Members of seven aviation organizations recently sent a letter to Congress urging the continuation of the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI). PAFI tests and evaluates unleaded fuel replacements for 100 octane low-lead fuel used by a fleet of more than 200,000 general aviation, piston-engine aircraft.
“Continuing investment in the PAFI program is essential to ensuring that a transition to an unleaded replacement fuel effectively balances environmental improvement with aviation safety, technical challenges, and economic impact to the U.S. general aviation transportation system,” the letter said.
Phase I of the program began in March 2015 with Congress authorizing $6 million. Seventeen fuels have since been considered, but only four were selected for initial testing and two for aircraft testing.
Fuels must be able to perform in all operating conditions and weather while being evaluated for environmental impact.
Fiscal year 2018 will be the final phase of the program.
The letter requested 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations legislation provide $7 billion in additional funding.
The letter was sent on behalf of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Helicopter Association International, the National Association of State Aviation Officials, the National Agricultural Aviation Association, and the National Air Transportation Association.