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Avgas Alternatives

** As 100LL comes under fire, the industry
searches for lead-free avgas alternatives.**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA is actively pursuing the phase-out of leaded avgas (100LL) due to its classification as a significant environmental health hazard and source of airborne lead, prompting the general aviation industry to find a replacement.
  • Replacing 100LL is complex, requiring a new fuel that maintains 100-octane performance for all aircraft engines, fits existing infrastructure, and is affordable, especially as ethanol mandates shrink unleaded auto gas alternatives.
  • Two main companies, GAMI and Swift Technologies, are developing distinct 100-octane unleaded avgas solutions (petroleum-based and biomass-derived, respectively), while an ultralow-lead 100-octane fuel is also being considered as a potential interim step.
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In April 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency released an announcement that it was proposing to gather data to determine if leaded avgas is an environmental health hazard.

The announcement in the form of an advanced notice of proposed rule making (ANPRM) has created reactions that range from a willingness to move forward in the search for the new lead-free avgas to alarm at the idea of government mandated changes and outrage due to what some see as a misguided plan to replace one boutique fuel with another. Regardless, the ANPRM served as a wake-up call to GA that 100LL is on the way out and the aviation community needs to figure out what to do next.

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