The Federal Aviation Administration released its Transition Plan for Unleaded Aviation Gasoline on Thursday, providing a roadmap to integrate unleaded fuel into the general aviation fleet. The FAA announced the final plan on July 30, 2026.
The plan fulfills a provision of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, which requires the agency to partner with the aviation industry to safely transition the piston-engine fleet to unleaded aviation gas by 2030. The partnership runs through the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described the move as a collaborative effort involving aircraft manufacturers, fuel suppliers, airports, and pilots. He noted that the transition benefits the general aviation community and people living near airports.
The agency uses a phased approach to address fuel testing, gather market experience, and manage the national transition, including unique considerations for Alaska. Currently, the FAA is testing three different fuels at the William J Hughes Technical Center to answer questions about performance and compatibility. The agency will update the plan after this first phase concludes.
In January 2026, the FAA published a draft of the transition plan and invited public comments. The agency used this feedback to improve and clarify the final document. A supplemental document summarizing the comments will publish in late 2026.
To advance production and use of unleaded aviation gasoline, the FAA is executing the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative. This supports fleet authorization for LyondellBasell/VP Racing’s UL100 and the recent addition of Swift Fuels’ 100R. The agency is also expediting the rollout of high-octane unleaded fuel by using the Supplemental Type Certificate pathway to approve GAMI’s G100UL and Swift Fuels’ 100R.
The FAA encourages airports to introduce unleaded fuel alternatives while requiring them to maintain 100LL availability for aircraft through the transition. To prevent premature supply disruptions, the agency is enforcing Federal Grant Assurance obligations. This ensures that airports continue to offer leaded 100LL until safe, fleet-wide unleaded alternatives are widely and locally accessible.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.