The general aviation industry faces safety and legal hurdles during the transition to 100-octane unleaded fuel. Understanding the discrepancy between test-engine octane ratings and real-world engine performance is vital for maintaining safety and protecting manufacturers from liability.
unleaded avgas
New Legislation Aims to Bridge Information Gap on Unleaded Avgas
Lawmakers have introduced the UNLEADED Act, a bipartisan bill requiring the FAA to establish an education program for general aviation’s transition to lead-free fuel.
FAA Greenlights Swift Fuels 100R for 840 Engines
With the FAA’s expansion of the AML list, the 100R fuel is approved for engines ranging from 65-hp Continentals to the Lycoming 540 series of engines.
Deep Pockets
A number of issues remain affecting general aviation’s transition to unleaded avgas. Perhaps the most important is the three companies working on the solution lack “deep pockets” in a very litigious society.
KBJC Adds UL94 Unleaded Avgas
The addition of Swift Fuels’ unleaded avgas is another step closer to the airport fully transitioning to unleaded fuels, according to airport officials.
Make Your Voice Heard on The Transition to Unleaded Fuel
You have until March 13, 2026, to comment on the FAA’s draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.
Navigating General Aviation’s Transition to Unleaded Avgas
General aviation pilots and aircraft owners are asked to read the FAA’s draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline and comment on it before March 13, 2026.
The Big Picture on Unleaded Avgas
The EAGLE initiative — Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions — has updated its “Big Picture” flow chart, adding interactive links and pop-up narratives.
What oil will GA use with unleaded fuels?
Will general aviation move to a full synthetic oil when we transition to unleaded fuels? Or will we stick with what we are using today?