EAGLE Initiative Shows Measured Progress, Fuel Contenders Say at Oshkosh

With four candidate fuels pursuing fleet authorization, OEMs, distributors, and airports are ready to test them.

Julie Boatman

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:11 AM ET

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The replacement fuel(s) for 100LL will likely be among four contenders in the market. [Credit: Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

The EAGLE Initiative aims to transition general aviation from leaded 100LL avgas to unleaded alternatives by 2030, driven by an upcoming EPA endangerment finding and a subsequent phased FAA implementation process.
Four distinct candidate unleaded fuels are under development by various entities (Swift Fuels, GAMI, LyondellBassell/VP Racing, Afton Chemical/Phillips 66), each at different stages of certification (STC, ASTM, PAFI) and market availability.
Significant progress has been made, with some fuels already certified or in advanced testing, though challenges remain in ensuring widespread production, distribution, and industry-wide acceptance for the diverse general aviation fleet.

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The EAGLE Initiative moves forward at a measured pace, according to a panel of constituents that presented an update at the Theater in the Woods on Monday at EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.

EAGLE—which stands for Eliminate Aviation Gas Lead Emissions—includes partners from aviation industry associations, the FAA, fuel producers and distributors, airport operators, and local community and environmental experts. With the aim to transition away from leaded avgas—100LL—by 2030, EAGLE has the twin missions of supporting development of replacement fuels and advocating for the continued supply of current fuels until the OEMs, operators, and pilots feel secure in the safety and security of the new fuel source(s).