7 November 2024
Unleaded avgas is making strides into the vast network of General Aviation airports across the US, with one Californian flight school now operating all its Cessna 172s on Swift Fuels’ newly approved 100R unleaded aviation gasoline.
San Carlos Flight Centre, located on the shore of San Francisco Bay, is believed to be the first flight school in the US to transition to unleaded avgas.
Swift Fuels’ 100R is a high-octane, unleaded avgas recently approved by the FAA. As well as eliminating lead emissions, Swift says 100R offers performance and maintenance benefits. Unleaded fuel burns cleaner, resulting in improved engine efficiency, reduced deposit buildup, and lower maintenance costs over time.
Swift 100R unleaded fuel can be used in aircraft with the STC
“We are thrilled to adopt 100R fuel for our fleet,” said Alessandro Franco, owner at San Carlos Flight Center.
“Not only does it align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances aircraft performance and extends engine life—benefits that directly impact our pilots and maintenance team.”
San Carlos Flight Center has been operating all eligible fleet aircraft on UL94 unleaded avgas since August 2021.
A viable unleaded alternative for 100LL avgas?
At another California airport, this time San Diego Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, Crownair Aviation is now stocking Swift Fuels UL94 for aircraft with the appropriate supplemental type certificate (STC), reports Avweb.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was at the FBO to ceremonially pump the first gallon of UL94 into the wing of a 1966 Cessna 182J Skylane.
Ray Richmond, Crownair general manager and president, said, “While this doesn’t replace all aviation gasoline, it is an important first step.”
The City of San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is now offering climate-friendly fuel options to aircraft owners. The new unleaded aviation fuel will reduce lead emissions for community members and maintenance costs for aircraft owners. pic.twitter.com/pCCxmMxMJW
— City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) November 2, 2024
Swift Fuels’ UL94 is FAA-certified for use in approximately 75% of the US piston fleet, according to Swift. The UL94 has an ASTM International (D7547) fuel specification making it commercially available for use by airports and supply chain professionals across the country.
UL94 has an identical density to 100LL, meaning weight and balance calculations will not change. It is currently clear (‘water white’ as defined by ASTM International) and smells like a mild version of 100LL.
Swift’s new 100-octane unleaded avgas, called 100R, was recently FAA-certified for an initial set of engines and airframes.
“More exciting regulatory news will be coming out very soon regarding our nationwide transition plans as we move to replace toxic emissions from 100LL with our premium unleaded avgas products,” added Swift.
