The U.S. aircraft register, updated daily
Engines · piston (reciprocating) · data as of October 8, 2026

Lycoming O-540 series

5,244 aircraft on the U.S. register carry a Lycoming O-540 series engine, rated at about 250 horsepower. The Piper PA-28 Cherokee, Warrior, Archer and Arrow is the model most often fitted with it (1,226 aircraft). The aircraft carrying it were built between 1958 and 2026.

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 Lycoming O-540 series (2 codes). FAA spellings: 0-540 SERIES · O-540 SERIES.

When the aircraft were built by decade

By decade built, as a table
aircraft
19404
1950428
19601,898
19701,491
1980521
1990132
2000123
20106
202011

What the FAA has certified, ordered and been told about the Lycoming O-540 series the component layer

The design is held under 1 type certificate (E-295, held by Lycoming Engines). The FAA has issued 28 airworthiness directives (orders that owners must comply with) that name this engine series. Operators and repair shops have filed 304 failure reports with the FAA since 1995, 20 of them in the last ten years.

FAA orders 28 airworthiness directives · newest first

2026-09-142026-17-10 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section · engine
2026-04-082026-04-11 · Engine (Reciprocating) · engine
2024-12-052024-21-02 · Engine (Reciprocating) · engine
2022-08-152022-16-03 · Engine (RECIPROCATING) · engine
2017-08-152017-16-11 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section · engine
2012-10-242012-19-01 · Crankshafts · engine

All orders naming the Lycoming O-540 series

Failure reports 304 since · what operators and shops told the FAA

01530466195000510152025126
Failure reports by year, as a table
reports
9514
9626
975
9811
992
0015
0120
0261
0318
0425
0513
0618
0712
083
094
1011
114
125
136
143
157
161
171
183
194
203
211
223
231
242
251
261

Parts most often reported as the reports name them

Magneto11Light10Carburetor8Line8Clamp7Pin7Valve7Boot6Bulkhead6Hose6
Parts most reported, as a table
reports
Magneto11
Light10
Carburetor8
Line8
Clamp7
Pin7
Valve7
Boot6
Bulkhead6
Hose6

Latest reports

2026-05-09Thrust Button: faulty
2025-06-06Housing: failed
2024-09-25Magneto: making metal
2024-04-02Rod: scored
2023-06-27Solenoid: defective

Certificates and bulletins

E-295Type certificate held by Lycoming Engines · 47 models listed · revised April 30, 2013

Safety bulletins 10 · advice, not orders

2019-05-02NE-19-08 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section - Lycoming Engines Parallel Valve Cylinders
2016-05-13NE-08-32R1 · Propeller Governor Idler Gear Shaft Set Screw
2014-03-24NE-14-13 · Reciprocating Engine - Cylinder Mounting Studs
2012-11-21NE-13-06 · Pushrod Shroud Spring Retainers, Engine Components Part No. AEL14995, for Lycoming Engines 320,...
2011-03-31NE-08-26R3 · Magneto/Distributor

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

The whole map of how records connect · these connections as data: /graph/engine/lycoming-o-540-series.json.

