Over 2,800 Aircraft Cleared for Swift Fuels’ Unleaded 100R Avgas
The long-standing push in general aviation to transition to unleaded fuel is gaining momentum. Swift Fuels recently announced a significant FAA expansion of its 100R unleaded aviation gasoline, incorporating more than 1,200 piston engine models and 1,600 airframe models to its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Approved Model List. This is the largest single expansion of the fuel’s approval since its initial certification in September 2024.
The new certifications encompass engines from over 80 manufacturers, including approximately 395 Lycoming models and 195 Continental models. These now account for aircraft that consume up to 56% of all 100LL leaded avgas used in the U.S. The FAA’s Central Certification Branch orchestrated this expansion, which is described as Phase 1 of Swift Fuels’ comprehensive transition plan. Phases 2 and 3, which target higher-performance engines, are anticipated to roll out through 2026, 2027, and early 2028.
Currently, the 100R fuel is the only commercially available 100-octane unleaded avgas that operates under FAA-approved STCs and aligns with ASTM International’s D8603 production specification. Pilots who previously purchased Swift’s UL94 STC will automatically receive a 100R STC at no additional cost through the company’s “Forever STC” program. Swift Fuels is actively expanding distribution to airports across 29 U.S. states and internationally to Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
This development is a crucial stride towards the U.S. government’s objective of transitioning the entire general aviation fleet to unleaded fuel by 2030.
Source: General Aviation News – FAA Approves 100R Unleaded Avgas for More Aircraft