Textron Aviation in late October announced that many Cessna piston-powered aircraft are now approved to utilize unleaded AvGas options.
Owners and operators of Cessna 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane can utilize 91-octane unleaded (91UL), 94UL or 100VLL (very low lead) fuel in their aircraft wherever it is available, provided they have a Lycoming engine. The 206 Turbo Stationair HD aircraft is approved for 100VLL. You’ll want to check for your airplane in the Service Bulletin list.
“Textron Aviation is committed to sustainability, and this announcement is an excellent opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to minimize their carbon footprint while continuing to enjoy the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston & Utility Sales. “We have produced more than 75,000 of these three piston aircraft models, and this gives owners and operators around the world a chance to take action in reducing emissions.”
Textron notes that you’ll need to be compliant with Service Bulletin SEB-28-04 or MEB-28-01. COO hasn’t been able to identify the latter, but SEB-28-04 is merely instructions on which placard you should buy, and how to add the new placard near your other gas placard. Members can download it at the bottom of this article.
If you remember, the big news in Oshkosh this past summer was GAMI’s STC for no-lead 100 octane fuel.
The obvious question is will pilots want to switch to one of these new options in an effort to reduce lead emissions, or might they want to use unleaded gasoline because it’s easier on their engine, or both. Or will pilots not want to gamble at this stage in their engine’s lifespan with changing the kind of gas they use? And yet another unanswered question — what is the future price for these new options?
Voice Your Opinion on the Forum
Full Press Release
More environmentally friendly fuels approved for Cessna piston-powered aircraft
WICHITA, Kan. (Oct. 26, 2021) – Textron Aviation announced today that many Cessna piston-powered aircraft are now approved to utilize a more environmentally friendly aviation gasoline (AvGas). Owners and operators of Cessna 172 Skyhawk, 182 Skylane can utilize 91-octane unleaded (91UL), 94UL or 100VLL (very low lead) fuel in their aircraft wherever it is available. The 206 Turbo Stationair HD aircraft is approved for 100VLL. Unleaded and lower-leaded fuels burn cleaner than higher-leaded fuels currently used on most piston aircraft.
The Cessna Skyhawk, Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“Textron Aviation is committed to sustainability, and this announcement is an excellent opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to minimize their carbon footprint while continuing to enjoy the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston & Utility Sales. “We have produced more than 75,000 of these three piston aircraft models, and this gives owners and operators around the world a chance to take action in reducing emissions.”
All three Cessna models utilize engines manufactured by Lycoming Engines, a Textron Inc. business. Lycoming recently approved the use of unleaded and lower-leaded fuels after completion of a series of tests. The fuel is compatible for both new production and legacy Cessna piston aircraft.
Operators may begin use of the alternative fuels once they are compliant with Service Bulletin SEB-28-04 or MEB-28-01.
As an active proponent of sustainable fuel initiatives, Textron Aviation has worked together with various organizations to increase awareness of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) benefits among operators. Additionally, the company supports the collaborative work of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association and the European Business Aviation Association to steadily improve worldwide access to affordable sustainable fuel.
Members can log in and download SEB-28-04R1 below.
