Continental Aerospace Technologies Targets 2026 FAA Application for Piper Engine Conversion

USA – Aircraft engine manufacturer Continental Aerospace Technologies is developing a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to install its 180 hp IO-370 engine in selected recent-model Piper Archer LX, Archer TX and Pilot 100i aircraft. Once approved, the conversion would expand engine-replacement options for flight schools operating the affected trainers while introducing Continental-specific maintenance documentation and technician familiarisation requirements.

• The planned STC will initially cover model-year 2018 and newer Piper Archer LX, Archer TX and Pilot 100i aircraft.
• The four-cylinder, fuel-injected Continental IO-370 is rated at 180 hp at 2,700 rpm, matching the published power rating of the Lycoming IO-360-B4A currently installed in the affected Piper models.
• Continental completed the program’s first flight in June 2026 and is continuing flight testing and validation. The company intends to apply for FAA certification by the end of 2026 but has not announced an approval or commercial availability date.
• The STC is being developed as an aftermarket engine-replacement option rather than a change to Piper’s factory production specification. The Archer LX, Archer TX and Pilot 100i are currently published with the Lycoming IO-360-B4A.
• The IO-370 DA3A was initially certified in the United States in 2019 and is available as a replacement engine for the Cessna 172S and selected 172R aircraft. Continental announced additional international certification work for the engine in April 2026.

Statements

• “At Continental, we are committed to providing aircraft owners with choices that deliver longterm value, reliability, and factory-backed support. The IO-370 Piper Archer STC is an important addition to our growing portfolio of aftermarket solutions and reflects our continued investment in supporting aircraft owners throughout the entire life cycle of their aircraft. We are excited to bring a Continental-powered option to one of general aviation’s most popular training and personal aircraft platforms,” said Karen Hong, President and CEO at Continental Aerospace Technologies. 

Source: Continental Aerospace Technologies