'Eagle Initiative' Aims for Mass Availability of Lead-Free Avgas by 2030

The industry consensus around the continued use of 100 low-lead avfuel has grown increasingly impatient in recent years.

The awkwardly-named but aptly shortened Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions - or EAGLE initiative, will "expand and accelerate the actions and policies necessary for a viable high-octane unleaded replacement for the current 100 octane low-lead aviation gasoline (100LL), without compromising the existing U.S. transportation infrastructure system, aviation safety, and the economic and broader public benefits of general aviation." 

With environmental concerns and anti-aviation activists finding success in leveraging sales of leaded fuel as an effective pressure point to shut down flight activity in their areas. The solution has long been known, retreading the same ground seen in the automotive industry's switch to unleaded fuel. Additional difficulties, however, have added significant complexity in comparison. The average fleet age in aviation far exceeds the auto industry, without the high level of turnover that allows operators to upgrade to newer, more up-to-date fuel systems. With suitable unleaded avgas candidates waiting in the wings, the industry feels the time has come to aggressively implement a solution. To start, efforts will revolve around the 4 fundamental pillars of the EAGLE program, including regulatory and policy, unleaded fuel testing and qualification, research and development, and business infrastructure and implementation. First up will be a partnership symposium to begin laying the groundwork and plan things out for a March start. 

National Air Transportation Association President and CEO Timothy Obitts remarked on his group's position in the initiative, saying "NATA and its members are dedicated to finding a single drop-in unleaded fuel to replace 100LL that is compatible with existing infrastructure. We thank the FAA for its guidance and support, and look forward to working with our industry partners toward a safe and viable solution. The EAGLE initiative is another great example of how we are uniting for the safety, success, and future of the industry.”

API VP of Policy Ron Chittim concurred, saying it's high time to make the change.“We welcome the opportunity to partner with the FAA and general aviation industry to develop an achievable pathway that safely transitions piston-engine aircraft to unleaded aviation fuels," he said in a statement announcing their support. "The EAGLE public-private partnership brings together the critical cross-section of industry and government expertise that will be necessary to succeed in this complex undertaking. We look forward to being a part of this collaborative effort to deliver a solution that ensures general aviators’ continued access to the safe and reliable fuels while strengthening environmental progress .”

“The EAGLE initiative brings together stakeholders dedicated to advancing a sustainable future for general aviation. It is imperative that we safely transition piston-engine aircraft to lead-free aviation fuel by the end of 2030. This initiative is the right thing to do for the environment and the economic health of our industry. Helicopter Association International is committed to this partnership and applauds the broad public-private partnership that has come together enabling industry and government to accelerate a solution. The vertical flight industry is eager to work with all stakeholders to move the EAGLE initiative forward,” said James Viola, HAI President and CEO.

FMI: www.eaa.org