Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau suggested during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this week that the timeline for unleaded fuel would be pushed back and stressed that the FAA would not move forward without ensuring any aviation gasoline drop-in replacement is safe.
During a Meet the FAA Administrator session yesterday, Rocheleau was asked whether the government-industry EAGLE coalition will meet the Dec. 31, 2030 deadline to replace leaded avgas with an unleaded fuel. The goal is to make a suitable alternative to leaded 100LL avgas available for all piston aircraft engines by the deadline. EAGLE stands for Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative.
“We don't do this in a vacuum,” Rocheleau said. “We have been working very closely with the different community members and associations to make sure that we're going to do this carefully, intentionally, and not say, ‘Well, this is a solution, and we’ll call it a day.’ The timeline is aggressive. In the coming weeks, we're going to issue a new roadmap to reset what I think expectations are.”
Rocheleau added that he's learned since becoming deputy administration that as soon as a date is set, someone changes it. "So part of this is making sure that we're working with the EAGLE participants," he continued. "I think it’s aggressive, and I can tell you with confidence we’re not going to set an arbitrary date that says, ‘Well, this is what it says, without making sure that whatever we're going to put in those aircraft isn't safe.’”
That said, Rocheleau does have concerns about other facets of this problem. “I feel comfortable being part of the EAGLE program that the testing timelines will be met. I think the more complicated part of that puzzle is the petroleum manufacturers, as to what it's going to take them to potentially convert their factories to be able to produce in the field, and then the distribution process.”
Fuel experts have told AIN that it will take 18 to 24 months to ramp up the distribution network, although unleaded fuel manufacturer Swift Fuels is already delivering its fuel to a number of airports in the U.S. and Europe and says it can grow its distribution network much faster.
In any case, the FAA reauthorization bill that reinforced the avgas deadline does, he added, “ensure that there will continue to be leaded fuel available until that successful transition takes place, no matter what the date [is].” While people worry that tetraethyl lead manufacturer Innospec will stop making that product, which is the essential component of leaded avgas, Rocheleau said, “That’s not the case.”

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FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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