What type of air cooler is typical for a small aircraft engine?

In small aircraft engines, air cooling is a prevalent design choice due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and reduced weight. Air-cooled engines rely on a system of fins and baffles to dissipate heat into the surrounding air as the aircraft moves forward. This method is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for a separate cooling system and fluid, which saves weight and reduces maintenance needs.

Air cooling works efficiently at the operating speeds of small aircraft, where sufficient airflow helps keep engine temperatures within acceptable limits. This design is common in many piston-engine aircraft, such as those using the Lycoming or Continental engines, creating a robust and reliable engine configuration that has been time-tested in the aviation industry.

While liquid-cooled engines are often found in larger aircraft and some specific designs, the typical configuration for small general aviation aircraft is predominantly based on air cooling principles.