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When the Sun Sets on 100LL, Will You Be Ready?

Learn what you can do now to prepare for the changeover to unleaded fuel.

The fuel that trucks like this carry may change soon. What does that mean for you? [File Photo: Adobe Stock]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Airports are beginning to restrict 100LL avgas, mandating unleaded alternatives, which will significantly impact flight planning and aircraft operations.
  • Transitioning to unleaded fuel requires checking aircraft engine and airframe compatibility, and obtaining FAA approval through manufacturer service bulletins or Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).
  • Existing unleaded options like UL94 are available for some aircraft, while promising new high-octane alternatives like GAMI's G100UL are nearing fleet-wide certification as a direct 100LL replacement.
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Some airports now restrict the availability of 100 octane low-lead aviation gasoline—commonly referred to as 100LL avgas—and are mandating unleaded fuel instead. Although this practice is not common yet—and limited to a few locations—changes are coming to aviation fuel regulations. Here is what you can do now to prepare you and your aircraft for the eventual sunsetting of 100LL.

As more airfields adopt this policy, it could cause affect flight plans and significantly impact aircraft owners and pilots, especially those operating high-performance models.

Richard Scarbrough

Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.

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