10 February 2025
Cirrus has vetoed the use of GAMI G100UL unleaded fuel in any of its piston engine SR aircraft.
Not only has Cirrus said it does not approve of the fuel – or any unleaded fuel – but the aircraft manufacturer added, “Cirrus currently does not warrant or represent in any way an operator’s use of the GAMI G100UL fuel in SR Series airplanes.”
This follows lab testing with the FAA and on-aircraft field observations which “reveal seal degradation when in contact with GAMI G100UL fuel that has resulted in damage to airframe components and could create airworthiness concerns”.
In a statement issued last week, Cirrus added, “We are actively engaged with a Cirrus owner who began using GAMI G100UL in November 2024 and has since observed paint degradation, seal degradation, and fuel leakage.
“Cirrus is working with the FAA and the aircraft owner to conduct further investigation and testing.
“There have also been reports of non-Cirrus aircraft owners observing similar paint and seal degradation and fuel leaks since using GAMI G100UL which have been posted in various online forums.”
GAMI 100-octane unleaded fuel is on sale at three US airports. Photo: GAMI
GAMI G100UL is the first unleaded, 100-octane aviation fuel to be offered to aircraft owners and operators directly, and the fuel began distribution to aircraft owners in November 2024.
It is currently offered at three US airports: KRHW (Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County, California), KWVI (Watsonville Municipal Airport, California), and KTUP (Tupelo Regional Airport, Mississippi).
GAMI is contesting the Cirrus claims in a long post and video here.
Cirrus insists that it is committed to working directly with industry associations and all stakeholders including AOPA, GAMA, the FAA, and the EAGLE programme to support the transition to unleaded aviation fuels.
“Cirrus is dedicated to supporting all major fuel companies in their pursuit to bring alternative high-octane fuels to market with the continued goal to ensure operational safety of both the powerplant and airframe fuel systems.”
Cirrus Service Advisory SA24-14R1
