Ameer Randolph
G100UL is a high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). It is a drop-in fuel that can be used in all spark-ignition piston engines and airframes in the FAA's Type Certificate Database. G100UL is designed to replace 100LL avgas, which is the only leaded fuel still in use globally. With G100UL, aircraft can achieve slightly higher speeds and a range increase of up to 1%. The fuel is estimated to cost 60 to 85 cents more per gallon than 100LL, but this may be offset by lower aircraft maintenance costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | G100UL |
| Type | Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) |
| Octane | High |
| Composition | Unleaded |
| Components | Premium |
| Colour | Green Tint |
| Weight | 6.15-6.3 lbs per gallon |
| Compatibility | Compatible with other approved gasolines |
| Pricing | 60-85 cents more per gallon than 100LL |
| Availability | Available in select locations in CA, MS |
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What You'll Learn
G100UL® aviation gasoline weighs 6.15-6.3 lbs per gallon
G100UL® is a high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). It is a drop-in fuel that can be used in all spark ignition piston engines and airframes listed in the FAA's Type Certificate Database. This includes engines such as the Lycoming O-320, O-360, and IO-360. G100UL® has undergone extensive testing and has been approved by the FAA for use in general aviation.
One of the unique characteristics of G100UL® is its weight. While most aviation gasolines weigh around 6.0 lbs per gallon, G100UL® weighs slightly more at 6.15-6.3 lbs per gallon. This small difference in weight can have an impact on the performance of aircraft. According to GAMI, the aircraft's range with full tanks may increase by around 1% due to the slightly higher volumetric energy density of G100UL®. Additionally, the aircraft may be one or two knots faster at the same volumetric (GPH) fuel flow and a LOP mixture.
The weight of G100UL® aviation gasoline is also important to consider during refuelling and weight and balance calculations for aircraft. While the standard weight for aviation gasoline is 6.0 lbs per gallon, using G100UL® at 6.15-6.3 lbs per gallon can result in more accurate calculations. However, for simplicity and practicality, it is recommended to use 6.25 lbs for W&B calculations.
In conclusion, G100UL® aviation gasoline weighs 6.15-6.3 lbs per gallon, which is slightly heavier than the standard aviation gasoline. This weight difference can impact the performance and range of aircraft, as well as refuelling and weight and balance calculations. G100UL® has been approved by the FAA and is safe to use in all spark ignition piston engines and airframes listed in the FAA's database.
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G100UL® costs 60-85 cents more per gallon than 100LL
G100UL® is a high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). It is a functional drop-in replacement for 100LL avgas, which is currently the most widely used aviation fuel. G100UL® has several advantages over 100LL, including reduced maintenance costs, improved engine performance, and environmental benefits due to its unleaded composition.
The cost of G100UL® is estimated to be 60 to 85 cents more per gallon than 100LL. This price difference is primarily due to the higher cost of production associated with G100UL®. Lead is a very effective and inexpensive detonation suppressant, so producing unleaded fuel requires more expensive alternatives. Additionally, the additives used to achieve 100 octane without lead are petroleum-based, making the price of G100UL® more susceptible to fluctuations in the price of oil.
Despite the higher upfront cost of G100UL®, it is expected that the increased fuel price will be offset by lower maintenance expenses. G100UL® has been shown to have excellent detonation resistance, even in high-compression engines, which could allow aircraft engines to operate at their full potential without the risk of detonation. This may result in improved engine performance and increased range for aircraft using G100UL®.
The distribution of G100UL® is also a factor in its pricing. GAMI has partnered with Avfuel to distribute the fuel to airports, and the plan is to make it available to all legitimate distributors and vendors. However, the installation of additional fuel tanks at airports and the exclusivity of fuel contracts may impact the availability and cost of G100UL® for consumers.
In conclusion, while G100UL® is estimated to cost 60-85 cents more per gallon than 100LL, this higher cost is expected to be balanced out by reduced maintenance expenses and potential improvements in engine performance. The distribution and availability of G100UL® will also play a role in determining its overall cost for aircraft owners and operators.
