Why Haven’t Leaps in Engine Tech Reached GA?

We see huge leaps in automotive engine technology, but GA piston engines appear to retain 1950s technology mainly due to three drivers: market, oversight, and need.

Richard Scarbrough

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 07:54 AM ET

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Many GA piston engines appear to retain 1950s technology. [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The automotive industry's larger market, higher replacement rates, and better return on investment attract more innovation and capital compared to the smaller general aviation sector.
Aircraft engine development faces significantly longer and more complex regulatory approval and certification processes from the FAA, creating steep barriers to adopting new technologies compared to automotive regulations.
Historically, there was less pressing demand for groundbreaking innovation in GA piston engines as existing designs were functional; current innovation is primarily driven by the need for cleaner and more fuel-efficient powerplants due to climate change concerns.

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Q: Why do we see huge leaps in automotive engine technology, but GA piston engines appear to retain 1950s technology?

A: You have a great question, and this topic does not get enough attention. One could argue that the automotive business and aviation began at almost the exact time stamp in history, 1903. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers took their first manned flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Coincidentally, Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and began producing the Model A. While the two industries are forever linked, one has outpaced the other in innovation, advanced design, and embracing emerging technologies. Why indeed have automotive piston-powered engines pulled ahead of their aircraft counterparts? Although there are many reasons, the main three drivers are market, oversight, and need.