July 28, 2010
In a panel discussion of general aviation (GA) group leaders, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen told attendees at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh yesterday that the GA community is well coordinated and making progress in its efforts to work with government officials on the issue of alternatives for 100 low lead fuel.
NBAA is part of a coalition of stakeholders that is seeking an approach that addresses concerns about cost, availability and ease of production. This coalition includes the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the fuel industry.
“It is critically important that we in general aviation continue to work together on this issue, and because of the joint commitment from the community, there has been visible progress made on the matter,” Bolen said.
NBAA and other general aviation organizations met recently with policymakers in Congress and at the FAA on the issue, and conducted a webinar press briefing for aviation reporters. At the urging of the coalition, the Environmental Protection Agency extended the public comment period for its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Congressional lawmakers have proposed $2 million for research.
“This issue truly affects all aspects of the GA community, and we will continue to work with lawmakers and regulators and make progress on finding the best and safest replacement fuel,” Bolen concluded.
Learn more about the work being done by the general aviation community on avgas by review the NBAA press release “General Aviation Industry Prepares for an Unleaded Future.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.