Unleaded Benefits for Pilots


El Dorado County switching to FAA approved G100UL fuel immediately has many important practical benefits for pilots and their aircraft.

Spark plug maintenance and replacement intervals will be improved in the absence of metallic deposits from lead. In addition, it is likely that over time oil change intervals will double.

Unlike UL94, G100UL also reduces detonation risks; “during FAA approved detonation testing, the detonation protection from use of G100UL avgas exceeded that of a corresponding ASTM D910 100LL.”

Tests have also shown “engine and combustion chambers were noticeably cleaner at the end of that 150 hours operating on G100UL avgas than before.”

Although this fuel will initially “cost 60-85 cents/gallon more than 100LL,” it “actually has a bit more energy (BTUs/gallon) for increased range of the aircraft” as well.

There are also precautionary political reasons for our county to sign up for G100UL immediately; “leaded aviation fuel is prompting bipartisan outrage among US legislators,” some in Congress have already begun advocating for a national ban on lead aviation gas, and newspaper editorial boards are advocating for lead gas bans as well.

If a state (California was first to ban lead gas for cars) or national ban on lead aviation gas does occur “before unleaded fuel becomes more widely available, private flying—known as general aviation—could be badly hurt, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.”

If a ban does occur, any airport that doesn’t adopt G100UL early may be left with 94UL (which a third of piston-engine aircraft can’t use) or worse no fuel at all. This is why it is imperative that our county acts now to ensure our airport is early on the G100UL distribution list before other airports beat us to it.

Although leaded fuel poses some danger to adults, it is far more dangerous for children. However, in addition to health concerns, the practical operational benefits and potential pending ban on leaded fuel make it imperitive that our county sign an agreement with the manufacturer of G100UL as soon as possible.

G100UL is better for children, pilots, and the community as a whole. Please help us make this change happen as soon as possible at Placerville Airport.