11 August 2026

Continental Aerospace Technologies™ Advances New IO-370 STC for Piper Archer Aircraft

Continental Aerospace Technologies™ is advancing an IO-370 engine STC for model year 2018 and newer Piper Archer LX, TX and Pilot 100i aircraft. The 180-horsepower installation completed its first flight in June, with further testing and validation under way.
Piper Archer aircraft with its cowling removed, showing the Continental engine installation during STC development.
Continental’s engine installation in a Piper Archer during development of the new Supplemental Type Certificate for 2018 and newer Archer LX, TX and Pilot 100i aircraft. © Continental Aerospace Technologies™

Continental Aerospace Technologies™ is advancing the development of a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that brings the Continental® IO-370-certified engine to select popular Piper airframes. The application is intended to provide Piper Archer owners and operators with an additional engine option backed by Continental’s extensive experience in engine design, manufacturing, support and certification.

Continental IO-370 four-cylinder piston engine displayed against a dark workshop background.
The Continental® IO-370 is a four-cylinder, 180-horsepower engine rated at 2,700 rpm. © Continental Aerospace Technologies™

The Continental® IO-370 is a four-cylinder, 180-horsepower engine rated at 2,700 rpm and has earned a reputation for easy installation and dependable performance across a variety of other applications. Initially, this STC will be applicable to model year 2018 and newer Piper Archer LX, TX and Pilot 100i aircraft. The programme is designed to provide Archer owners with greater flexibility in evaluating engine replacement options while expanding the availability of Continental®-powered aircraft across the training and personal aviation markets.

“At Continental, we are committed to providing aircraft owners with choices that deliver long-term value, reliability and factory-backed support,” said Karen Hong, President and CEO of Continental Aerospace Technologies. “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.”

Close-up of the Continental engine installation in a Piper Archer with the aircraft’s cowling removed.
Flight testing and validation of the Continental IO-370 Piper Archer installation are continuing as the company works towards an FAA certification application. © Continental Aerospace Technologies™

Development and flight-testing activities are currently under way, with the programme successfully completing its first flight in June. Further testing and validation will continue throughout the certification process as Continental® works towards applying for FAA certification by the end of the year.

Once certified, the Piper Archer IO-370 STC will provide owners and operators with a new engine option backed by Continental’s support network and commitment to customer service. The programme reflects Continental’s ongoing efforts to expand engine choices across the general aviation market while bringing Continental® power to one of aviation’s most widely used training and personal aircraft platforms. Through initiatives such as this, Continental® continues to deliver innovative, practical and factory-supported solutions that help aircraft owners maximise aircraft performance, reliability and long-term operational value.

CONTINENTAL AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES™

For more information, download the Continental 370 Engine Series specification sheet.

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