From Training to Transport: Lycoming Engines in Government Aircraft

The most widely produced aircraft in the history of powered flight is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The Skyhawk is incredibly stable, forgiving, durable, and reliable. The fixed landing gear Skyhawk models have trained more pilots than any other aircraft. It is the ideal trainer with a low stall speed and docile performance figures. Lycoming engines have powered many thousands of Skyhawk models, but the Cessna 172 is not the only Lycoming-powered airplane in government hangars; the Cessna 182 Skylane, Cessna 206 Stationair, and even the GippsAero GP8 are Lycoming-powered aircraft used by several federal agencies and many more state-level and even local agencies. 

Here are the most popular Lycoming models we encounter in government-operated aircraft, along with the Lycoming engines that power them. 

Piston-Engine Powered Airplanes in Government Use

While exact numbers are not always available across the government, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a widely used training aircraft in government aviation, known for its reliability and performance. Skyhawks are used extensively by the Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Air Force Academy, where they are primary and introductory trainers for cadets. 

A Cessna 172 Skyhawk operated by the Yakota AB flying club.

The Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine powers many of these aircraft. It is a popular choice for government aircraft, offering a maximum engine rpm of 2,700 rpm. Fuel injection is perhaps the greatest modernization/upgrade to piston aircraft engines (and all piston engines, for that matter) in the history of piston aircraft engines, particularly at the high altitudes that these aircraft operate at. 

However, what makes the Skyhawk so effective at training is its simplicity. But the tradeoff is performance. The first upgrade in performance from the Skyhawk is the Cessna 182 Skylane, an advanced four-seat piston single that falls under the category of a complex aircraft. Modern models are powered by the potent IO-540, producing up to 300 horsepower. The IO-540 is paired with a variable-pitch propeller, making it a significantly higher-performance aircraft than the Cessna 172, despite its resemblance to the Skyhawk. 

The next step is the Cessna 206 Stationair, a large single-engine aircraft with six seats. A variant of the IO-540, the IO-540-AC1A5 also powers this aircraft. Also, the Cessna T206H is a turbocharged version of the Cessna 206 that uses a 310-hp version of the IO-540, the TIO-540-AJ1A engine. T206s boast considerably better performance at altitude, which is exceptionally beneficial for operators stationed at high-density altitude bases. It also allows them to operate 

Training Aircraft

While federal agencies generally do not conduct their primary training, they do provide some training through the Civil Air Patrol, primarily consisting of familiarization flights and check rides for pilot candidates. Additionally, they offer basic airmanship training for cadets at the USAFA. 

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a standard training aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 2,550 lb. It is small, docile, and easy to fly. 

Training aircraft like the Cessna 172 Skyhawk require a high level of performance and reliability, and the Lycoming IO-360-L2A is an excellent engine for the job.

Engine Performance

The Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine is a 180-horsepower, fuel-injected four-cylinder aircraft engine. It employs the standard horizontally opposed, air-cooled design commonly used in piston aircraft engines. Its performance figures, including its climb performance and service ceiling, make it well-suited for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Mated to a fixed-pitch propeller, the Cessna 172 is simple to operate, and the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine is a reliable and efficient choice for general aviation, with a long production history.

Besides glass cockpits that rival those of any commercial or private jet and totally eclipse those of even a couple of decades ago, the next most significant advancement in general aviation was the inevitable transition away from carbureted fuel delivery to fuel injection, which is now standard on all late-model aircraft. Cessna delivered thousands of carbureted Skyhawks, but the IO-360-L2A takes an incredibly proven design with millions of flight hours and adds a much more reliable and safer fuel delivery method to make this aircraft a staple of flight training, observation, and SAR.

What's the difference between a Cessna 172 and a 182?

Alright, let’s talk about Cessna’s second most popular piston single, the C-182 Skylane. 

At first glance, the Skylane resembles a larger Cessna 172, possibly with a slightly stretched rear fuselage. It is a high-wing aircraft that seats one pilot and three passengers, just like the Skyhawk. It has a larger wing area, which is not immediately apparent, but it still bears a resemblance. 

