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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

The EAGLE Initiative is actively working towards transitioning general aviation away from leaded avgas (100LL) by 2030, balancing new fuel development with ensuring a secure supply of current fuels until replacements are fully adopted.
The EPA is expected to finalize its endangerment finding on leaded avgas this October, which will trigger a structured FAA process for implementing unleaded alternatives over the next 2-3 years, but not an immediate ban.
Four key entities (Swift Fuels, GAMI, LyondellBassell/VP Racing, and Afton Chemical/Phillips 66) are developing and certifying unleaded avgas replacements, each at varying stages of testing, regulatory approval (STC or PAFI), and market preparation.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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).