From Vero Beach, FL To Oshkosh And Back On 93 Octane MoGas

Piper Aircraft recently flew a Piper Archer powered by 93 octane unleaded automobile gas 2100 nautical miles roundtrip from Vero Beach, FL to Oshkosh, WI and back. The Piper Archer was on exhibit at Piper's EAA AirVenture static aircraft display. Piper worked with Airworthy AutoGas LLC, Phoenix, AZ, to prove the concept in a test flight regime conducted from the company's Vero Beach manufacturing campus. Airworthy AutoGas strategically positioned specially formulated auto gas enroute from Vero Beach to Oshkosh and back for a demonstration of the Archer's cross-country capabilities.

Stops along the departure and return route included Vidalia, GA (KVDI); Somerset, KY (KSME); and Valparaiso, IN (KVPZ). The Piper Archer is powered by a single Lycoming O-360-A4M engine generating 180hp. Fuel capacity of the Archer is 48 U.S. gallons. The Lycoming O-360 series engines are four-cylinder, direct-drive, horizontally opposed, air-cooled models, and are approved for 93 octane unleaded fuel.
 
"The cross-country roundtrip flight is another step in proving the concept as Piper looks to a future of more environmentally friendly fuels to power piston aircraft," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott."  Airworthy AutoGas plans to produce and distribute a specially formulated, high-purity, low-vapor-pressure, ethanol-free, 93 octane, premium unleaded automotive gasoline, beginning in the fall of 2013.

(ANN Staff Photo)

FMI: www.piper.com