Cirrus Service Advisory Throws Fuel on G100UL Maintenance Debate

The SA creates a potential dilemma for aircraft maintainers.

Richard Scarbrough

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 11:51 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

GAMI is disputing Cirrus’s claim that use of G100UL voids the warranties on engines supplied by Lycoming and Continental and used in its aircraft. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Cirrus issued a service advisory (SA24-14) cautioning against the use of FAA-approved GAMI G100UL fuel in SR Series aircraft, citing "inconclusive" materials compatibility and potential voiding of engine warranties.
This creates a dilemma for aircraft maintainers, who must decide whether to return aircraft to service in accordance with OEM guidelines (which now conflict with G100UL use) despite the fuel being FAA-legal.
While Cirrus notes potential sealant issues from an isolated incident, GAMI disputes these claims, asserting extensive testing and a long history of safe use, with the FAA affirming G100UL's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval.

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In June, Cirrus released a service advisory (SA) regarding the use of fuel that had not been approved for SR Series aircraft. This creates a dilemma for many, including aircraft maintainers.

The issue of what is legal (in FAA terms) and approved (by manufacturers) puts maintainers in a sticky situation. On one hand, the FAA issues a supplemental type certificate (STC) allowing for products to deploy on aircraft, but the engine and/or aircraft manufacturer may not approve or recognize the STC as something permitted for use under the terms of their warranty.