FAA Releases Draft Plan for Transition to Unleaded Avgas

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) releases the draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline for public comment. Pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation stakeholders are asked to review and comment on the FAA’s draft plan, which highlights many of the technical, regulatory and logistical challenges in shifting from 100LL to unleaded fuel.

The draft plan emphasizes the efforts underway toward the national goal for the phase-out of 100LL, targeting 2030 for the contiguous United States (2032 for Alaska). The draft plan provides a framework for the transition and describes phases of transition, anticipated timelines, fuel-authorization pathways, and steps that airports, pilots and aircraft owners will need to consider as unleaded fuels continue to enter the market in the coming years.

The FAA notes that stakeholder feedback will further inform the transition moving forward. Stakeholder participation will also support transparency and keep safety at the forefront.

EAGLE (flyeagle.org) urges all aircraft owners and pilots to review the draft Transition Plan and submit comments focused on safety, feasibility and operational needs. See: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/pubs.

The transition to unleaded fuel will shape general aviation for decades, and input from the general-aviation community remains central to assuring a safe and smart transition.