FAA Halts Flight-Testing Of 100LL Replacements
In June, the FAA put on hold its flight testing for the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) unleaded 100LL replacement fuels program. The FAA said it would assess issues related to the differences between the two PAFI fuels and 100LL. “Both fuel producers, Shell and Swift, are currently evaluating options to mitigate the impacts that these differences will present in fuel production, distribution, and operation in the GA fleet,” said the FAA. The FAA also said it will also assess alternative fuels developed outside the PAFI program. Meanwhile, General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) said it’s close to completing testing on its own 100-octane unleaded fuel. GAMI sidestepped PAFI in favor of a more streamlined STC approval process.
At EBACE, Bombardier, HondaJet, Denali Updates
At the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, in May, Bombardier introduced two new business-jet models, the Global 5500 and 6500, scheduled to enter service next year. The jets feature a newly optimized wing design and all-new Rolls-Royce engines. Also at the show, HondaJet introduced a new model of its twinjet, “HondaJet Elite,” with an extra 200 NM of range, noise-attenuating structures for the engines, and avionics upgrades. Also, Textron officials said the fuselage, wings and tail cone of the first three prototypes of the Denali single-engine turboprop are now in production. First flight is planned for early next year.
