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 general aviation (GA) market is significantly smaller with a slower product replacement rate than the automotive industry, making it less attractive for investment in new engine technology.
Aircraft development and certification processes are exponentially longer and more rigorous due to strict regulatory oversight (FAA vs. NHTSA), which significantly slows down innovation.
Historically, there was less demand for groundbreaking innovation in GA piston engines as existing designs were considered reliable; however, recent demand is driven by environmental concerns for cleaner and more fuel-efficient powerplants.

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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.