10 September 2014
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected four unleaded fuels for testing in order to produce a cleaner alternative for commercial use by 2018.
The FAA has stated that its goal is for government and industry to work together to have a new unleaded fuel that reduces lead emissions suitable for General Aviation within the next five years.
“We’re committed to removing harmful lead from general aviation fuel,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This work will benefit the environment and provide a safe and available fuel for our general aviation community.”
Of the four selected, Shell and TOTAL both have one and Swift Fuels has two. Taking place at the FAA’s technical centre in Washington DC, Phase one testing is due to begin shortly and last for approximately one year.
The FAA assessed candidate fuels in terms of their impact on the existing fleet, the production and distribution infrastructure, the impact on the environment, toxicology, and the cost of aircraft operations.
Based on the results of the phase one laboratory and rig testing, the FAA anticipates the two or three fuels will be selected for Phase two engine and aircraft testing.
That testing will generate standardised qualification and certification data for candidate fuels, along with property and performance data.
The entire testing process is expected to conclude in 2018.
More <a href=’http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=16975′ target=’_blank’>here.</a>
