Textron Aviation today announced it has approved the use of unleaded avgas in their range of Lycoming piston-engined aeroplanes.
Cessna's Skyhawk 172 and Skylane 182 have been approved to burn 91 octane unleaded (91UL) and 94UL or 100 very low lead (100VLL) and the Turbo Stationair 206 has been approved for 100 VLL.
"Textron Aviation is committed to sustainability, and this announcement is an excellent opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to minimise their carbon footprint while continuing to enjoy the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston & Utility Sales.
“We have produced more than 75,000 of these three piston aircraft models, and this gives owners and operators around the world a chance to take action in reducing emissions.”
Textron-owned Lycoming recently approved the use of unleaded and lower-leaded fuels after completing a series of tests. The fuel is compatible for both new production and legacy Cessna piston aircraft.
Unleaded aviation fuels have been developed to be more environmentally-friendly than the 100-octane 100LL generally available for most piston aircraft engines.
Operators can start using the alternative fuels once their aircraft is compliant with Service Bulletin SEB-28-04 or MEB-28-01.