World leading aircraft engine manufacturer Lycoming Engines and aviation racing unit Matt Hall Racing (MHR) are pleased to announce a new partnership.

Adrian McHardy, international manager – Asia Pacific M.E. Africa at Lycoming says the business is excited to now have an Australian-based ambassador. The partnership bolsters the company’s significant presence across Australia and the Oceania region.

“Matt embodies the same values, and credibility that Lycoming represents. Lycoming is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with such an authentic, distinguished, and respected aviation icon,” said McHardy.

Matt Hall, chief executive officer at MHR, says he has been flying Lycoming engines on several of his planes for over 20 years, including his Edge, which won him the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2019.

From humble beginnings to becoming a military hero and world champion, Matt is a third-generation pilot who started flying at 14 years old. His powerplant of choice is a Lycoming AEIO-540 which is in his MXS-R, Zivko Edge 540, and two Extra 300L’s. Matt also has Piper Pa-39 Twin Comanche and a Piper Pa-18 Super Cub powered by Lycoming IO-320 engines!

Obviously, Matt is a huge Lycoming fan. Now he is an officially sponsored Lycoming pilot.

“Ever since I was a kid, I knew I was going to fly for my profession. I just did not know how far aviation would take me. I now look back at my time as a kid growing up going to air shows and being inspired by the pilots and wanting to be them, now I am one of them.

On my first visit to Oshkosh in 2003 I met Mike Goulian. He signed a Lycoming poster for me, which I had framed to inspire me to be my best with the best equipment. I never dreamed I would be part of that team one day. It is an absolute honour to partner with such an iconic and leading brand in the aviation industry,” said Hall.

Lycoming with origins in sewing machine and bicycle manufacturing as early as 1845, the Pensilvannian-based business soon began developing automobile engines in a market driven by the needs of a nation at war.

Inspired by Charles Lindberg trans-Atlantic flight, Lycoming began developing aviation aircraft engines. In 1929 the first Lycoming R-680, a 9-cylinder 200 hp piston-driven radial engine left the assembly line and established a new standard in general aviation. Lycoming’s piston engines continue to evolve with advanced technologies and remain the power and ‘the’ brand behind general aviation aircraft.

“The decision to partner with Lycoming was one of the easiest decisions I’ve personally made. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Simple, reliable and bullet proof that’s why I love these engines,” explained Hall.