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G100UL® has a solvent smell
G100UL® is a high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline, or avgas, developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). It is designed to be used in aircraft engines and has undergone extensive testing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure its safety and performance.
One notable characteristic of G100UL® is its distinctive smell, which has been described as similar to turpentine or having a "sweeter smell" than other aviation gasolines. This smell is likely due to the presence of an aromatic amine called "meta-toluidine" or m-toluidine, which is an aggressive solvent. While this solvent gives G100UL® its unique odour, it has also been flagged as a potential cause of damage to certain aircraft components.
Meta-toluidine has been shown in testing to be particularly harmful to paint and coatings, sealants, bladders, diaphragms, and various elastomeric parts in aircraft fuel systems. This is because meta-toluidine can react with the chemistry of certain materials, causing them to break down or become disturbed. For example, over 50% of the US piston fleet uses epoxy as a protective coating on aluminium fuel tanks, and meta-toluidine can strip away this epoxy over time, potentially impacting fuel flow and leading to catastrophic flight safety risks.
Due to these concerns, G100UL® is not authorized for use in aircraft with certain types of coatings or sealants, such as those produced by Swift Fuels. G100UL® is also not recommended to be mixed with other types of aviation gasoline, as this could lead to unpredictable results and potential damage to aircraft systems.
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G100UL® is a drop-in fuel, compatible with 100LL
G100UL® is a high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). It is the first commercially produced unleaded aviation gasoline, approved for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in July 2021.
G100UL® is a drop-in replacement for 100LL aviation gasoline (avgas). It is compatible with and can be mixed with 100LL in aircraft tanks, offering improved engine performance and reduced maintenance costs. G100UL® has undergone extensive testing by the FAA, ensuring its safety for general aviation. The approval covers all spark-ignition piston engines in the FAA's Type Certificate Database, including Lycoming O-320, O-360, and IO-360 piston engines.
G100UL® has a slightly higher volumetric energy density than 100LL, resulting in a potential increase in aircraft speed and range. It also provides superior detonation protection, as demonstrated during FAA-approved testing. The absence of lead in G100UL® improves spark plug maintenance and is expected to increase oil change intervals.
G100UL® is initially targeted at airports that have banned 100LL due to its environmental impact, such as Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) in East San José and San Martin Airport (E16) in Santa Clara County, California. The transition to unleaded fuel in general aviation has been a pressing issue, and G100UL® offers a safe and compatible alternative to 100LL.
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G100UL® has been tested in a Beechcraft Baron C-55
During the test, the left engine of the Beechcraft Baron C-55 was powered by G100UL®, while the right engine used traditional avgas. This "two fuels" arrangement provided a direct comparison of the two fuels' performance. A half-dozen pilots flew the aircraft, and all reported that the G100UL®'s performance was virtually identical to avgas.
The Beechcraft Baron C-55 test mule had approximately 25 hours on the engines when the test began, and it had just undergone its first oil change. The G100UL® fuel was found to have a distinct solvent smell, similar to paint thinner, and it evaporated quickly, leaving no residue. It has a slightly higher weight than avgas, but the difference is negligible in terms of pilot experience.
The G100UL® fuel also demonstrated some unique characteristics. It has an orange or green tint and is known to stain surfaces if not promptly wiped off. Despite these differences, the overall performance and functionality of the Beechcraft Baron C-55 with G100UL® were positive. The test results provide valuable data and real-world experience with unleaded aviation fuel, supporting the transition to a safer and more environmentally friendly option for the aviation industry.
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Frequently asked questions
GL100, also known as G100UL, is a high octane unleaded aviation gasoline developed by General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI).
The best estimate is that it will cost between 60 and 85 cents more per gallon than 100LL.
GL100 weighs around 6.15 to 6.3 lbs. per gallon.
GL100 has a green tint due to the addition of a blue dye to the refiner fuel blend.
Yes, GL100 is safe for all spark ignition piston engines and has been approved by the FAA for use in general aviation.
