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San Carlos Flight Center, a flight school based in California, is pioneering the use of sustainable aviation fuels by transitioning its fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft to operate on 100R unleaded gasoline. This high-octane fuel, manufactured by Swift Fuels and recently approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aims to reduce environmental impacts associated with traditional leaded gasoline.
The flight center announced this shift in early November 2024, highlighting its position as the first in the nation to adopt this new sustainable product. The organization expressed excitement about leading the way toward more sustainable general aviation practices. "We are thrilled to adopt 100R fuel for our fleet," said Alessandro Franco, owner of San Carlos Flight Center. "Not only does it align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances aircraft performance and extends engine life—benefits that directly impact our pilots and maintenance team."
The transition to 100R unleaded not only reduces lead emissions but also offers performance benefits such as reduced maintenance costs due to less wear on piston engines like the Lycoming O-360. The cleaner burn of this fuel results in fewer deposits and increased fuel efficiency.
