FAA issues FAAST Blast to support GA users of 100 Low Lead fuel

"Despite ongoing research, currently there is no definitive replacement for unleaded avgas available that will meet the needs of all GA aircraft. EPA will use data gathered through this comment-seeking process, as well as work with FAA and industry, to decide whether to enact restrictions on the use of leaded avgas."


-FAAST Blast
Notice Number: NOTC2273

FAAST Blast — May 06, 2010 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News update

EPA Issues Proposed Rulemaking for Leaded Avgas
On April 28, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), the first step in a process that may lead to standards mandating GA’s transition to unleaded avgas. This action allows the public to comment on the current data being considered to develop standards to control lead emissions from piston-powered aircraft.  
 
Avgas is the only remaining transportation fuel in the United States that contains lead. FAA is committed to continue working with the GA community to test, adopt, and certify a new aviation gasoline fuel standard. In addition, FAA established a GA alternative fuels program at the FAA Technical Center to continue research of unleaded aviation fuels and has issued many supplemental type certificates (STCs) to allow aircraft with lower-performance engines to operate with unleaded automobile gasoline.
 
Despite ongoing research, currently there is no definitive replacement for unleaded avgas available that will meet the needs of all GA aircraft. EPA will use data gathered through this comment-seeking process, as well as work with FAA and industry, to decide whether to enact restrictions on the use of leaded avgas. EPA estimates that lead emissions from aircraft using leaded avgas accounts for approximately half of the national inventory of lead emitted to air.
 
EPA will accept public comment on the ANPRM until June 28, 2010. To view the ANPRM and to provide comments, go to www.regulations.gov and search Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0294.

U.S. Senator from Alaska Comments on EPA AvGas Issue

Washington, D.C.-(April 30, 2010)--Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-AK has commented on the EPA's lack of concern for Alaskans by issuing an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making for public comment. The EPA may possibly ban 100 Low Lead aviation fuel in Alaska should there be support for this nationwide.
Speaking from Washington D.C. today the senator stated:
"For a state like Alaska where general aviation is so vital, this rule change is especially troubling, since the practical benefits on our State’s air quality are so unproven. It would certainly be better if EPA conducted an Alaska specific air quality study before imposing a fuel rule that could have a real negative impact, especially given the age and the wide variety of engines used in general aviation in the State," said Murkowski."This is just another example where EPA is pushing a one-size-fits-all solution to an issue that might not even be a problem in Alaska without understanding the real economic impacts on Alaskans. Flying in Alaska is a necessity for many, something this proposed rule clearly doesn’t consider.”The statement comes before the opening of the 2010 Alaska Airmen's Association Trade Show and Convention which is host to over 21,000 people interested in Alaska's Aviation industry.

Alaska needs a waiver from EPA 100 Low Lead Ban!

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, April 24, 2010--It is now evident that our Congressional Delegation needs to seek a waiver from the impending ban of 100 Low Lead Aviation fuel.
"This is not just going to affect rural Alaska, it will affect the whole state," said John Hopson, Jr. of Wainwright, AK.
John and other North Slope villagers depend on aircraft to fly from village to village in Cessna 185, 206 and 207 aircraft which have high compression four cycle engines that depend on 100 Low Lead fuel to achieve horsepower, to cool and lubricate efficiently.

While the rest of the country and the aviation groups that we pay yearly fees to represent us are scrambling to find "alternative" fuels for the most efficient engines developed to date, we here in Alaska will need a waiver to allow us to continue to use the fuel in aircraft engines that produce more than 180 horsepower.

The 180 horsepower is the dividing line for aircraft engines who have higher compression to develop horsepower, according to aircraft engine manufacturers like Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM), Textron (AVCO Lycoming) etc.

While we understand those in the industry are making an effort it appears as if there will be too short a period now that the EPA NPRM timeline has been moved forward.

The Alaska Congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, R-AK, Mark Begich D-AK, and Congressman Don Young R-AK need to work together to ensure that a waiver is issued for Alaskan Aircraft, or better, to kill this effort by using logic.