Piper Aircraft has made a series of test flights in a Lycoming-powered Archer running on 93-octane premium automotive gasoline as the Vero Beach, Florida, manufacturer seeks a more environmentally friendly alternative to 100LL fuel.
For the tests Piper worked with Airworthy AutoGas of Phoenix to evaluate a new high-purity unleaded fuel due to go on sale this fall. The Piper Archer is powered by a single 180 horsepower Lycoming O-360-A4M engine that is approved for use of 93-octane unleaded fuel.
“Piper wanted to take the next step with Lycoming and Airworthy AutoGas to operationally prove the 93UL concept under rigid test conditions from Vero Beach,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “Our next operational effort will include cross-country applications, working with Airworthy AutoGas to ensure availability en route.”
Airworthy AutoGas plans to produce and distribute low-vapor-pressure, ethanol-free 93 octane premium unleaded gasoline at airports across the country, said Airworthy’s Director of Business Development Mark Ellery. “Bringing Airworthy AutoGas to the marketplace provides an alternative for the majority of general aviation aircraft without compromising airworthiness,” he said. “Our goal is to get pilots flying more for less.”
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