WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest news about the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative is all about leadership.
The initiative, which kicked off in February 2022, is a collaboration between all those involved: The FAA, airplane and engine manufacturers, oil companies, fuel distributors, aviation associations, and more.
Since its formation, EAGLE has held two meetings and established groups, which have been actively working on the initiative, which has a mission to get general aviation lead-free by 2030.
The latest announcement from the initiative is who will be in charge.
Robert Olislagers was named senior coordinator of the initiative. Prior to joining EAGLE, Olislagers served in a number of airport leadership positions, focusing on economic development, environmental sustainability, aviation security, and workforce development. He participated in several National Academies of Sciences, Airport Cooperative Research Program studies, including “Options for Reducing Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft” published in 2021. Under his watch, Centennial Airport became the first general aviation airport in Colorado to adopt a sustainability program, earning the state’s gold standard.
“Robert brings a wealth of subject matter knowledge and expertise to EAGLE, and we look forward to having him lead this important initiative as it continues to gain momentum. He is determined to see EAGLE succeed in its work across its four pillars to ensure a viable and safe transition to an unleaded future state for piston-engine aircraft,” said the EAGLE executive committee.
The executive committee, which oversees the progress and direction of the initiative and consists of leaders from the FAA and aviation and petroleum groups, also revealed the leads of the initiative’s four key pillars:
- Regulatory and Policy
- Unleaded Fuel Testing and Qualification
- Research and Development
- Supply Chain Infrastructure and Deployment.
The Regulatory and Policy pillar is being led by Ralph Iovinelli, who is manager of the Emissions Division in the FAA Office of Environment and Energy.
The Unleaded Fuel Testing and Qualification pillar is being led by Maria Di Pasquantonio, who is manager of the Research Coordination/Alternative Fuels Program at the FAA Aircraft Certification Service.
The Research and Development pillar is being led by Tim Smyth, who before retirement served as manager of the FAA’s Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).
The Supply Chain Infrastructure and Deployment pillar is being led by Ryan Manor, who retired from the petroleum industry after 32 years, including the aviation fuels business.
What About The Fuel?
EAGLE officials also reported that two fuels — Afton Chemical/Phillips66 and LyondellBasell/VP-Racing — are advancing through the authorization testing and evaluation process.
Other fuels, such as that from Swift Fuels, is going through the STC process, while G100UL from General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI), has already received STC approval.
“After decades of trial and error, we are on the threshold of an unleaded future for general aviation,” said Billy Nolen, acting administrator for the FAA. “As the EAGLE initiative moves forward, strong leadership and an unwavering focus on safety will be crucial.”
For more information on EAGLE, go to FAA.gov/Unleaded and AOPA.org/100UL.
From what research I have been able to do, it appears that currently, approximately 367 million gallons of gasoline are consumed in the U. S. every day. At the samr time, it also appears that about 367 gallons of AvGas are consumed, but over a one-year period. I find it incredible that so much money and time have been expended to find a lead-free alternative to AvGas, when its consumption is but 1/365th of the whole!