Reciprocating Engine

Description

An aircraft piston engine, also commonly referred to as a reciprocating engine or "recip", is an internal combustion engine that uses one or more reciprocating pistons to convert pressure into a rotational motion. The aircraft piston engine operates on the same principles as the engines found in most automobiles. However, modifications, such as dual ignition systems, to improve redundancy and safety, and air cooling to reduce weight, have been incorporated into engines designed for aviation use. Turbochargers and, less commonly, superchargers can be added to piston engines to improve performance. Aircraft piston engines are most commonly fueled with AVGAS but diesel fueled engines are becoming more common, especially in light aircraft.