FAA and EPA Delay Process of Identifying and Mandating Unleaded Fuel Alternative for Piston Engine Aircraft

June 21, 2018

A June 4, 2018 update on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website indicates that the 2018 date for identifying an unleaded fuel alternative for piston engine aircraft has now been delayed. Per the FAA, "Based on current projected activities and timelines, the testing completion date for the PAFI program will be December 2019 (previously December 2018)." See Aviation Gasoline: Unleaded Avgas Progress Update for details.

In a similar vein the EPA Endangerment Finding on leaded fuel has been postponed by the Trump/Pruitt regime. At this time it remains uncertain as to if and when this action will be pursued. The use of unleaded aviation fuel cannot be mandated until an endangerment finding is issued. What this means is that for the foreseeable future, the Hillsboro Airport and other general airports and aircraft have free reign to continue subjecting vulnerable populations to the toxic effects of lead pollution.