The U.S. aircraft register, updated daily
Engines · piston (reciprocating) · data as of October 5, 2026

Continental C85 series

4,671 aircraft on the U.S. register carry a Continental C85 series engine, rated at about 85 horsepower. The Cessna 140 is the model most often fitted with it (1,253 aircraft). The aircraft carrying it were built between 1940 and 2023.

The FAA records engines by code, usually at the level of a series ("O-320 series") rather than the exact variant; this page gathers every FAA code that reads as Continental C85 series. FAA spelling: C85 SERIES.

Fitted to model families

Cessna 1401,253Cessna 120602Piper J-3 Cub519Aeronca 7 Champion (Champ)360Luscombe 8 Silvaire321Ercoupe 415267Aeronca 11 Chief136Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415111Piper PA-11 Cub Special68Engineering & Research 41568Taylorcraft BC12 BC-12D60Commonwealth 18557

Cessna 140 · Cessna 120 · Piper J-3 Cub · Aeronca 7 Champion (Champ) · Luscombe 8 Silvaire · Ercoupe 415 · Aeronca 11 Chief · Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415 · Piper PA-11 Cub Special · Engineering & Research 415

Where they are owner's state

Texas401California397Florida267Washington191Alaska185Wisconsin167Minnesota162Ohio152Michigan149Illinois139

Kind of aircraft

Piston singles4,669 (100%)Piston twins1 (0.0%)Helicopters1 (0.0%)

When the aircraft were built by decade

08631,7262,5903,45319301940195019601970198019902000201022020

What the FAA has certified, ordered and been told about the Continental C85 series the component layer

The design is held under 1 type certificate (E-233, held by Continental Aerospace Technologies, INC.). The FAA has issued 7 airworthiness directives (orders that owners must comply with) that name this engine series. Operators and repair shops have filed 12 failure reports with the FAA since 1995, 4 of them in the last ten years.

FAA orders 7 airworthiness directives · newest first

1998-10-1998-17-11 · Crankshafts · engine
1996-02-1394-05-05 R1 · Cylinder Rocker · engine
1995-11-2895-21-15 · Aviation Gasoline · engine
1993-12-1493-22-05 · Carburetor Air Intake Housing Assemblies · engine
1981-04-0181-07-06 · AC Fuel Pumps · engine
47-40-02 · Piston Pins · engine

All orders naming the Continental C85 series

Failure reports 12 since · what operators and shops told the FAA

001229501020305070813222

Parts most often reported as the reports name them

Spar2Throttle Cable2Bearing1Control Unit1Downlock Switch1Elt1Exhaust Valve1Guide1Propeller1Rib1

Latest reports

2022-11-23Exhaust Valve: stuck
2022-01-07Propeller: broken
2013-09-05Throttle Cable: broken
2013-05-02Throttle Cable: broken
2008-02-29Rib: corroded

Certificates and bulletins

E-233Type certificate held by Continental Aerospace Technologies, INC. · 31 models listed · revised September 19, 2022

Safety bulletins 6 · advice, not orders

2018-09-10NE-18-27 · POWERPLANT Rocker Shaft Boss Inspection
2016-03-08NE-16-13 · Powerplant - Prohibited use of sealant
2012-10-31NE-13-04 · Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Connecting Rod Piston Pin Bushing Inspection
1998-06-10CE-98-21R1 ·
1997-12-31ACE-98-21 ·

Sources: the FAA's type certificate data sheets, airworthiness directives, supplemental type certificates, special conditions and special airworthiness information bulletins (Dynamic Regulatory System), and the FAA's service difficulty reports. A failure report is what an operator or repair station chose to file; the counts show reporting as much as reliability, and larger and commercial fleets report more. How the systems are grouped.

Connections how this engine series links to the rest of the register

Fitted to
Where they are
Biggest operators
Airworthiness

These connections as data: /graph/engine/continental-c85-series.json · about the eFlight graph.

