It's possible to use auto fuel in your aircraft, but there are things you have to consider, and things you have to do. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
Using automobile fuel in an aircraft is illegal and risky without a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for both the engine and airframe, which provides FAA approval for the modification and often proves cost-effective due to lower fuel prices.
A critical risk of using auto gas in aircraft is its ethanol content, which can severely damage seals, gaskets, cause corrosion, and attract moisture, potentially leading to engine failure; therefore, only non-ethanol fuel compatible with the aircraft's systems should be used.
Even with an STC, aircraft owners must ensure the auto fuel adheres to specific engine manufacturer requirements (e.g., Lycoming's SI1070AB) and is verified to be alcohol-free to prevent engine damage, voided warranties, and operational issues.
Every student pilot hears this dire warning about using automobile gas in an aircraft engine that was not certified for it. These warnings are usually accompanied by a story about engine failure and an unscheduled off-airport landing, which often occurs shortly after takeoff.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