Aircraft newest certificates first · 5,244

Tail no.Maker and modelGroupOwner and baseCertificateRegisteredStatus
N756FC Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Sunny Aviation Investments INC
San Francisco, California
Standard 2024-03-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N56937 Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Qualitair LLC Trustee
Michelstadt,
Standard 2024-03-07 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1857R Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Noetic Aviation LLC
Seattle, Washington
Standard 2024-03-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9609P Piper
PA-25-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Merlin Aviation INC
Moriarty, New Mexico
Restricted 2024-03-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4740S Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Jeg Air LLC
Monroe, Georgia
Standard 2024-03-05 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8524E Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine N9278W LLC
Orange, California
Standard 2024-03-05 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8955W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Nebraska
Standard 2024-03-05 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3589W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Cfi Aero LLC
Riverside, California
Standard 2024-03-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5494T Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Arizona
Standard 2024-03-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8BB Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
North Dakota
Standard 2024-03-03 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5539T Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Pattison Aero INC
Henderson, Nevada
Standard 2024-03-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6805P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine 250 Aero LLC
Wells, Michigan
Standard 2024-03-01 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2692C Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
North Carolina
Standard 2024-02-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8184X Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-02-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1048X Maule
M-7-235C
Fixed-wing, single engine Raven Aircraft LLC
Waynesville, Ohio
Standard 2024-02-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N82616 Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Tennessee
Standard 2024-02-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8530N Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Missouri
Standard 2024-02-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5539J Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Iowa
Standard 2024-02-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6027P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Journey Over Destination Aviation LLC
Golden, Colorado
Standard 2024-02-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9159W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Dodson International Parts INC
Rantoul, Kansas
Standard 2024-02-25 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N61160 Maule
MX-7-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Hat Creek Holding Company LLC
Bellville, Texas
Standard 2024-02-23 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6281P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Tomorrow Horizons LLC
Urbana, Ohio
Standard 2024-02-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N715AG Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Colorado
Standard 2024-02-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7750P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
None on file 2024-02-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5670T Maule
M-6-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Indiana
Standard 2024-02-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N92EE Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Gw Aero LLC
Arnold, Maryland
Standard 2024-02-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4769T Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Bowsap LLC
Manson, Washington
Standard 2024-02-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N998PW Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2024-02-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3876W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Georgia
Standard 2024-02-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7707J Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Pennsylvania
Standard 2024-02-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9109W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-02-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9369R Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Colorado
Standard 2024-02-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N32452 Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-02-15 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3808W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Dodson International Parts INC
Rantoul, Kansas
Standard 2024-02-14 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3613W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Wisconsin
Standard 2024-02-12 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N822LM Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Connecticut
Standard 2024-02-12 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7442P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-02-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9168E Maule
M-5-235C
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Georgia
Standard 2024-02-08 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1693R Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Leap Aviation INC
Wilmington, Delaware
Standard 2024-02-07 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6460P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Alpha Romeo Kilo Holdings INC
Wilmington, Delaware
Standard 2024-02-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N777VJ Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Alabama
Standard 2024-02-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7145P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Astraeus Lc
Evanston, Wyoming
Standard 2024-02-03 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9426W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Titan Aero LLC
Little Rock, Arkansas
Standard 2024-02-03 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6824P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Atlas Equipment LLC
Casper, Wyoming
Standard 2024-02-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N144CD Robinson Helicopter
R44
Helicopter Little Gator Aviation INC
Fairfield, North Carolina
Standard 2024-02-01 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N125KC Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Otto Pilot Aviation LLC
Midland City, Alabama
Standard 2024-01-31 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5856P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-29 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N15646 Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2024-01-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3937W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Alabama
Standard 2024-01-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N1711T Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Leadturn LLC
San Diego, California
Standard 2024-01-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N40SA Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Semper Fi Aviation LLC
Brooksville, Florida
Standard 2024-01-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7094P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine S & M Aviation LLC
South Boston, Virginia
Standard 2024-01-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N825TJ Robinson Helicopter
R44 II
Helicopter Takeflight LLC
American Fort, Utah
Standard 2024-01-27 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8983P Piper
PA-24-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
California
Standard 2024-01-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N51DS Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Montana
Standard 2024-01-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N737WN Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Connecticut
Standard 2024-01-22 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N33H Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4511V Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Oraz Aviation LLC
Oregon City, Oregon
Standard 2024-01-20 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N235JT Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Wings and Prop LLC
Montgomery, Texas
Standard 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4928Y Piper
PA-25-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Spragues Aerial Spraying INC
Courtenay, North Dakota
Restricted 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5492P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6126M Maule
M-5-235C
Fixed-wing, single engine Bishop Aeronautics LLC
Helena, Montana
Standard 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N738EQ Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9276W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
New Mexico
Standard 2024-01-17 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7736P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Jmj Aviation LLC
Kalispell, Montana
Standard 2024-01-16 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3860W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Arkansas
Standard 2024-01-14 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5652C Maule
M-6-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Withheld at owner's request
Standard 2024-01-14 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2834C Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-13 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3249W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Mountain West Aviation LLC
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Standard 2024-01-13 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3514W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Pennsylvania
Standard 2024-01-13 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4881R Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2024-01-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8316P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Kentucky
Standard 2024-01-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9088U Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Vermont
Standard 2024-01-11 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N514CH Robinson Helicopter
R44
Helicopter Individual owner
Iowa
Standard 2024-01-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9090W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Ryeco INC
Lewes, Delaware
Standard 2024-01-09 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9838C Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2024-01-07 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4654T Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oregon
Standard 2024-01-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6542P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Tennessee
Standard 2024-01-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N6SG Robinson Helicopter
R44
Helicopter Cedar Ridge Aviation LLC
Knox City, Texas
Standard 2024-01-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8215P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Ame LLC
Kalispell, Montana
Experimental 2024-01-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8287Y Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Locust Hill Aviation LLC
Lewes, Delaware
Standard 2024-01-06 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9315R Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-05 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N43DN Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Maryland
Standard 2024-01-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N92078 Maule
M-7-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Goat Mountain Air LLC
Girdwood, Alaska
Standard 2024-01-04 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3476W Piper
PA-32-260
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Texas
Standard 2024-01-02 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N5896P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Oregon
Standard 2023-12-31 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8738W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Co-owned owner
Oklahoma
Standard 2023-12-31 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N874WV Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2023-12-31 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7118P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
California
Standard 2023-12-30 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N7322P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Florida
Standard 2023-12-30 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N4683S Cessna
TR182
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Texas
Standard 2023-12-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N857AK Robinson Helicopter
R44
Helicopter Old City Helicopter Sales LLC
St Augustine, Florida
Standard 2023-12-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8756W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Kentucky
Standard 2023-12-28 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N2656C Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Hgta Partners LLC
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Standard 2023-12-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9254E Maule
M-5-235C
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
New York
Standard 2023-12-26 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N789GT Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine Jj Hughes Logistics LLC
Canyon, Texas
Standard 2023-12-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N9191W Piper
PA-28-235
Fixed-wing, single engine Transonic Management INC
Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Standard 2023-12-24 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N8217P Piper
PA-24-250
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Georgia
Standard 2023-12-22 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N959BW Cessna
R182
Fixed-wing, single engine
Standard 2023-12-22 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
N3571L Piper
PA-28-236
Fixed-wing, single engine Individual owner
Florida
Standard 2023-12-21 ValidFAA registration status code V: Valid registration. All codes
Previous Page 11 of 53 Next

Source: FAA Civil Aviation Registry, Releasable Aircraft Database (the engine reference table and each aircraft's engine code), October 8, 2026. Horsepower and thrust are the FAA's figures for the series, not for a particular aircraft.