FAA Approves New AvGas? Standard for Aircraft Using 100LL

September 16, 2011

The Federal Aviation Administration? (FAA) has approved a new avgas? standard for use in aircraft that now fly on 100 octane low lead (100LL). The new specification, called 100 VLL (Very Low Lead), contains 20-percent less lead than the current specification, according to a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin? (SAIB) issued by the FAA September 14.

The new specification is the result of a year’s work by the GA Avgas Coalition?, along with the petroleum industry and makers of airframes and engines. Because most manufacturers do not include the full amount of lead? allowable under the 100LL standard, most avgas already meets the 100VLL specification.

The SAIB? notes that the 100VLL sacrifices none of the safety requirements considered vital by general aviation operators – especially those who fly with high compression engines. “100VLL has the same minimum octane rating and will provide the same level of anti-knock performance as 100LL and 100 avgas grades,” stated by the FAA.

The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered state monitoring of air quality at 15 airports nationwide, in a move to determine lead levels and reduce them under the auspices of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). If lead levels in monitored areas are above NAAQS-permitted levels, states must submit plans to lower them by 2017.

External Links:

PDF File to 100VLL