Fuel solution??

[RkyMtnHI]

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FAA Approves Use of “Very Low Lead” Fuel

In a Special Airworthiness Bulletin issued last week, the FAA has approved a new fuel—100VLL (very low lead)—for use on aircraft currently operating on 100LL. The approval was the result of collaboration with industry partners on the ASTM International task force that evaluated data supporting the incorporation of grade 100VLL into specification D910. The new fuel is identical to 100LL in all aspects, except that the maximum lead content is reduced by about 19 percent. The FAA determined that 100 VLL meets all of the performance requirements of grades 80, 91, 100, and 100LL and will perform identically in existing aircraft and engines. The fuel also has the same minimum octane rating and provides the same level of anti-knock performance as 100LL and 100 avgas grades. Since the ASTM D910 standard specifies blue coloration for both grade 100VLL avgas and grade 100LL avgas, these fuels will appear identical.

For more information on 100VLL, refer to SAIB NE-11-55 at www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB/ .

[rodrop]

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FAA Approves Use of “Very Low Lead” Fuel 

            In a Special Airworthiness Bulletin issued last week, the FAA has approved a new fuel—100VLL (very low lead)—for use on aircraft currently operating on 100LL. The approval was the result of collaboration with industry partners on the ASTM International task force that evaluated data supporting the incorporation of grade 100VLL into specification D910. The new fuel is identical to 100LL in all aspects, except that the maximum lead content is reduced by about 19 percent. The FAA determined that 100 VLL meets all of the performance requirements of grades 80, 91, 100, and 100LL and will perform identically in existing aircraft and engines. The fuel also has the same minimum octane rating and provides the same level of anti-knock performance as 100LL and 100 avgas grades. Since the ASTM D910 standard specifies blue coloration for both grade 100VLL avgas and grade 100LL avgas, these fuels will appear identical. 

            For more information on 100VLL, refer to SAIB NE-11-55 at www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB/ <http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB/> . 

I read this SAB when it came out. For a non echanical type ..what does this mean to pilots in general? Is this a less expensive fuel and easier on the engine and environment?

[DanceswithCyclic]

Imo, it means little to the pilot. The addition of lead to fuel had it purposes before the early 70's. Prevented hot exhaust valves from hammering themselves into the cyclinder head. Manufacturers now use hardened seats. Just as the automotive-world no longer uses leaded, this is a step in that direction for aviation. I don't think it will be cheaper, the engines won't notice the difference, and a small effect to the enviroment. Remember, it's nineteen percent.

Kevin M.

[500F]

Just a thought.

When auto gas went from leaded to unleaded, there was a widespread incrase in valve guide wear due to the lack of lubrication lead provided in that area, better valve guides and roller rockers became the solution that ultimately lead to decreased valve guide wear. I wonder if older recipricating engines will experience similar problems.

[DanceswithCyclic]

Thanks, 500F. I had forgotten that there are still circa 1940's engines still flying around. It could be THE reason leaded av gas hasn't been discontinued.