Aircraft use two types of engine: Gas turbine or piston-powered. These are used to rotate turbines, propellors or rotorblades to move air to allow the aircraft to create lift and fly. There are many variations to each engine type to suit the various classes and categories of aircraft.

Aircraft engines come in many different types, such as gas turbine based, reciprocating piston, rotary, two or four cycle, spark ignition, diesel, and air or water cooled.

This article will explore some of the most common types of aircraft engines, including piston, turboprop, turbofan, and turbojet engines. Piston engines, also known as reciprocating engines, have been widely used since the early days of aviation.