Swift Fuels, manufacturer and distributor of unleaded 94-octane aviation fuel, was granted its first supplemental type certificate for 100-octane unleaded aviation fuel, 100R.
The STC allows 100R unleaded avgas to be used in Cessna 172 Skyhawk models R and S with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines. The company plans to seek additional STCs with the goal of becoming the global replacement for 100LL within three to five years.
“We’re following a very similar approach where we approve a certain set of engines and airframes and then we expand from that, just like we did nine years ago with UL94,” D’Acosta said. “It’s exactly the same architected program except that’s it’s for the 100-octane fuel. We emphasize our work with OEMs, with the FAA, and with the ASTM international experts; those are all people we collaborate with.”
Two other unleaded aviation fuel manufacturers are currently seeking to produce and widely distribute unleaded fuels that can replace avgas.
General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s G100UL received STC approval in 2022 that allows G100UL to be used in every spark-ignition piston engine in the fleet.
UL100E, developed by LyondellBasell and VP Racing Fuels, is currently undergoing engine and airframe testing through the FAA’s Piston Engine Aviation Fuels Initiative, with hopes of receiving fleetwide approval in 2025.
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