Fuel Follies

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Friday, March 08, 2024 at 08:52 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

California is aggressively pushing to phase out 100LL, with GAMI's STC-approved G100UL expected to be available on the West Coast by mid-year and potentially mandated for FBOs, alongside proposed legislative bans starting in 2026.
The University of North Dakota reported significant valve seat recession in 128 aircraft cylinders after extensive use of Swift Fuels' 94UL, prompting a return to 100LL and an investigation.
GAMI's G100UL is undergoing real-world, dual-fuel testing in a Beech Baron across the U.S., sponsored by AOPA and GAMI, as it nears broader availability.
The FAA/industry EAGLE initiative, aiming for a universal 100LL replacement by 2030, experienced a setback as one of its contender fuels (Phillips/Afton) failed a key test, leaving Swift Fuels as the primary remaining option despite its recently reported issues.

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There have been some developments in the industry’s quest to shift itself away from leaded fuel, i.e., 100LL avgas.

We start in California, where the political push to get the lead out is strongest and has already resulted in prohibiting 100LL at a few airports. In early February, George Braly of General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) told online sister publication AVweb.com that his company has an agreement that should result in GAMI’s G100UL unleaded avgas being available on the West Coast by mid-year. The fuel is STC-approved for all FAA-certified spark-ignition engines.