Long-Awaited New Unleaded Aviation Fuel (Finally) On the Way!

The FAA has signed a fleet-wide STC approval to allow General Aviation Modification Inc's 100-octane unleaded avgas for use in every general spark-ignition engine and airframe powered by such. 

The move is a tremendous step towards a future of unleaded aviation gas, with GAMI's (General Aviation Modifications Inc's acronym, not to be confused with industry org GAMA) G100UL now an option for all piston aircraft across the GA fleet. While the FAA approved similar STCs last year, they covered a small range of aircraft. That STC covered some Cessna 172 engines and airframes, with expansions to its approved model list to include most lower-compression engines. That was a step in the right direction, but they left high-compression engines - nearly 2/3 of the GA fleet - outside the STC's purview. With this change, the FAA addresses those requirements and makes unleaded avgas available to "every spark ignition piston engine and every airframe using a spark ignition engine in the FAA's Type Certificate Database". The move is promising for some embattled airports facing closure from outside influence, possibly allowing them to get rid of leaded fuel altogether - a popular pressure point for anti-airport campaigners.

GAMI co-founder George Braly said that despite the approval it may take some time for his baby to reach airports at every point in the aerospace system. 

“It’s going to take a while to manage the infrastructure including manufacturing and distribution," he said. Following a few erratic years, the greater supply chain isn't quite ready to support the immediate, wide-reaching rollout of a brand new product. The greater supply chain "is still a very wounded infrastructure and that’s not going to make the process any easier, “ he said, “but we have a handle on how to do this, and with the support of the major players I think we can do that. It’s going to be limited to begin with, but it can be ramped up rapidly." 

While the exact cost of the fuel has yet to be determined, Braly warns that the initial output of G100UL will be a smaller, batch-made product than traditional leaded avgas. That additional cost is inescapable, "until we can get production revved up that we're making millions of gallons at a time. It's not going to be unreasonable. Pilots in America will not be paying what they're paying for avgas in Europe today." 

While his product is currently in the EAGLE/PAFI testing process, Braly is happy to see more competition. “Innovation and multiple options have always been a key to ultimate success, so we welcome any and all ideas to bring unleaded fuel to the marketplace for general aviation.”

The STC is an exciting development to General Aviation enthusiasts and stakeholders alike, with many figureheads sending their blessings upon hearing the news. 

“Congratulations to GAMI on this achievement, which is another initial step toward a goal we all want – an unleaded fuel for general aviation,” said EAA chairman Jack J. Pelton. “This is a significant accomplishment that opens the door to the hard work that remains to create a commercial pathway and acceptance across the broad spectrum of the general aviation fleet.”

Likewise, George Braly said the change is a historic one for general aviation. The day comes at the end of years of work, experimentation, and design. Braly, and everyone at GAMI, have been a fixture at aircraft expos for years, presenting their hard work on G100UL and eagerly awaiting the day it could fill tanks around the globe. “This is a big day for the industry,” said Braly.

“It means that for a lot of our general aviation communities, and especially for a high fraction on the West Coast, relief is on the way. And it means that our industry will be able to go into the future and prosper, and provide the essential infrastructure for this country for everything from Angel Flights to critical training of our future airline pilots.”

The other half of the GAMI founder team, Tim Roehl, shared his excitement, saying “It’s a great day for GA! Not only can we look forward to a lead free fuel future, the benefits of the G100UL will improve the maintainability and reliability of our engines, enhancing dispatchability and safety!”

FMI: www.gami.com