A Cessna 182T operated by the Civil Air Patrol

However, the similarities are only skin deep. The Skylane is powered by a much more powerful engine, the 540 cubic inch displacement IO-540, which provides a significantly reduced takeoff distance and an increased rate of climb over the IO-360-powered 180 hp Skyhawk. Of course, it does come with the increased cost of added weight, but that is not all downside. With a heavier airplane, you also generally have a more stable aircraft. 

Oh, and that extra power rewards pilots with increased speed.

The Cessna 182 in Government Aviation

The Cessna 182 Skylane is often used by government agencies, including federal, state, and occasionally local agencies. It is used for various missions, featuring four seats and sufficient power to accommodate full-size adults and mission essentials. The Skyhawk is an excellent airplane, but it is not realistically going to carry four full-grown adults, their bags, and full fuel, especially at higher density altitudes. 

The Civil Air Patrol widely uses Cessna Skylanes due to their impressive performance and ability to carry a full crew, fuel, and still maintain a respectable climb rate. A 180 hp Skyhawk is simply not up to the task anywhere in the United States, especially when you get up into the higher elevations, or even lower elevations with high density altitudes; i.e., any typical August day in Northern Oklahoma. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is another known user of the Cessna 182. Although exactly how many and what model are unknown, they definitely operate the Cessna 182T.

Finally, although it is nearly impossible to track the exact numbers, the Cessna 182 and Cessna 206 are widely used by local and state agencies, particularly highway patrol or similar agencies. They are often used for surveillance, speed enforcement, and even spotting wildfires for firefighters on the ground.   

Cessna Skylane Models that Use the Lycoming IO-540

Cessna Skylanes did not always use Lycoming engines. However, the Skylanes you will encounter in government service are likely equipped with the Lycoming IO-540 engine rather than the Continental O-470 series. 

Cessna switched production over to using 230 hp Lycoming O-540 engines in the early 1980s and has been using them ever since.

Cessna 206 Stationair and Lycoming IO-540

Finally, we come to the largest Cessna piston single still in production today, the C-206 Stationair. There is no confusion between the Stationair and the Skyhawk, which has two additional seats in the rear. Unlike the Skylane, which shares flaps with the Skyhawk, the Cessna 206 is entirely different and much larger than either of the four-seat airplanes. 

The Cessna 206 Stationair, powered by the Lycoming IO-540, is a workhorse in government aviation, known for its exceptional load-carrying capacity and rugged performance. The Lycoming IO-540 model used in the Cessna 206 is rated for 300 horsepower, providing a very robust useful load at sea level. For a single-engine new airplane, it offers a significant capability to government agencies. This aircraft model is widely used by the Civil Air Patrol, the Department of Interior OAS, and various state agencies for missions requiring reliable and powerful performance. It is a favorite among highway patrol agencies and other law enforcement agencies, thanks to its ample power and excellent climb rate. The baggage door is also a nice touch for loading passengers and their luggage. 

GippsAero GP8 and Lycoming IO-540-K1A5

Finally, we have a non-Cessna piston single, which is very unique. It is also used solely by the Civil Air Patrol for government service. The GippsAero GP8 is an impressive aircraft for this role, accommodating a total of eight passengers. Powered by the Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine, which is renowned for its robust performance and reliability.

The Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine equips the GippsAero GP8 with excellent takeoff and climb performance, enabling it to operate effectively at higher altitudes. With a focus on efficiency and safety, the GippsAero GP8, powered by the Lycoming IO-540-K1A5, is a valuable asset for the CAP. It gives them an asset that not only performs well in SAR but is also well-suited for cross-country travel. 

Greenwood Aerospace and Providing Lycoming Engines for Cessna Aircraft Company Products and More

Cessna Aircraft Company is one of the most prolific users of Lycoming piston engines, and numerous government agencies at all levels operate Cessnas powered by these engines. Greenwood Aerospace is working with Lycoming Engines to provide new and factory-rebuilt engines for your applications. Here is a handy guide on which models we provide:

Ready to start the procurement process? Email us at contact@governmentprocurement.com or call us at (580) 762-2580.

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