FAA Grants Swift Fuels STC for 100R Avgas

Those are the only aircraft configurations covered by the STC, but Swift says that's only the beginning. The breakthrough was first reported by Aviation Week.

Swift Fuels is managing a comprehensive program targeting the global replacement for 100LL within three to five years, said Swift CEO Chris D'Acosta.

"Our 100R unleaded avgas product will be the preferred fuel to eliminate toxic lead from avgas," D'Acosta said. "We are actively working with industry and OEMs on FAA-certifications and ASTM International specifications. Yes, the FAA recently approved a critical part of our engine and airframe (STC) certification program.  This follows a similar FAA/ ASTM approval pattern we architected for UL94 avgas over nine years ago."

The 172s captured by the STC are the newest in the fleet. The R model was launched in 1996 as the first fuel-injected platform. It was produced through 2012, and the engine was limited to 2,400 rpm and produced 160 horsepower. The S model has the same engine, but its rpm limit is 2,600 and rated at 180 horsepower.

According to Lycoming's service instruction, specifying approved fuels, that engine is the most flexible when it comes to what makes it go. In addition to 100LL and other 100 octane leaded aviation fuels, it can use 91 and 94UL aviation fuels and 93 AKI mogas.

D'Acosta did not specify what engine and airframe combinations might be next.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb