Understanding the Transition to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Primer (2026)
Chapter: What Are the Opportunities and Challenges for Airports in Providing Unleaded Aviation Gasoline?
- Decide on the transition to unleaded fuel and select the fuel type.
Use the results of the analysis in Step 5 in combination with the airport’s Primary Management Compliance Documents that include minimum standards/rules and regulations for compliance as part of the airport’s decision-making process to determine if the airport will begin the transition to supplying one or more unleaded aviation gasoline(s) while continuing to provide 100LL.
- Implement transition plans to unleaded fuel.
Make the necessary arrangements to develop the required refueling infrastructure, including securing grant and incentive funding, to provide the selected unleaded aviation gasoline(s) and coordinate with the fuel supplier that will provide the fuel(s).
- Develop safety procedures.
To prevent misfueling of aircraft, develop procedures to ensure that unleaded aviation gasoline(s) either have FAA Fleet Authorization or are only used in aircraft that are type certified or hold STCs for their use.
- Conduct training, outreach, and education.
Ensure all personnel involved in the supply and use of the selected unleaded aviation gasoline(s) are informed of proper procedures and safety protocols through targeted outreach, education, and training before fuel distribution begins.
- Monitor the transition, identify issues, and make adjustments.
Begin using the selected unleaded aviation gasoline(s), monitor the progress of the transition, and evaluate and adjust as needed to address any issues that arise.
What Are the Opportunities and Challenges for Airports in Providing Unleaded Aviation Gasoline?
In deciding to provide unleaded aviation gasoline, airports are provided with several potential opportunities. These include:
- Reducing lead emissions at and around their facilities, thereby improving the health of both airport users and people who live, work, or go to school in the vicinity of the airport.
- Demonstrating leadership in addressing environmental challenges, such as lead emissions, to both the aviation community and the general public.
- Helping to educate the local aviation community and the public about unleaded aviation gasoline.
- Providing aircraft operators with direct experience in using unleaded aviation gasoline before the mandated elimination of 100LL by December 31, 2030.
- Potential availability of sponsor incentives to fund STC purchase or reduce impacts of higher unleaded aviation gasoline costs.
