Federal Aviation Administration Expands Approval for Swift Fuels’ Unleaded Avgas to Over 1,600 Aircraft
In a significant move towards eradicating leaded aviation fuel in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has dramatically extended the Approved Model List (AML) for Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded aviation gasoline. This expansion includes over 1,200 piston engine models and 1,600 airframe models to the fuel’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), initially endorsed by the FAA in September 2024.
The recently approved aircraft represent approximately 56% of all 100LL (leaded avgas) consumed in the United States. This Phase I expansion marks a critical milestone in the industry-wide shift away from leaded fuel. The following engine manufacturers are covered:
- Lycoming (~395 models)
- Continental (~195 models)
- Curtiss Wright (~95 models)
- Pratt & Whitney (~95 models)
These are among more than 80 OEMs in total.
Swift Fuels, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, highlighted that 100R is currently the only commercially available 100-octane unleaded aviation fuel operating under FAA-approved STCs and in compliance with ASTM International’s D8603 production specification. The company is actively broadening distribution and anticipates over 100 U.S. airfields, as well as locations in the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, to start adopting 100R in the upcoming months.
Phase II and Phase III approvals, targeting higher-performance engine and airframe combinations, are anticipated between 2026 and early 2028. Pilots whose aircraft are listed on the AML must secure a Swift Fuels STC before using 100R.
Source: AVweb – FAA Expands Approval List for Swift Fuels’ 100R Unleaded Avgas