Max talks with Eric Peterson, the Director of Santa Clara County Airports, centered around the exciting debut of G100UL, an unleaded 100-octane aviation gasoline at Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose, California. This milestone marks Reid-Hillview as the first airport in the nation to receive and sell GAMI’s G100UL fuel, a significant move for general aviation toward environmentally cleaner alternatives.
Arrival of G100UL at Reid-Hillview
Peterson revealed that after much effort, Reid-Hillview Airport received its first shipment of G100UL on Monday, with sales starting shortly afterward. The airport took in 7,500 gallons of this fuel, paving the way for the transition to lead-free options. As an incentive for pilots to adopt G100UL, GAMI is offering several promotions (click for details and to register). For example, Reid-Hillview and San Martin-based aircraft owners can acquire the necessary Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for free if they follow specific instructions, including buying the STC online, emailing GAMI, and attending the launch event at Reid-Hillview on November 2. Additionally, GAMI is providing 50 gallons of G100UL for free to those who already possess the STC and 25 gallons of G100UL to Bay Area pilots who buy the STC by November 1 and fly into Reid-Hillview on November 2.
The Road to Unleaded Fuel Adoption
Peterson explained that Santa Clara County has been spearheading the shift toward unleaded aviation fuel. In 2022, the county took over fueling operations at both Reid-Hillview and San Martin Airports, along with the ownership of fueling infrastructure. In line with this, Santa Clara County resolved to phase out leaded fuel, which led to the adoption of Swift’s UL94, a 94-octane fuel compatible with about 65% of the general aviation fleet. The introduction of G100UL, however, is aimed at filling the demand for unleaded fuel that can be safely used by the remaining 35% of aircraft that require higher-octane levels.
The county’s push for lead-free aviation fuel was also influenced by a study linking elevated lead levels in children to their proximity to leaded aviation fuel. The findings spurred the county to phase out leaded options. Peterson expects more airports to follow suit, especially as the EPA considers a ruling to ban leaded aviation fuel nationwide.
Challenges in Sourcing G100UL
Obtaining G100UL wasn’t straightforward. Peterson described the logistical and legal complexities the county faced, including direct contracting with Vitol Aviation, the fuel’s manufacturer, due to limited distribution channels for G100UL. The initial supply of G100UL arrived by truck from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but future shipments may come via rail, which would reduce costs. These challenges reflect the pioneering role Reid-Hillview plays in bringing unleaded aviation fuel to market, setting an example for airports across the country.
Future Prospects and Pricing
Currently, G100UL is priced at $6.99 per gallon. Peterson expects that rail delivery, once implemented, could further lower costs. As interest in unleaded fuel grows, he advises airport managers interested in offering G100UL to assess their storage capabilities and ensure they have sufficient infrastructure, as adding new tanks can be time-intensive. Additionally, effective communication with local pilots is crucial, as G100UL requires an STC and cannot yet serve as a drop-in replacement for leaded avgas.
Industry Implications and Final Thoughts
Peterson noted that the industry-wide transition to unleaded fuel is inevitable, especially given regulatory pressures and the broader environmental push to eliminate lead in aviation fuel. By setting an example, Santa Clara County’s airports are paving the way for a nationwide shift, with GAMI’s fuel incentives serving as a crucial step to drive adoption.
In closing, Peterson expressed pride in reaching this milestone and optimism about G100UL’s impact, marking a significant step in aviation’s path toward sustainability.
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