The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected four fuels for testing as potential unleaded replacements for 100LL avgas.
Of the ten fuel types submitted by 1 July this year, only the candidate fuels from Swift Fuels (two types), Shell and Total will be evaluated for use in general aviation piston aircraft.
Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), said the project to replace 100LL was welcome.
"GAMA is pleased that the FAA has taken this important step forward as it continues to evaluate possible unleaded avgas replacement fuels for development and deployment,” he said.
“A successful transition to unleaded avgas is critical for ensuring the continued safety of the piston-engine fleet, providing environmental benefits, and reducing the economic impact of a transition on our industry. We appreciate the strong support of the U.S. Congress and the FAA, which have been key to moving this effort forward.”
Initial testing is expected to be complete by the third quarter of next year, but the final decision on a suitable replacement for 100LL is not scheduled to happen until 2018.
More information is available on the Australian Flying news feed.