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AVGAS

AVGAS—short for aviation gasoline—is a highly refined fuel designed specifically for piston-engine aircraft. Unlike Jet-A, which powers turbine and jet engines, AVGAS is formulated to deliver reliable combustion in high-performance piston aircraft operating at varying altitudes, temperatures, and power settings.

Today, the most widely used grade is AVGAS 100LL (Low Lead), recognizable for its distinct blue color.

AVGAS

AVGAS

Key Features of AVGAS

1. High Octane Rating

AVGAS typically carries a 100-octane performance rating, allowing aircraft engines to operate with high compression ratios without detonation. This is crucial for safety and engine longevity.

2. Lead Content

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The “LL” in 100LL stands for “Low Lead,” but it still contains more lead than automotive fuel. Lead additives (TEL—tetraethyl lead) improve octane stability and detonation resistance.

Why lead is still used:

Many legacy aircraft engines were certified decades ago and require leaded fuel to operate safely.

3. Strict Quality Control

Because aviation safety depends on predictable engine performance, AVGAS is manufactured and handled under extremely tight specifications:

Highly controlled vapor pressure

Additives for corrosion prevention

Consistent coloration

Low sulfur levels

Types of AVGAS

AVGAS 100LL (Blue)

The most common grade worldwide.

Octane: 100

Color: Blue

Lead content: ~2 grams TEL per gallon

AVGAS 100 (Green)

Less common; higher lead content than 100LL.

Color: Green

UL AVGAS (Unleaded – various colors)

A growing category driven by environmental regulation and industry modernization.

Most notable: G100UL, an EPA-approved unleaded alternative for all piston aviation engines.

How AVGAS Is Used in Aircraft

Piston-engine aircraft rely on AVGAS as their primary fuel source for:

Flight training

Recreational and private flying

Agricultural aviation

Air taxis and smaller commercial operations

These engines work similarly to high-performance automotive engines but depend on more stable, reliable combustion characteristics due to the demands of flight.

Environmental and Regulatory Changes

Lead emissions from AVGAS have drawn increasing scrutiny from environmental agencies. As a result, the aviation industry is transitioning to unleaded aviation fuels, such as:

G100UL

UL94

The goal: Complete removal of lead from piston aviation fuels within the next decade.

Benefits of Unleaded AVGAS

Lower environmental impact

Reduced maintenance caused by lead deposits

Extended engine time-between-overhaul (TBO)

Cleaner spark plugs and exhaust systems

Despite these benefits, the transition requires time due to certification, infrastructure updates, and global availability.

How AVGAS Is Stored and Handled

Safety is paramount, so AVGAS storage follows strict aviation fuel handling standards:

Stored in clean, water-free tanks

Regular testing for contamination

Delivered using dedicated AVGAS tankers

Color-coded fuel hoses and pumps

Any contamination—especially water or automotive fuel—can cause serious engine failure.

Price of AVGAS (2025 Overview)

AVGAS prices vary globally based on:

Refining capacity

Transportation costs

Regional demand

Environmental taxes

Generally, AVGAS costs significantly more than automotive gasoline because of its low production volume and strict manufacturing standards.

The Future of AVGAS

The next decade will reshape aviation fuel through:

Widespread adoption of unleaded AVGAS

Hybrid-electric propulsion

Improved engine efficiency

Regulatory push toward cleaner alternative.

While 100LL remains widely available, the industry is clearly moving toward a lead-free future.

Conclusion

AVGAS is the backbone of general aviation, powering thousands of piston-engine aircraft worldwide. Understanding its properties, handling procedures, and regulatory future is essential for pilots, students, aircraft owners, and aviation professionals.

As the aviation industry modernizes, unleaded options such as G100UL promise a cleaner, more efficient future—while preserving the performance and safety standards aviation depends on.

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