Ban on Low-Lead Fuel a ‘Real Threat’ to Aviation Safety, Pilots Association Chief Testifies

Pennsylvania Congressman and pilot John McConnell says it is possible to avoid flying. “the pucker factor” American aviation must be given top priority.

“I don’t know if anybody’s familiar with catastrophic engine failure in flight, but I can guarantee you, it’s an unpleasant experience,” U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., discussed March 9 the possible consequences of using an environmentally-friendly fuel but the wrong type for an airplane’s engine.

Perry spoke during an audience about the challenges in “general aviation,” It includes all civilian aviation, other than scheduled passenger airlines.

Pilots feel what they call “mid-flight panic” when they are faced with mid-flight emergencies. “the pucker factor,” Perry said that tension is so high, it was almost uncontrollable “you can’t pull a fishing line out of your rear end with a tractor.”

Passenger and pilot safety should not be compromised “insane Green New Deal woke ideology,” Perry said.

He has raised concerns about safety versus ideology during the past few committee hearings as Congress works on a five-year plan for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with a special section devoted to general aviation for the first time.

Perry now sees the truth of his fears “have become reality.” He points to a controversy over aviation fuel, which pits flight safety concerns against environmental ones—a top issue in general aviation.

‘The Engine Came Apart’

Santa Clara officials in California banned low-lead fuel from their two airports by 2022.

Flying Magazine Report This was done to reduce lead pollution which is especially harmful to children. For safe engine firing, fuel is essential for thousands of general aviation aircraft.

Recently, an aircraft with high horsepower was refueled in Santa Clara County. “the engine came apart shortly after takeoff,” said Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

He claimed that no one was injured in the accident but noted several others. “mis-fueling” Santa Clara County incidents

This county has banned low-lead fuel. “a real threat to general aviation safety,” Baker stated, “It’s being closely watched in aviation circles.”

Baker suggested that Congress might help researchers looking for alternatives to low-lead gasoline when asked how they could address the problem. Both Perry and Baker stressed the need for affordable replacement fuel sources.

Baker suggested that Congress should also consider penalizing federally funded airports for imposing such bans too early, before viable alternatives are available.

Perry stated that he was considering it “offensive,” “irresponsible,” And “unsafe” For airports to ban low level fuels now.

Search-and-rescue operations and disaster relief are just a few of the reasons that aircraft require higher-octane, lower-lead fuels.

Some of these services are available in the following: “shelved” Baker was the Santa Clara County Sheriff Written testimony To the Aviation Subcommittee, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Santa Clara Policy “could have an unfortunate domino effect across the 5,000 public-use airports across this country, thereby posing significant consequences to general aviation in the United States,” Baker wrote. Baker wrote. “a safe transition” He said that 2030 would see lead-free gasoline.

Officials are still trying to determine how to provide enough power for electric-powered aircraft.

General Aviation is ‘Backbone’

While commercial aviation tends to get more attention, general aviation is a $247 billion industry and supports more than 1.2 million jobs, Baker wrote.

The industry operates at 10 times the number of commercial airports as commercial airlines and in nearly 15,000 privately-owned landing areas nationwide.

General aviation acts as an incubator for all pilots. Every pilot who is licensed to fly begins in general aviation, officials stated. “the backbone” American aviation

All sectors of U.S. Aviation are experiencing workforce shortages, difficulty keeping up with technology and having to navigate through federal red tape.

To fill the “pipeline” Baker’s group has created a four-year aviation curriculum for high school students. Baker stated that the program is available in more than 50,000 students in 43 states. Approximately 70% of graduates are interested in a career as an aviation professional.

Baker is encouraging Congress to establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation.

Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), said he and Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) said he and Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) will be introducing a bipartisan bill to create such an aviation center.

Rep. Don Young (R-Ark.) Carson had worked with him on this legislation before his passing in 2022.

Stauber stated that he worked on his private pilot’s license later in life and said that the center was intended to inspire aviation interest among young people.

The center would also “coordinate industry and government workforce efforts” He stated that they should encourage innovation.

Baker “the entire aviation industry” Supports the establishment of the center.

Upgrades are Required

He encouraged Congress to “let the FAA focus on modernizing.”

He stated that the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (notice to airlines) system, which was faulty and caused a two hour nationwide halt to all air travel on January 11, needs to be upgraded.

Other systems, such as air traffic control, pilot medical clearances and aircraft registration, must also be updated.

General aviation faces additional challenges, in addition to the lead fuel dilemma.

Baker wrote that 71 per cent of 800 airports reported a lack of general aviation hangars in 2021.

He said that his organization gets thousands of complaints every year from pilots about unexpected fees for using public facilities. “tie-down fees, facility fees, infrastructure fees, access fees, security fees, and handling fees.”

“There is absolutely no reason a pilot should be charged exorbitant fees to park his or her aircraft when receiving no services,” Baker wrote.

“It doesn’t happen on our nation’s highway rest areas, and it shouldn’t happen at public-use airports.”

Despite the concerns, general aviation has seen a decrease in fatal and nonfatal air accidents since 2000. This is why there is so much excitement about developing. Vertical takeoff aircraft and other “advanced air mobility” innovations.