Future of Fuel - Unleaded Fuel Initiative
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Prescott
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Aeronautical Science Fixed Wing
Presentation Description/Abstract
Looking back in time, history shows the aviation industry is not new to the idea of switching to an alternate fuel. In 1988, industry stakeholders raised similar questions about the feasibility of utilizing alternate fuel. At a symposium held on June 29, 1988, a panel was held so both fuel suppliers and engine manufacturers could discuss the viability of supporting a transition towards an alternate fuel. At the time, minimal progress was made as distribution was seen as the primary issue. Aircraft engine manufacturers were not developing new engines to facilitate a different fuel that was not out on the market.
Since then, the industry has shown a rapidly growing desire to transition from leaded fuel to unleaded fuel. Since the establishment of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative on February 23, 2022, stakeholders in aviation have worked to accelerate this shift. This urgency soon increased after the Environmental Protection Agency’s acknowledgement on October 18, 2023, regarding the health risks associated with lead exposure from aviation emissions. These findings clearly indicate that the industry must therefore transition to unleaded fuel quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely.
Over the past year, research has examined multiple categories related to this transition. This includes certification, maintenance, infrastructure, and supply chain logistics. While many methods of certification for unleaded fuel have been evaluated, maintenance stands out as the primary safety concern for this transition. The University of North Dakota experienced valve seat recession in 2023, similar to the automobile industry’s own transition away from leaded fuel. Despite this issue, airports like Centennial Airport in Denver have found success in their distribution of unleaded fuel to consumers.
This project not only provides justification for Embry Riddle Prescott’s Cessna 172 fleet to adopt unleaded fuel but also plans to be a framework for other airports around the country to apply. Ultimately, this research aims to support the aviation community in its transition to unleaded fuel as well as promote public education and awareness on aviation’s role towards achieving a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Keywords
Unleaded Fuel, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Certification
Future of Fuel - Unleaded Fuel Initiative
Looking back in time, history shows the aviation industry is not new to the idea of switching to an alternate fuel. In 1988, industry stakeholders raised similar questions about the feasibility of utilizing alternate fuel. At a symposium held on June 29, 1988, a panel was held so both fuel suppliers and engine manufacturers could discuss the viability of supporting a transition towards an alternate fuel. At the time, minimal progress was made as distribution was seen as the primary issue. Aircraft engine manufacturers were not developing new engines to facilitate a different fuel that was not out on the market.
Since then, the industry has shown a rapidly growing desire to transition from leaded fuel to unleaded fuel. Since the establishment of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative on February 23, 2022, stakeholders in aviation have worked to accelerate this shift. This urgency soon increased after the Environmental Protection Agency’s acknowledgement on October 18, 2023, regarding the health risks associated with lead exposure from aviation emissions. These findings clearly indicate that the industry must therefore transition to unleaded fuel quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely.
Over the past year, research has examined multiple categories related to this transition. This includes certification, maintenance, infrastructure, and supply chain logistics. While many methods of certification for unleaded fuel have been evaluated, maintenance stands out as the primary safety concern for this transition. The University of North Dakota experienced valve seat recession in 2023, similar to the automobile industry’s own transition away from leaded fuel. Despite this issue, airports like Centennial Airport in Denver have found success in their distribution of unleaded fuel to consumers.
This project not only provides justification for Embry Riddle Prescott’s Cessna 172 fleet to adopt unleaded fuel but also plans to be a framework for other airports around the country to apply. Ultimately, this research aims to support the aviation community in its transition to unleaded fuel as well as promote public education and awareness on aviation’s role towards achieving a cleaner and more sustainable future.