Long-Term Unleaded Fuel Test Begins in AOPA Baron

AOPA began flight testing in its AOPA Baron of unleaded, high-octane avgas. The project launched this week with the introduction of GAMI’s G100UL during initial flights in Oklahoma.

Julie Boatman

Friday, November 03, 2023 at 03:56 PM ET

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The flight testing will take place in a Beechcraft Baron donated by AOPA members Greg Herrick and Dan Shewmaker. [Courtesy: AOPA/David Tulis]

Key Takeaways:

AOPA has initiated flight testing of GAMI's FAA-approved G100UL unleaded avgas in a Beechcraft Baron to evaluate its long-term effects on general aviation engines.
The project employs advanced diagnostic tools and collaboration with expert Mike Busch to gather crucial engine data for AOPA's membership.
AOPA aims to gain real-world experience with 100-octane unleaded fuels in typical GA aircraft and provide practical insights for the transition away from leaded avgas.

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Seeking to understand for its membership the long-term effects of various new fuels on the general aviation market, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has begun flight testing unleaded, high-octane avgas in a Beechcraft Baron.

The project launched this week with the introduction of GAMI’s G100UL during initial flights in Ada, Oklahoma. Beginning with a baseline of two freshly overhauled Continental IO-520 engines, the Baron will be operated under AOPA management, with the cooperation of Savvy Maintenance founder and technician guru Mike Busch, using the company’s computerized diagnostic tools to analyze engine data and compare it against the information it has collected from “hundreds of thousands of hours of GA flights,” according to an AOPA release.