Just in Time for Avgas Replacement Initiatives, a 12-Year Passion Project Could Solve GA's Biggest Problem

General Aviation Modifications is immensely close to full, fleet-wide certification for their unleaded 100LL replacement. 

GAMI has been hard at work for the last 12 years to complete development of their G100UL lead-free aviation fuel, now awaiting the final step in the process to bring it to the industry at large. All that stands in the way now, they say, is a signature from the Wichita Aircraft Certification Office that would approve an expanded AML Engine and Aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate. That could happen at any moment, only requiring FAA headquarters to send their authorization.

Chances seem quite good that the approval will go through, as the work done by GAMI has been positively reviewed as "comprehensive and credible" by the Atlanta ACO. Independent audits and follow up reviews have also borne out the high level of preparation completed for the development of G100UL. George Braly, engineering head at the company, said that the Wichita ACO had advised GAMI that "the G100UL avgas STC project is the single most thoroughly vetted and documented STC project in memory at that office," some high praise indeed. 

The expanded AML would include all spark ignition piston engines in the FAA's Type Certificate Database, which stands at 1,800+ engines dating back to the very foundations of the aeronautical industry. From fancy, modern powerplants to fire-breathing prewar radials, the AML is a cornerstone of aircraft certification alongside its sister doc corresponding to airframes. Both lists can be expanded as additional aircraft are released. Once FAA HQ authorizes the manager of the Wichita ACO to sign the AML STCs, GAMI says that "production of G100UL avgas will expand to support the needs of the market. GAMI anticipates the existing blue 100LL will disappear, providing a long-awaited solution to the environmental and engine operational pitfalls of leaded fuel."

The time is quite ripe for the widespread release, as general aviation begins to feel increasing pressure from special interest groups and real estate developers hungrily eye airport land throughout the country. The happenings at California's Santa Monica are airports have shown that leaded fuel can be an effective fulcrum to weaken general aviation operations within an area. The EPA, the FAA, and more have begun initiatives to find replacements for the classic 100LL. Last January, the FAA announced the development of a "multi-layered transition strategy to reduce and ultimately eliminate lead from avgas," and GAMI's turnkey, ready-to-go solution could preempt a whole lot of hand wringing and political finagling. 

GAMI has already laid the groundwork with selected producers for large-scale G100UL production, as well as a collaboration with Avfuel Corp. to work through the logistics of disseminating the product on a commercial scale. They have been open about their desire for equitable distribution, wanting an even application throughout the country. GAMI says that G100UL can be added to existing 100LL stocks without issue, allowing airports to make the switch affordably by using pre-existing infrastructure. 

FMI: www.gami.com