilt aircraft.
  • Diesel Engines (e.g., Continental CD-100 series, Austro AE300): Gaining traction in Europe for their efficiency and Jet A compatibility.

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