Spend even a few minutes comparing the operation of an avgas-powered engine to a diesel—also known as a compression-ignition engine or a jet-A power plant—and a number of diesel benefits jump right out. Diesel engines don’t have spark plugs, and demand no magnetos. Jet-A-burning piston engines are water-cooled too, meaning they’re less susceptible to overheating on the ground or during climb-out. Better efficiency translates into 30 to 35 percent better fuel economy with a jet-A power plant. Avgas availability isn’t much of an issue here in the United States, but we live in a fuel bubble because 100LL isn’t all that easy to come by in other parts of the world. In a Flying story five years ago, Stephen Pope summed up the jet-A power debate: “They’re more efficient, run on cheaper fuel, and the EPA isn’t threatening to regulate them out of existence. With so much going for them, are jet-fuel-burning diesels ready to take over?” Whether a jet-A-powered piston engine actually makes good sense depends quite a bit upon who you ask. It also hinges on the specific problems a jet-A power plant is being asked to solve: save on fuel costs, increase range, reduce maintenance expenses or some combination of all three. What we can say for certain is that today, the options to install jet-A piston engines in an avgas airplane are closer to becoming a reality than five years ago, although the movement is certainly not a groundswell … at least not yet.
Inside the Diesel Revolution
Key Takeaways:
- Jet-A (diesel) engines offer significant advantages for general aviation, including 30-35% better fuel efficiency, wider global fuel availability, simpler operation with FADEC, and reduced maintenance due to the absence of leaded fuel.
- While these engines are prevalent in regions like Europe due to avgas scarcity and high costs, their adoption in the U.S. has been slower, largely attributed to the current availability and relative affordability of 100LL.
- Despite higher upfront conversion or acquisition costs, U.S. fleet operators, such as flight schools, are increasingly recognizing the value of jet-A aircraft for their operational efficiencies, extended range, and lower long-term maintenance expenditures.
- Manufacturers like Continental continue to expand their jet-A engine offerings, and new clean-sheet designs are emerging, but a widespread market shift in the U.S. is expected to accelerate primarily due to potential future EPA regulations on leaded avgas.
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