EAA, GAMA, NATA All Supportive Of The Move To Find An Alternative To 100LL

Several industry groups are saying that the FAA's move to evaluate four unleaded aviation fuels from three suppliers is a step in the right direction.  Those fuels – two from Swift Fuels, one from Shell, and one from TOTAL – will begin Phase 1 lab and rig testing this fall at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Testing will continue until fall 2015.

EAA chairman Jack Pelton called the move an "important milestone in the collaborative effort between the aviation community, fuel producers, and the FAA to find future replacements for 100 low-lead fuel for GA aircraft. We all have a single goal: finding the best possible outcome for the widest spectrum of the GA fleet. EAA stands ready to continue its active participation in this important initiative," Pelton said.

“The Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), comprised of aviation industry representatives, petroleum experts, and the FAA has made significant progress towards developing a safe and affordable alternative to leaded avgas in advance of the FAA’s 2018 deadline,” said NATA president and CEO Thomas Hendricks. “We are excited to see how these fuels perform in the next phases of testing and hopeful one or more will emerge as a safe, environmentally sound alternative to leaded avgas."

Before choosing fuels for testing, the FAA evaluated all proposals submitted through PAFI in terms of impact on the existing fleet, production and distribution infrastructure, environmental and toxicological effects, and anticipated cost of aircraft operations.

“GAMA is pleased that the FAA has taken this important step forward as it continues to evaluate possible unleaded avgas replacement fuels for development and deployment,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “A successful transition to unleaded avgas is critical for ensuring the continued safety of the piston-engine fleet, providing environmental benefits, and reducing the economic impact of a transition on our industry. We appreciate the strong support of the U.S. Congress and the FAA, which have been key to moving this effort forward.”

FMI: www.gama.aero, http://nata.aero, www.eaa.org