FAA Approves Swift 100R Unleaded Avgas for Over 1,200 Engines: A Significant General Aviation Milestone
In a significant step towards phasing out leaded aviation gasoline, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has broadened its approval of Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas. This expansion includes more than 1,200 piston engine models and 1,600 airframe models to the fuel’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This announcement came just days before the doors of AirVenture 2026 were opened.
According to the West Lafayette, Indiana-based Swift Fuels, the newly approved aircraft represent approximately 56% of the current U.S. 100LL (leaded avgas) consumption. This marks the first phase of a multi-phase certification plan. The approved engines cover over 80 piston engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including:
- Lycoming (~395 models)
- Continental (~195 models)
- Curtis Wright
- Pratt & Whitney
The 100R fuel is the only commercially available 100-octane unleaded avgas that has both FAA approval via STCs and complies with ASTM International’s D8603 production specification.
Chris D’Acosta, CEO of Swift Fuels, anticipates that the company will complete its 100R engine certification work by the end of 2027 or early 2028. The subsequent phases, Phase II and Phase III, aim at higher-performance engines. The FAA’s objective is to transition the entire fleet to unleaded aviation gasoline by the end of 2030. Pilots who wish to use 100R must obtain a Swift Fuels STC. However, holders of the company’s existing UL94 STC can qualify automatically at no extra cost through the company’s “Forever STC” program.
Source: AVweb – FAA Expands Approval List For Swift Fuels’ 100R Unleaded Avgas