100LL - are we next?

[TBM-Legend]

A pair of California Democratic senators have introduced a bill (https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1193/2023) that would start banning the sale of 100LL at some of its busiest GA airports starting Jan. 1, 2026. The bill, introduced by Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Sen. Henry Stern at a streaming event at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, in the San Fernando Valley, two weeks ago, would end sales of 100LL at airports next to a “disadvantaged community” (California defines those areas in its Health and Safety Code) or next to a city with more than 700,000 people. Those definitions would cover much of the Los Angeles basin and areas of the San Francisco Bay area. In 2028, the ban would apply to airports next to an urban growth boundary (a development boundary that prevents urban sprawl). On Jan. 1, 2030, 100LL would be banned statewide.

[GregAmy]

You're a member, right?

I've sent them your link to ensure they're aware. - GA, AOPA member since the early 90s...

www. <space> aopa. <space> org/advocacy/100-unleaded-avgas

(You have to remove those spaces, as I don't have enough posts to allow links...)

[Checkboard]

Another boost for GAMI's Unleaded 100LL replacement fuel. :)

https://www.g100ul.com/

[GregAmy]

I've tried it, didn't notice a difference (C172).

Now to get more FBOs in invest in providing it.

[Asturias56]

The question of replacing 100LL had been around for decades - and everyone just shuts their eyes and hopes someone else will do something about it. Unfortunately people are doing something .......................

[PiperCameron]

Another boost for GAMI's Unleaded 100LL replacement fuel. :)

​​​​​​​It seems the problem is more political than technical, so it's unlikely to affect us here in Oz for a fair while yet.

Here's a good explainer:
https://youtu.be/ovJBJjZTjsk?feature=shared

[GregAmy]

On the other hand, there's this...

Citing Valve Damage, UND Drops Unleaded Fuel And Returns To 100LL
"After an extensive trial, the University of North Dakota’s flight school has dropped Swift UL94 fuel and resumed use of 100LL. The school said ongoing maintenance monitoring of aircraft using UL94—almost exclusively Lycoming-powered Piper Archers and Seminoles—resulted in measurable exhaust valve recession. The school made the switch back to 100LL on Oct. 27."

www<dot>avweb<dot>com/aviation-news/citing-valve-damage-und-drops-unleaded-fuel-and-returns-to-100ll/

Sounds like we need to continue to work on some engine improvements for UL fuel. We did it with automobiles so we can do it with our aviation engines. But are Lycoming and Continental - or someone aftermarket - willing to invest the time and money to get that done...? Probably not. For them, the certification focuses on safety not service life (looking at your cylinders, Lycoming).

This won't be fun. - GA

P.S., Paul Bertorelli has always been one of my fav aviation writers. His retirement is a loss for us all...but he's not totally gone away. Good.

[BronteExperimental]

https://www.savvyaviation.com/unleaded-avgas-cure-or-curse/#:~:text=According%20to%20UND%2C%20the%20concerns,contain%20 any%20oil%20(“dry”

Most seem to be in agreement that all lycomings have hardened valve seats and should have no issue. Continentals… not so much unless you’re 2019 onwards.
There’s a lot of skepticism around the UND findings. Not sharing the data with anyone will do that.