100LL Not Subject To Ethanol Blending

With ethanol in the news so much, some aircraft owners are apparently concerned that avgas will also be getting a shot of alcohol. That isn’t going to happen, according to Woody Cahall, AOPA’s vice president of aviation services. “Members are concerned that ethanol is being added to avgas, which could adversely affect engine operation. Ethanol is not being added to avgas,” Cahall said in a statement. But he acknowledged that those with mogas STCs, particularly those with older aircraft designed for the old 80 octane avgas, may find trouble because they aren’t allowed to use alcohol blends. Although the use of ethanol is becoming more widespread, EAA has made some headway in easing the impact on aircraft owners.

With ethanol in the news so much, some aircraft owners are apparently concerned that avgas will also be getting a shot of alcohol. That isn't going to happen, according to Woody Cahall, AOPA's vice president of aviation services. "Members are concerned that ethanol is being added to avgas, which could adversely affect engine operation. Ethanol is not being added to avgas," Cahall said in a statement. But he acknowledged that those with mogas STCs, particularly those with older aircraft designed for the old 80 octane avgas, may find trouble because they aren't allowed to use alcohol blends. Although the use of ethanol is becoming more widespread, EAA has made some headway in easing the impact on aircraft owners. Montana followed EAA's advice and exempted premium 91-octane fuel from ethanol blending. Wisconsin is considering similar legislation and Idaho recently shelved its ethanol law for further study. EAA says keeping at least one type of gasoline ethanol-free ensures availability not only to aircraft owners but also for vintage cars, snowmobiles, boats and motorcycles that might also be harmed by ethanol.