Unleaded Fuel Debate Heats Up in Oshkosh

Tensions flare during a forum discussion on an unleaded replacement for avgas at EAA AirVenture.

Russ Niles

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 03:52 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

Many off-airport landings are the result of fuel mismanagement. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Tensions flared at AirVenture over GAMI’s G100UL unleaded fuel, with GAMI asserting its readiness for distribution based on FAA STC approval, a claim supported by AOPA’s positive operational experience.
The EAGLE initiative, represented by GAMA, disputed G100UL’s readiness for widespread distribution, emphasizing the necessity of a transparent, peer-reviewed industry consensus standard, typically through ASTM International, beyond just an STC.
The debate occurs amidst efforts by some states to mandate the replacement of 100LL with G100UL, while the separate, congressionally-mandated PAFI program for other unleaded fuel candidates continues its testing slowly.

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OSHKOSH, Wisconsin—Tensions flared briefly at a forum on progress toward an unleaded replacement for avgas Monday at EAA AirVenture.

During the public comment period after formal presentations, Tim Roehl, president of General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI), challenged a couple of points made during the presentations of members and support staff from the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions. He told the crowd—smaller than in previous years—that contrary to assertions made during the formal part of the forum, GAMI’s G100UL is indeed ready for distribution and sale.