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.
Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent ones:
Lycoming Engines:
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
- 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
- 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
- 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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