FAA Expands Approval for Swift Fuels’ Unleaded Avgas to Over 1,200 Engine Models
A significant milestone in the transition to unleaded aviation fuel has been reached. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has broadened the Approved Model List (AML) for Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded aviation gasoline. The FAA has issued Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) that now cover more than 1,200 piston engine models and 1,600 airframe models. This expansion represents approximately 56% of the current U.S. consumption of 100LL (leaded avgas).
The newly certified engines originate from over 80 manufacturers. These include Lycoming (~395 models), Continental (~195 models), Curtiss Wright (~95 models), and Pratt & Whitney (~95 models). All approved combinations are compliant with the ASTM International fuel specification D8603. The FAA’s Central Certification Branch orchestrated these certifications, marking Phase 1 of Swift Fuels’ comprehensive unleaded transition plan.
Swift Fuels, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, anticipates that Phase II and Phase III of the approval program will be implemented through 2027 and early 2028. These phases target higher-performance engine and airframe combinations. The company has ramped up its engine testing program in collaboration with FAA fuel testing experts at the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Pilots are required to obtain a Swift Fuels STC before using 100R in eligible aircraft. Aircraft owners who previously held a UL94 STC are eligible for a 100R STC at no extra cost through the company’s “Forever STC” program. The U.S. government has set a deadline of 2030 for the complete transition to unleaded aviation gasoline.
Source: General Aviation News – FAA Approves 100R Unleaded Avgas for More Aircraft