FAA Approves New Unleaded Aviation Fuel

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the use  of Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), which will permit the use of General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI) 100-octane unleaded fuel (G100UL) in every general spark-ignition engine and those airframes powered by those engines. The move is being hailed by the sector as a step forward in the transition to the use of fuels without lead. 

“As we continue to work towards a safe and reliable transition to an unleaded future state for piston-engine aircraft, FAA issuance of a broader STC for GAMI’s G100UL is a significant milestone. Manufacturers look forward to having an opportunity to understand the composition and performance of this new fuel to support commercialization and use as a viable replacement for 100LL,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO, General Aviation Administration Manufacturers (GAMA) via a press release. GAMA is a trade group for the aviation, aerospace and MRO industries.

The FAA found the type certification process and issuance of the STCs to be adequate for operation under the G100UL fuel compliance with airworthiness safety standard requirements. 

GAMA explains that the understanding of new fuel is vital to adequately execute operational safety regulatory responsibilities and business activities. The implementation of the new fuel should consider customer technical support and warranty services, alongside the filing of the precise approval documents for the production of new engines and aircraft, said GAMA. 

“As a stakeholder in the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, GAMA supports the general aviation industry’s ultimate goal of a practical unleaded avgas that can replace 100LL and will continue to support Afton/Phillips66 and Lyondell/VP-Racing advancing through the EAGLE fleet authorization testing and evaluation process and supporting deployment of Swift Fuels and GAMI working through the FAA STC certification process,” said GAMA. 

GAMA represents over 100 leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes, rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. The association also works with repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manages fleets of aircraft. GAMA has several members with locations in Mexico, which include Airbus, Safran, GE Aviation, among others.