From my Feb. 23 column “Fuels: What to expect in 2017,” I received a number of responses, both positive and negative. I appreciate readers taking time to write back, even if they disagree with what I wrote. The two areas I would like to address are the belief that all 100 lean rating fuels are […]
Aviation Fuel
Did the EPA just signal the end of mogas?
By DEAN BILLING. Reading Ben Visser’s blog, More questions about ethanol, reminded me that December is the month the EPA is supposed to set the ethanol quotas for the next year. For the first time in several years, the EPA has published the quotas in accordance with the schedule set in the law EISA 2007. The EPA Final […]
Swift Fuels highlighted at Deland Showcase
As the first DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase takes off at DeLand Municipal Airport in Florida, Swift Fuels reports its is selling its unleaded UL94 avgas with full service refueling onsite for $3.95 a gallon. Officials with the company are also on track to present two forums during the Nov. 3-5 show. Swift Fuels’ unleaded 94 MON avgas […]
Ethanol and aircraft: Just say no
Almost every month I receive a question or two about auto gas with ethanol. The questions usually center on whether it can be used in aircraft and if not, why not. The answer I give is almost always: “ No because of technical and/or legal reasons.” Technical Reasons There is a fairly long list of technical […]
EPIC Fuels tapped as new fuel supplier at KOLS
Tiffin Aviation Services has selected EPIC Fuels as its new fuel supplier at its location at Nogales International Airport (KOLS) in Arizona. Tiffin operates the FBO and a flight school at the Nogales, Arizona airport. In addition to choosing EPIC as its fuel supplier, Tiffin will also accept the EPIC Card for fuel and ancillary […]
EPIC Fuels to power Red Bull Air Race
EPIC Fuels is partnering with the Red Bull Air Race as the official fuel supplier for the upcoming races in Indianapolis and Las Vegas. EPIC Fuels will power the race planes with aviation gasoline, along with jet fuel for helicopters and rotor-winged aircraft supporting the races. The relationship takes flight Oct. 1 and 2, 2016, at […]
New training aims to prevent misfueling
On April 17, 2015, a Cessna 421B pilot was forced to land on a highway, when first the left engine, then the right, lost all power during climb-out from Angelina County Airport (KLFK) in Lufkin, Texas. According to the NTSB report, the plane was “substantially damaged,” while one person sustained serious injuries and two others […]
Rumors
By DEAN BILLING. There is a classic quote: “Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.” Although this blog is weeks after Oshkosh, any rumor that I wasn’t in attendance is greatly exaggerated. Granted, I drove from Oregon to Wisconsin, but I did actually attend and I can put a couple of rumors to rest. When I arrived […]
Water: Can’t live without it, can’t fly with it
At most of my seminars, there is always a discussion about water in fuel, where it comes from and what steps need to be taken to guard against any problems because of it. So, where does the water come from? Most of it comes from condensation. All hydrocarbon fuels, like 100LL and Jet A, will […]