Unleaded Avgas

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 01:38 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author argues that the new unleaded fuel adds a non-negligible 12.5 pounds to a 50-gallon fuel load, significantly impacting useful load and takeoff weight, contrary to the magazine's suggestion.
Concerns are raised about the new fuel's higher price due to a perceived "unregulated monopoly" from its single supplier, and the author dismisses claims of reduced maintenance benefits (like less spark plug fouling) as unrealistic.
The author also mentions that the new fuel may damage aircraft paint if spilled, adding another potential negative consequence.

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I enjoy your very good magazine quite a lot, but…I just read your editorial in November’s issue, “Bravo Foxtrot Delta,” as well as your reply in December’s UNICOM.

You discuss in both cases the added weight’s effects on unusable fuel for empty weight only. Clearly the bigger issue is the added weight’s effects on full-fuel takeoff weight and useful load. My 160-hp PA-28-161 Warrior II holds 50 gallons of fuel. Clearly, the new weight and balance (W&B) calculation for unleaded fuel will now add 12½ pounds to the fuel load.