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Tensions flared briefly at a forum on progress toward an unleaded replacement for avgas on Monday. During the public comment period after formal presentations, Tim Roehl, president of General Aviation Modifications Inc., challenged points made by members and support staff from the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE). Roehl informed the crowd that GAMI’s G100UL is ready for distribution and sale, contrary to assertions made during the formal part of the forum. EAGLE member Pete Bunce, president of the General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association, stood up and dismissed Roehl’s assertion. “I totally disagree but that’s a discussion for another day,” said Bunce.
In earlier comments, Bunce emphasized his organization’s commitment to ensuring any new fuel is approved through “transparency and a peer-reviewed process,” traditionally done through ASTM International. “Transparency is so absolutely vital for us,” said Bunce.
Refiner Vitol Aviation has 1.3 million gallons of G100UL in tanks in Texas and claims it has been vetted as ready for sale through its STC. GAMI and Vitol maintain that FAA approval of an STC covering all gasoline engines on the FAA registry satisfies all regulatory and safety requirements to begin retail distribution of the fuel. However, critics argue it needs a consensus standard determined by an independent organization like ASTM to address concerns about materials compatibility.
