UL91 Approved In Europe for Many Engines And Aircraft

By John Ylinen

Lycoming said at AirVenture Monday that the company is making substantial progress on certification of the series 233 Light Sport aircraft, and that ASTM certification to 2200 hours was complete. Michael Kraft, Senior Vice President and General Manager Lycoming Engines, said the most noteworthy feature is the Dual CDI spark ignition. This replaces the magnetos in most current aircraft engines. Once the electronic ignition is approved in this engine Lycoming will move to have it certified or their other engines. Mr. Kraft indicated they hoped to have FAA approval early next year.

Mr. Kraft then discussed his participation on the FAA UL100 Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). Their report was released earlier this year and provided a playbook for the industry to move forward with a replacement for 100LL. He noted that the primary goal has to be to find a full replacement for 100LL. He emphasized that now that we have the playbook, it is time for industry and government to execute. An interim step was recently completed by European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2011-01 provided aircraft-level approval on the basis of engine approval.

The EASA SIB will allow UL 91use on European Union based aircraft such as the Piper Warrior and Archer; Cessna 152, 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane; Robinson R22 and R44- Raven I; Diamond DA40 and DA42-L360; and many other models. This is being done without aircraft specific STCs and should allow for the US to develop a similar model for UL100 in the future. UL91 is 100LL without the lead. EASA approval is based on engine approval so as more engines are approved; more aircraft will be able to use this fuel. There is no UL91 in the US and the FAA has not accepted the EASA SB at this time.

Mr. Kraft provided an update on the IE2 engine. The major efforts have been with Northrop Grumman on the DOD Firebird project. Of note for future GA aircraft use was the successful implementation of the Anti-detonation system. No date for US certification of the engine was stated. Development continues utilizing the Lancair Evolution.

FMI: www.lycoming.com