100LL Ban Takes Effect in Santa Clara County

Leaded aviation fuel is no longer available at Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose and San Martin Airport in San Martin.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 06:41 PM ET

Verified

When the 100LL ban came down in Santa Clara County, Trade Winds Aviation replaced the 100LL with unleaded Swift94UL avgas, but not all airplanes can run it. [Photo: Walt Gyger]

Key Takeaways:

Santa Clara County banned the sale of 100LL leaded aviation fuel at Reid-Hillview and San Martin airports, effective January 1, citing a study that linked lead pollution to elevated blood lead levels in nearby children.
The ban is highly controversial, with aviation groups and pilots disputing the study's validity, alleging it's a political maneuver to force airport closure for redevelopment, and raising concerns about pilot safety.
The FAA is actively investigating Santa Clara County for potential violations of federal grant assurances (requiring the airports to remain open until at least 2031), safety standards, and the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause related to the fuel ban.

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If you are planning a flight to Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) or San Martin (E16) in Santa Clara County, California, read the notice to air missions (NOTAM) carefully: 100LL is no longer available for sale at these airports.

In August 2021, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to ban leaded fuel as a means of reducing lead pollution allegedly suspected of coming from the airports. The ban, which went into effect on January 1, was triggered by a county-commissioned, peer-reviewed study that linked the ongoing use of leaded aviation fuel with elevated blood lead levels (BLL) in children living near KRHV. For decades, the medical community has known that lead exposure, especially in children, can lead to cognitive and developmental challenges.