As the Clock Ticks on 100LL, We Wait Nervously

While things started to come together quickly, the pause we’re all feeling now is reason for worry.

Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 08:24 AM 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:

The aviation industry faces a critical and slow transition away from leaded 100LL avgas, with some airports already banning its use and creating uncertainty for pilots and aircraft owners.
General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) developed G100UL unleaded fuel, which received initial supplemental type certificate (STC) approval, but its final FAA approval process is stalled despite positive audits and a 12-year development effort.
The FAA's slow decision-making and a lack of clear progress from other initiatives and companies are fueling anxiety within the general aviation community about the availability and future of unleaded aviation fuel.

See a mistake? Contact us.

It has been a long day, but the conditions are prime, and the flight was uneventful. Taxi to the tie-down eye and call the terminal for a top-off. It’s time to grab a burger, double-check the flight plan, and get wheels up as soon as possible. There is a schedule to keep.

The fuel truck comes into view, and you squint against the mid-day sun gleaming off the mirrored steel finish. What does that say? Your jaw drops, as the placard finally comes into view with your heart racing. “Unleaded UL94 Avgas.” Great. Now what?