House R&D bill would continue unleaded-fuel research

(AOPA Online, 3/26/11) The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has sent to the full House a bill containing language to authorize FAA research on an unleaded aviation fuel. The bill reauthorizing FAA research and development calls for continuing R&D activities “into the qualification of an unleaded aviation fuel and safe transition to this fuel for the fleet of piston engine aircraft.” It would require the FAA administrator to develop a plan for carrying out the policy within 120 days of the bill’s passage.


Avgas research funding support urged

(D. Namowitz, AOPA, 5/23) A $2 million FAA budget request for research into an alternative to leaded avgas is an “absolutely critical part of the process” of switching the general aviation fleet to a lead-free fuel. That’s the message leaders of five GA associations sent in a letter urging members of a House committee to support the funding.The May 17 letter from the presidents of the GA associations urged members on the Appropriations Committee’s transportation subcommittee to support the funding proposal in the FAA’s fiscal 2012 budget. The funds would support research on the safety of different avgas formulations and development of airworthiness standards for engine modifications at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey. “This is an absolutely critical part of the process to identify and transition the general aviation piston fleet to a new unleaded avgas..."