The Impact of Unleaded Fuel on a Collegiate Aviation Flight Training Environment - Tanner Way

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 17: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Atrium

Tanner Way

Southern Illinois University

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

Problem Statement
Leaded aviation fuel has been the standard for powering piston-engine aircraft for decades. More than 167,000 piston-engine aircraft operating in the United States rely on avgas, whether it be for business or pleasure. Fuel emissions, such as that from leaded avgas have been known to increase the blood-lead level (BLL) which is toxic to the human body, resulting in lower IQ, reduced focus, and an overall decrease in cognitive ability. However, with the increasing availability of unleaded aviation fuels in the market, the aviation community needs to explore the transition to unleaded avgas, especially in the collegiate flight training environment.

Facts
General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI)’s unleaded avgas (G100UL) is a functional drop-in replacement for 100LL avgas. In addition to being lead-free, it has been known to improve spark plug maintenance and replacement intervals, lengthen the time interval between oil changes and extend engine Time Before Overhaul (TBO).

1. Unleaded fuel is less corrosive than leaded fuel, which can extend the life of an aircraft's engine and other components.
2. The use of unleaded fuel can help reduce the environmental impact of general aviation by eliminating lead deposits from aircraft exhaust.
3. Unleaded fuel makes it safer for pilots and ground crew by limiting their contact with lead, which reduces BLLs.
4. G100UL is 60-80 cents more per gallon of fuel.
5. G100UL is in the preliminary phase of mass production, meaning there may be a delay in availability for rural municipalities.
6. Aircraft require a supplemental-type certificate to use G100UL, which is an additional cost.

Research Goal
The Southern Illinois University (SIU), School of Aviation’s Flight Training Program is exploring the feasibility of converting from leaded avgas (100LL) to unleaded avgas (G100UL). Due to the varying nature of flight schools, this research study aims to provide a generalized masterplan, or framework, for other institutions to explore their feasibility to convert to G100UL. The framework will help identify stakeholders within their state (and in the aviation industry) and identify funding sources available to collegiate flight training institutions.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Tanner Way is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the School of Aviation at Southern Illinois University.

Tanner will earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management with a dual minor in Airport Planning and Management and Air Traffic Control this Fall. He has been accepted into graduate school to pursue a Master of Science degree in Aviation Management. Tanner was a 2020 valedictorian at Crittenden County High School and earned the title of National Scholar with the Horatio Alger Association.

PRESENTATION FILE