Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a long-anticipated first step in a multi-step process to use its authority to address aircraft fuel lead emissions through the issuance of a preliminary endangerment finding.
It is important to note that the notice does not stop the production, sale, distribution, or use of 100 Low Lead (100LL), nor can the sale of 100LL be banned at any federally obligated airport.
National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO Curt Castagna said, "Early on, Congress, the FAA, and industry recognized that research, development, evaluation, implementation, and the crafting of sound policy must be collaborative in the transition from leaded aviation fuel. To that end, NATA, FBOs, fuel suppliers and producers, MROs, and other aviation industry stakeholders are dedicated to working with the FAA and EPA to secure the necessary regulatory approvals for a fleet authorization, lead-free alternative avgas to replace 100LL that is compatible with existing infrastructure, while maintaining 100LL availability across the country during the transition.”
The aviation industry has been working on this shift for years through the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) and now also through the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Initiative – aiming for a lead-free future for U.S. piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030. NATA is supportive of all pathways which lead to an unleaded avgas future.
FAA’s recent issuance of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) approving the use of GAMI’s 100 octane unleaded avgas (G100UL) throughout a large number of the nation's fleet of piston aircraft represents a major step forward for the future of unleaded avgas, with other fuel producers such as Swift Fuels, Phillips66/Afton Chemical, and Lyondell Chemical/VP-Racing working on solutions. Currently, Swift Fuels’ UL94 is approved for use in approximately 70% of the spark ignition piston fleet.
“Even though 2030 is the target to achieve a fleet authorization, lead-free alternative to 100LL, we hope to obtain that goal much sooner with industry and government working together,” added Castagna. “As we collectively move toward a scalable solution, NATA and our members are continuing to demonstrate leadership in keeping a safety first focus on infrastructure support, as well as on the development of resources and training for airports, FBOs, and other refueling operators, such as the recently released ‘Unleaded Avgas Conversion Considerations for Aviation Fuel Providers,’ a white paper to educate fuel service providers on best practices for the safe and effective deployment of unleaded avgas.”
Other resources can be found at www.preventmisfueling.com, including NATA’s Unleaded Avgas Fact Sheet. Additional information on this announcement can be found here.
For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero.
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.