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Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs
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ebyer@nata.aero
 

GA AVGAS COALITION APPLAUDS FAA’S CREATION OF AVGAS FUELS PROGRAM OFFICE

Alexandria, VA, September 13, 2012 — In response to a letter from the industry members of the General Aviation Avgas Coalition urging funding for an unleaded avgas program, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the formation of a new Fuels Program Office. The office will be responsible for “providing technical expertise and strategic direction in the planning, management, and coordination of activities related to aviation fuels.” This is the next important step in establishing an unleaded avgas transition program that will evaluate the viability of candidate fuels and generate the data needed for fleet- wide aircraft certification and development of a commercial fuel specification.

The letter described the FAA organizational steps already underway, many of which stemmed from the final recommendations made by the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT ARC). These included the hiring of a transition consultant to work with industry to establish a Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative steering group.

The general aviation industry members of the General Aviation Avgas Coalition include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Air Transportation Association, and National Business Aviation Association. The heads of these associations issued the following statement:

“The FAA’s direct involvement and participation in this process is critical to ensuring a fleet-wide transition to an unleaded avgas that will maintain consumer confidence and ensure the least impact on the existing fleet. The establishment of the new Fuels Program Office will ensure an efficient use of both government and industry resources and will provide a more comprehensive pathway and timeline to an unleaded fuel.”  

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The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.