Aircraft newest certificates first · 4,671

Tail no.Maker and modelGroupOwner and baseCertificateRegisteredStatus
N2518N Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Little Birdy Aviation LLC
San Antonio, Texas
Standard 2024-07-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89999 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Minnesota
Standard 2024-07-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N76832 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Skyhawk Archaeology LLC
Livingston Manor, New York
Standard 2024-07-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N71829 Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Wisconsin
Standard 2024-07-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N81178 Funk
B85C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Illinois
Standard 2024-07-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N87118 Ercoupe
415-D
Fixed-wing, single engine Wittco Aero LLC
Vancouver, Washington
Standard 2024-07-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N67045 Commonwealth
185
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
New Mexico
Standard 2024-07-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N77480 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Alaska
Standard 2024-07-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4591M Piper
PA-11
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Georgia
Standard 2024-07-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N77249 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Virginia
Standard 2024-07-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N92825 Commonwealth
185
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Georgia
Standard 2024-07-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N76755 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2024-07-10 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2391N Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Alaska
Standard 2024-07-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89855 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Wyoming
Standard 2024-07-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N21WB Borie William E
PIETENPOL
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Ohio
Experimental 2024-07-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N87776 Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Colorado
Multiple 2024-07-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N140P Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Class A Coaches LLC
Missoula, Montana
Standard 2024-07-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N77230 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Nevada
Standard 2024-07-01 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1358B Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Dakota
Standard 2024-06-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N33U Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Kentucky
Standard 2024-06-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4532E Aeronca
7DC
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Minnesota
Restricted 2024-06-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2084N Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Carolina
Standard 2024-06-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N22EF Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Massachusetts
Standard 2024-06-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72227 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Louisiana
Standard 2024-06-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N92454 Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-06-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N82150 Aeronca
7BCM
Fixed-wing, single engine Houghton Robert e
North Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Standard 2024-06-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2323N Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Lee Marc
Goodyear, Arizona
Standard 2024-06-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1912V Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Washington
Standard 2024-06-22 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N897CT Piper
PA-11
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Georgia
Standard 2024-06-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6160U Sury Jim A
PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Experimental 2024-06-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N71768 Silvaire
LUSCOMBE 8A
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Illinois
Standard 2024-06-18 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89568 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Wyoming
Standard 2024-06-18 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89323 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Kansas
Standard 2024-06-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N99530 Ercoupe
415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2024-06-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89389 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Pennsylvania
Standard 2024-06-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2881N Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Dakota
Standard 2024-06-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N76951 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Tennessee
Standard 2024-06-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2973H Engineering & Research
ERCOUPE 415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Washington
Standard 2024-06-14 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2985N Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Florida
Standard 2024-06-14 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1360B Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Mcmillian Custom Service INC
Waynesboro, Georgia
Standard 2024-06-13 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N266A Engineering & Research
ERCOUPE 415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Enterra LLC
Aroda, Virginia
Standard 2024-06-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N27128 Dart Robert G
DART SPECIAL
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Florida
Experimental 2024-06-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72305 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Maine
Standard 2024-06-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3520H Ercoupe
415-CD
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-06-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72747 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-06-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N73092 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Maryland
Standard 2024-06-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89559 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Minnesota
Standard 2024-06-07 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N99207 Ercoupe
415-D
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
New York
Standard 2024-06-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N191E Cessna
140A
Fixed-wing, single engine Bitikofer Brent e
Kansas City, Kansas
Standard 2024-06-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N90433 Aeronca
7DC
Fixed-wing, single engine Herman Flight Training Services LLC
Hugo, Minnesota
Standard 2024-05-31 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2951K Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Ohio
Standard 2024-05-30 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N57529 Taylorcraft
DCO-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Michigan
Experimental 2024-05-30 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89447 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-05-30 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N77257 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oregon
Standard 2024-05-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89257 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oregon
Standard 2024-05-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2506K Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
District of Columbia
Standard 2024-05-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N94793 Ercoupe
E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-05-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4160 Mooney
M-18C 55
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-05-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2279H Ercoupe
415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Illinois
Standard 2024-05-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N38948 Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Dakota
Multiple 2024-05-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7479H Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Florida
Standard 2024-05-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72878 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Massachusetts
Standard 2024-05-22 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N140WY Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Wilson J Brent Trustee
Lander, Wyoming
Standard 2024-05-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72552 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Johnson Aviation & Restoration LLC
Jacksonville, Florida
Standard 2024-05-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1958V Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Arizona
Standard 2024-05-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N25822 Piper
J3F-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Mississippi
Restricted 2024-05-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3892H Engineering & Research
ERCOUPE 415-CD
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-05-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N98400 Piper
J3F-90
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Washington
Standard 2024-05-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89033 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Flying Jib LLC
Washington, District of Columbia
Standard 2024-05-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N36241 Taylorcraft
BC12-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Alaska
Standard 2024-05-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N37GH Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Maryland
Standard 2024-05-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3828H Engineering & Research
ERCOUPE 415-CD
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Kansas
Standard 2024-05-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1521B Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Missouri
Standard 2024-05-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2014V Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
California
Standard 2024-05-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N120JS Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
South Carolina
Standard 2024-05-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1420B Luscombe
8E
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Kansas
Standard 2024-05-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N27708 Stinson
10
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Michigan
Standard 2024-05-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4000N Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
New Mexico
Standard 2024-05-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N85087 Aeronca
7DC
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
South Dakota
Standard 2024-05-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N813W Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Pay It Forward Aviation LLC
Ione, California
Standard 2024-05-03 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1NY Erco
415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Tech Mobile LLC
New Windsor, Maryland
Standard 2024-05-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2619E Champion
AERONCA 7BCM
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Arkansas
Standard 2024-04-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N89529 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-04-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N20BE Edwards J G
CASSUTT III M
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Wyoming
Experimental 2024-04-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N78724 Piper
PA-11
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Washington
Standard 2024-04-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2511Z Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
South Carolina
Standard 2024-04-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N72477 Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Ground Loop LLC
Clemmons, North Carolina
Standard 2024-04-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N76169 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Florida
Standard 2024-04-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N85604 Aeronca
7DC
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Missouri
Standard 2024-04-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N59298 Morris-Cassutt
111M
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Illinois
Experimental 2024-04-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1619V Cessna
140
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Alaska
Standard 2024-04-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1812N Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Arkansas
Standard 2024-04-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N94161 Engineering & Research
ERCOUPE 415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-04-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3EV Aeronca
11BC
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Carolina
Standard 2024-04-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N41273 Piper
J3C-65
Fixed-wing, single engine Pa-18 LLC
Hood River, Oregon
Standard 2024-04-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5693C Cessna
140A
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
North Carolina
Standard 2024-04-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N77376 Cessna
120
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Minnesota
Standard 2024-04-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N93978 Ercoupe
415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-04-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N94791 Ercoupe
E
Fixed-wing, single engine Airfrank INC
Hackensack, New Jersey
Standard 2024-04-19 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3345H Engineering & Research
415-C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Ohio
Standard 2024-04-18 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
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Source: FAA Civil Aviation Registry, Releasable Aircraft Database (the engine reference table and each aircraft's engine code), October 5, 2026. Horsepower and thrust are the FAA's figures for the series, not for a particular aircraft.