Quantcast

AOPA Beech Baron wing stain linked to leaking fuel bladder

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
AOPA Beech Baron wing stain linked to leaking fuel bladder
Policy

General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) has traced the source of a stain on the underside of the AOPA Beech Baron fuel test bed aircraft to a leaky patch in a 50-year-old bladder in the tank. According to a report prepared by GAMI, mechanics who removed all four bladders from the Baron discovered the leak in an old patch on the aged bladder that had been used to hold G100UL for the past nine months.

Fuel settled between the leaking bladder and "chafe tape" applied to protect the bladder from wearing against the metal inside the wing. The fuel dissolved the glue on the tape, creating a sticky residue that appeared on the underside of the wing while the plane was displayed at AirVenture. The right tank contains 100LL, and AOPA is collecting comparison data on both fuels under real-world conditions.

GAMI stated that such fuel bladder leaks are relatively common in Beech Bonanzas and Barons operating on 100LL. A pilot at GAMI’s booth at Oshkosh reported experiencing leaks in his Bonanza three times over three years.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The appearance of the stain at Oshkosh sparked significant online discussion about its nature and impact. GAMI's report noted minor leaks from both tanks, which are decades old, but emphasized that none were related to its fuel or any other fuel damaging the bladder material. G100UL underwent exhaustive testing under FAA supervision for compatibility with bladder material during its STC process without issues.

AOPA left the Baron in Oshkosh after AirVenture for technicians to determine the leak's source. The plane is now in Virginia and will receive new fuel tanks, which was initially planned before testing began but was deferred due to parts unavailability.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa has announced the introduction of unlimited free chatting on its long-haul flights.

Jun 3, 2025

Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore an enhanced partnership.

Jun 3, 2025

Air New Zealand is set to expand its fleet with the arrival of two new A321neo aircraft, each covering a distance of 19,342 kilometers from the Airbus facility in Hamburg to Auckland.

Jun 3, 2025

The 10th Annual Run the Runway event, organized by CEA, offers a unique experience for runners, families, and aviation enthusiasts.

Jun 3, 2025

The third daily flight from Dubai to Bahrain, EK835, departed at 0200 hrs and arrived in Bahrain at 0215 hrs.

Jun 3, 2025

Emirates has announced a multi-year partnership with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), becoming the Premium Partner and Official Airline Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Jun 3, 2025