"Focus On Four Cylinder" Campaign Emphasizes The LSA Market

By Gene Yarbrough

In a sign that things may be picking up a bit in the aviation industry, Lycoming's Mike Kraft said at am AirVenture press briefing Tuesday that the company is seeing increased orders from OEM manufacturers and a measureable upturn in general aviation. Kraft also stated that Lycoming now has over 100 authorized service centers in the USA, Canada, and certain Pacific Rim countries.

Kraft said the company's current focus is on the four cylinder engine ... emphasizing the new O-233 LSA mill with several O-233 equipped aircraft on display at the Lycoming tent here at Airventure 2011. The O-233 engine is Lycoming’s introduction to the Light Sport Aircraft market. The engine features reduced weight, dual CDI electronic ignition, roller tappets, and a carbureted or injected option as standard features over the certified O-235 Lycoming offering. Originally anticipated as a certified Part33 engine, Lycoming reallocated assets for ASTM certification due to the latest recession and regulatory concerns with the FAA.
 

In other business the company stated the IE2 engine program is still in development but progressing. The company lauded that an IE2 engine powers the recently revealed Northrop-Grumman Firebird surveillance aircraft and Tecnam has announced plans to use the IE2 engine upon certification.

Kraft also stated Lycoming supports the FAA plan to delete leaded avgas and has representation on the Aviation Rulemaking Committee that is spearheading the alternative avgas fuel initiative. As a side note Kraft indicated the company is working on lean of peak operation for its engines, which was met with a round of applause from those attending, but would not elaborate on details of the project.

FMI: www.lycoming.com