Unleaded avgas took a step closer to reality after 10 companies submitted samples to the FAA for assessment by the 1 July deadline.
The FAA has been under pressure from American environmental lobbyists to replace leaded avgas with a low-lead or unleaded alternative.
Candidates for the new fuel came from several companies including Afton Chemical Company, Shell, Swift Fuels and a consortium of BP, Total and Hjelmco.
"The July 1 deadline marked one step closer to eventually transitioning to an unleaded avgas in our piston-engine fleet,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said.
“This development is a key milestone for ensuring the continued safety of our aircraft, benefiting the environment, and minimizing the economic disruption to our industry.”
Under the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), the FAA will assess the viability of the fuels using the data and information packages provided by the candidates. The agency will evaluate the impact on the existing fleet, production and distribution infrastructure, environment, toxicology, and availability to consumers in terms of cost.
The most promising fuels will be selected to participate in laboratory testing led by the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey beginning in September.
With the demand for avgas dwindling world-wide and the USA being the largest consumer, avgas producers are unlikely to find it economical to continue producing 100LL for smaller markets, meaning Australia will be forced to switch also.