Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Cirrus Aircraft released a serviced advisory on June 18, 2024 with a subject “Transition to Unleaded Fuel and Use of Non-Cirrus Approved Fuel in SR Series Aircraft.”

See Cirrus’ advisory below:

“Cirrus is dedicated to proactively addressing the evolving landscape of sustainability regulations, particularly the shift away from leaded aviation fuels. We continue to actively support industry efforts to develop, evaluate, and advance new fuels while supporting a safe industry transition to a future unleaded fuel environment.

These efforts include working directly with industry associations and all stakeholders including AOPA, GAMA, the FAA, and the FAA-Industry EAGLE program through the PAFI certification program. As of June 2024, EAGLE is actively pursuing three potentially viable alternatives/replacements for 100LL: GAMI G100UL, LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E, and Swift 100R. Cirrus is dedicated to supporting all major fuel companies in their pursuit to bring alternative high-octane fuels to market.

As part of our proactive participation in the unleaded fuel initiative, Cirrus has been collaborating with potential fuel producers conducting materials compatibility and on-aircraft fuel performance testing for over a decade.

Cirrus is engaged in a comprehensive testing and evaluation program of the GAMI G100UL fuel. Working in coordination with GAMI, our key powerplant partners (Continental and Lycoming), and the FAA during this process, the goal is to ensure operational safety of both the powerplant and airframe fuel systems. While some aspects of the initial Cirrus testing of the GAMI G100UL fuel are encouraging, other areas, including materials compatibility, remain inconclusive. At this time, Cirrus does not approve the use of GAMI G100UL fuel in Cirrus SR Series airplanes. Additionally, Cirrus currently does not warrant or represent in any way an operator’s use of the GAMI G100UL fuel in SR Series airplanes.

Per Continental and Lycoming, only approved fuels may be used for an engine to be covered by warranty. As the GAMI G100UL fuel is a non-approved fuel per Continental and Lycoming, engines known to have run this fuel may not be covered by the current OEM engine warranty. For specific details, please refer to the respective Continental and Lycoming engine warranty documents.

Shell recently announced that 100VLL will be shipping to airports in Europe beginning in April 2024. Cirrus confirms this fuel can be used in all Cirrus SR Series airplanes as it complies with the ASTM D910 standard specification for leaded aviation gasoline. Please refer to FAA SAIB NE-11-55 “Grade 100VLL Aviation Gasoline,” for additional details.

The continued safe operation of all Cirrus aircraft around the world remains our top priority. As progress continues, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We look forward to ensuring a safe and smooth transition to unleaded fuel for all Cirrus SR Series owners.”

Source: Cirrus