By Paul Bertorelli

Avgas Replacement: FAA Carves Out a Plan

After three decades of waffling, the FAA has set an 11-year timeline for an avgas replacement. But it will probably happen sooner, say industry sources.

After months of back-and-forth meetings with industry players, the FAA finally seems to have settled on an unleaded avgas transition plan that foresees an 11-year timeline and a strong central role for the FAA in testing and certifying fuels. The agency is also recommending the formation of another government/industry committee to oversee how an avgas replacement fuel—if one ever emerges—finds its way to the field.