In November 2021, the FAA hosted an industry stakeholder roundtable to discuss a strategic plan toward an unleaded aviation fuel future. As a result, the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative, or EAGLE, was formed. EAGLE consists of a group of leaders in both the aviation and petroleum industries who are committed to a future with unleaded aviation fuel.
The EAGLE initiative calls for an industry and government partnership to accelerate and expand actions and policies necessary for a viable high-octane unleaded fuel replacement for the current 100 octanes low-lead aviation gasoline without compromising the United States’ existing transportation infrastructure system, aviation, safety, and the economic and broader public benefits of general aviation. The initiative is structured around four key pillars:
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Regulatory and Policy
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Unleaded Fuel Testing and Qualification
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Research and Development
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Business Infrastructure and Implementation
The activities of these four pillars will require government support and will provide the foundation for safe unleaded aviation fuels for piston-engine aircraft. The FAA and industry stakeholders will begin working together to create a detailed work plan for the EAGLE initiative at a partnership symposium planned for March 2022.
FAA’s administrator, Steve Dickson, pledged the FAA’s support of the EAGLE initiative’s collaborative partnership, and said, “This is a safe and practical path to a lead-free aviation system.” Groups committed to the EAGLE initiative include the American Association of Airport Executives, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the American Petroleum Institute, Experimental Aircraft Association, Helicopter Association International, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Airport Transportation Association.
Read NATA’s statement about the Eagle initiative along with more detailed information here.
