Now on YouTube is the replay of a webinar that gives general aviation pilots and aircraft owners an update on unleaded aviation fuel.
Aviation Fuel
Initiative to eliminate lead from aviation fuel by 2030 takes off
The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative calls for an industry and government partnership “to expand and accelerate the actions and policies necessary for a viable high-octane unleaded replacement for the current 100 octane low-lead aviation gasoline (100LL), without compromising the existing U.S. transportation infrastructure system, aviation safety and the economic and broader public benefits of general aviation.”
Phillips 66 Aviation launches Carbon Offset Program
The new program is just part of Phillips 66 Aviation’s focus on sustainable aviation. The company plans to convert its San Francisco refinery into one of the world’s largest renewable fuels facilities, enabling it to produce sustainable products, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, by 2024.
EPA sets sights on lead emissions from general aviation aircraft
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA reviews information on air pollutants and sources of air pollution to determine whether they threaten human health or welfare. This is referred to as an “endangerment finding.” EPA officials said in a Jan. 12, 2022, announcement that the plan is to issue a proposed endangerment finding for piston-engine aircraft that run on leaded fuel in 2022 for public review and comment.
100LL sales end at Reid-Hillview and San Martin airports in California
Santa Clara County, which operates both airports, has banned the sale of 100LL, but officials note that pilots who still fly with leaded fuel can visit the two airports.
NASA taps university students to research eliminating aircraft emissions
“Aviation of the future has to be climate friendly to keep the world flying, and a great way to do that is to allow tomorrow’s top minds to begin making contributions to these goals while still in school.”
FAA investigating ongoing safety issues at Santa Clara County airports, including ban on 100LL
Since the FAA has received multiple complaints from airport tenants and users, along with a group who allege violations of grant assurances at Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) and San Martin Airport (E16), the agency is starting an “informal” investigation under 14 CFR part 13 (“Reports of Violations”).
Getting the lead out is just the first step
Most pilots think once they start flying with unleaded fuel, general aviation will no longer be polluting the air. A quick look at the automobile industry and the changes it has had to make show that this is just the beginning.
Rushed decision to ban 100LL at California airports puts safety at risk
A letter sent to FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson from the leaders of GA’s advocacy groups asks the agency to mitigate a California county’s decision to ban 100LL, noting it will “significantly increase the risk of aircraft misfuelling. “Engine failures from misfuellings often occur at critical phases of flight, such as on takeoff and climb out, and NTSB accident reports document the grim outcomes,” the letter reminds the agency’s chief.