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 is working to transition general aviation away from leaded 100LL avgas by 2030, focusing on developing new fuels while ensuring a continuous supply of current fuels during the transition.
The EPA's anticipated "endangerment finding" on leaded avgas in October will initiate a structured 2-3 year FAA process for implementation, rather than an immediate ban.
Four distinct unleaded avgas replacement fuels are in various stages of development and approval, with some already available or possessing blanket STCs (Swift Fuels' UL94, GAMI's G100UL), and others progressing through full-scale testing and certification programs like PAFI.

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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).