Aviation Gasoline: Issues and Answers

There is a strong trend in the petroleum industry toward the restricted availability and potential elimination of grade 80 aviation gasoline. Users often have no recourse but to use higher grade avgas. The primary impact of using higher leaded avgas in engines designed for grade 80 is economic: higher maintenance and operating costs for users. However, safety records indicate a number of accidents involving aircraft fueled with auto gas or misfueled with jet fuel. This paper reviews ongoing government and industry efforts to reduce or prevent such accidents.