With more states welcoming and even mandating ethanol in motor fuels for automobiles, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) offers a new alcohol test kit.
For more than 30 years, EAA’s auto fuel STCs for a variety of manufactured aircraft have saved aircraft owners money by allowing them to use unleaded auto fuel. The addition of ethanol, however, creates chemical properties that are harmful to aircraft engines and fueling systems. It is critical for aircraft owners using auto fuel to know if the gasoline being used in their aircraft is pure, EAA officials say. Some states do not require the marking of gas pumps indicating ethanol is present in the fuel, so EAA recommends that all auto fuel be tested before fueling an aircraft.
EAA’s Alcohol Test Kit allows a pilot to make preventative tests on auto fuel, even before it is purchased for an aircraft. Pour water, then auto fuel, in the included test tube and shake it to mix the contents. When the mixture has settled within five to 10 minutes, a gauge on the test tube indicates whether the water level has risen. An increase in the amount of water on the gauge indicates that alcohol is present in the fuel. The gauge also will indicate the percentage of alcohol.
Cost for the kit is $15. The kit includes padded insulation for the test tube, so you can keep it in your aircraft without worrying about breakage. The test kit will last as long as the glass does.
For more information: 920-426-4843