The search for an unleaded avgas continues, with four fuels still in the running and being evaluated by the FAA. Will all four make it to market? Who will the FAA and the industry get behind as the future of general aviation?
Aviation Fuel
County that banned 100LL invited to be part of project to establish best practices as GA transitions to unleaded fuel
The invitation is part of a memorandum of understanding that the county signed with the FAA on Feb. 7, 2023, that suspended an ongoing FAA investigation into alleged grant violations at the two airports, county officials said, noting the memorandum also “sets forth a framework for participation in the demonstration project.”
Bill introduced in Washington state to ban 100LL
If it becomes law, the bill (WA HB1554) would begin a phased-in restriction on the “selling, distributing, or otherwise making available to consumers” leaded avgas in Washington state starting Jan. 1, 2024. The restrictions would initially be placed on airports in the areas of greatest population, with additional restrictions culminating in a complete ban for the entire state in 2030.
STCs now available for G100UL unleaded avgas
General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) has opened its online G100UL STC store.
GA advocates submit comments to EPA on proposed 100LL endangerment finding
The coalition urged the EPA, in coordination with the FAA, to “ensure that any final finding and follow-on regulatory actions align with the development and deployment of a viable unleaded avgas alternative.”
Unleaded fuels increase risk of misfueling
Addressing that risk early is the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), which has updated its Safety 1st General Aviation Misfueling Prevention Program, a free, online training resource for pilots, line service professionals, and others involved in aircraft refueling.
New legislation sets aside $10 million for unleaded avgas testing
The new legislation also recognizes the collaborative industry-government effort to move general aviation to a fleetwide drop-in, lead-free fuel solution no later than 2030 through its Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative.
GA’s voice at EPA hearing on banning 100LL
A senior vice president from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association was GA’s advocate during the EPA hearing, advising the agency that GA supports a move to unleaded avgas, but noting it must be done safely.
AOPA files complaint with FAA on 100LL ban
The latest filing follows an informal Part 13 complaint, which prompted the FAA to investigate multiple potential violations of grant assurances by Santa Clara County.