Propelled by a New Power

A roundup of what's new in the world of general aviation engines.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 05:24 PM ET

Verified

A technician tests a Thunderbolt engine built for Red Bull Air Race at the Lycoming engine factory. [Credit: Balazs Gardi/ Red Bull]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry is at a "crossroads" in 2023, with significant new technology becoming operational in both piston and turbine aircraft engines.
Piston engine innovations include more powerful and economical models like the Rotax 915 series, the expansion of Jet-A powered diesel engines from Continental and Austro, and Lycoming's electronically managed iE2 series.
Turboprop advancements are driven by Pratt & Whitney's PT6E series, featuring integrated electronic controls for enhanced data and efficiency, and GE Aerospace's clean-sheet Catalyst engine, designed for high power with reduced complexity.

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What powers the latest aircraft?

Though we’ve answered the question in the pages of FLYING over and over through the years, we’re truly at a crossroads as we begin 2023. While real alternative power sources—such as electric motors enabled by evolving battery solutions or liquid hydrogen—remain firmly in test mode, for the first time since the jet engine debuted, pilots can find new technology in both piston and turbine powerplants in operation on the flight line today.