Ethanol…that magic solution to high gas prices and cleaner burning fuel. Works great in cars, but not so great in airplanes. Apparently the authors of H.R. 4357 and S. 3553 didn’t know that when the drafted the “10 by 10 Act”. This legislation requires all motor fuel sold in the United States to consist of at least 10% “renewable fuel” by the year 2010. The problem with this plan is that the FAA and Cessna have determined that Ethanol based fuels cannot be safely used in airplanes. This type of fuel attracts water, which can lead to engine failure. In addition, these fuels cause all sorts of problems with fuel filters, fuel gauges, and fuel pumps.
AOPA is in the process of educating our lawmakers about these problems. Hopefully they can get exemptions for AvGas and provisions for “non-ethanol” based fuel to be available for those aircraft STCd for autogas use.
If you are not a member of AOPA, here is a good reason to join – they actually do good things with your money.
(photo and information provided by AOPA)