NATA Emphasizes ASTM International as Most Reliable, Widely Accepted, and
Efficient Industry Consensus Process
Recent use of a 100-octane unleaded avgas at two California airports has led to press reports and discussion on aircraft owner forums about user experience with the new fuel. In light of these reports, incoming AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance has outlined his position on unleaded fuels, calling attention to several critical issues for the entire general aviation sector to consider as we progress toward an unleaded future.
NATA welcomes AOPA’s commitment “to partner with all key stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to advocate for open and transparent materials compatibility testing throughout the supply chain.” NATA has long advocated for the necessity of clear, open, and peer-reviewed testing of materials compatibility with emerging fuels – including materials used in fuel production, distribution, storage, and delivery, as well as those used in the operation of aircraft. In addition, it is imperative that fuel developers participate with aviation stakeholders reviewing FAA and ASTM International test results to facilitate the complete understanding of emerging fuels by appropriate OEMs, aviation fuel distributors, airports, FBOs, and aircraft operators.
NATA reiterates our stance that ASTM International, the globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards, provides the most reliable, efficient, and collaborative aviation fuel testing process across FAA, OEMs, and industry – including the testing of fuel properties and materials compatibility to ensure fuels are fit-for-purpose. The ASTM International review process draws on a wide range of subject matter experts to ensure fuels are vetted prior to entry into the marketplace, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes such as those being reported in California.
Pilots, airports, FBOs, and fuel distributors have historically relied on ASTM International product specifications for fuels that have been comprehensively evaluated for safe use with all materials that a fuel will interact with—from fuel production, distribution, and storage to use in the wing of the aircraft.
AOPA also recognized the need for “a rapid and transparent assessment by both the FAA and the fuel producer to quickly determine if any reported concerns about using 100-octane unleaded avgas are in fact a result of using the new fuel, and if there are mitigation options that should be shared with other users.” NATA agrees with AOPA, we stand ready to support such efforts in our role as industry co-chair of EAGLE, and we call on the FAA to communicate transparently and directly with the entire general aviation industry on user-reported issues.
NATA’s stance aligns with the consensus among US aviation stakeholders across the supply chain that FAA certifications coupled with ASTM International fuel specifications are the minimum standard for safely bringing new fuels to the marketplace, and that it is incumbent upon the FAA to investigate and communicate on any user-reported issues in a timely manner.