FAA Approves Additional 1,200 Engines for Swift Fuels’ Unleaded 100R Avgas
In a significant move towards eradicating leaded aviation fuel in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has broadened the Approved Model List (AML) for Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas. The expansion includes over 1,200 piston engine models and 1,600 airframe models, supplementing the fuel’s original Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) first issued in September 2024.
The recently approved engines encompass models from over 80 piston engine OEMs. This list includes approximately:
- 395 Lycoming models
- 195 Continental models
- 95 Curtis Wright models
- 95 Pratt & Whitney models
Collectively, these Phase 1 approvals cover aircraft that consume up to 56% of all 100LL avgas in the U.S. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the industry’s pursuit to become lead-free by the end of 2030, aligning with the U.S. government’s stated objective.
Swift Fuels, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, highlighted that 100R is currently the sole commercially available 100-octane unleaded avgas approved under FAA STCs and in compliance with ASTM International fuel specification D8603. The company anticipates Phase 2 and Phase 3 approvals, aimed at higher-performance, turbocharged engines, through 2026, 2027, and early 2028. Pilots who have previously purchased Swift’s UL94 STC will automatically receive a 100R STC at no additional cost through the company’s “Forever STC” program.
Source: General Aviation News | AVweb