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Swift Fuels expands FAA-approved unleaded 100R avgas to 1,600 piston aircraft
Swift Fuels' FAA supplemental type certificate for its 100-octane unleaded fuel now covers 1,600 piston-engine aircraft, with distribution growing across 29 states.
The gist
Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas STC expands dramatically, boosting access for most U.S. piston aircraft with growing nationwide distribution.
Swift Fuels has significantly broadened the FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) coverage for its 100R unleaded aviation fuel, now approved for installation in 1,200 piston engine models across roughly 1,600 aircraft types. This development marks a substantial advance from the initial 2024 approvals restricted to two Lycoming IO-360-L2A-powered Cessna 172 Skyhawk models, enabling the company’s 100-octane unleaded blend to reach a considerably wider segment of the general aviation fleet.
Originating from Indiana, Swift Fuels reported on July 14 that the expanded STC now encompasses aircraft responsible for about 56 percent of all avgas consumption in the United States. The company is simultaneously increasing its fuel distribution network, already spanning 29 states including California, Colorado, and Florida. Flight schools, private owners, and airfields that formerly utilized Swift’s UL94 unleaded avgas are transitioning to 100R, while some aerodromes have begun adopting the newer fuel brand from scratch.
A critical driver behind the expansion is ASTM International’s 2025 publication of a production specification for 100R, which formalizes the fuel’s standards consistent with industry consensus. While ASTM specifications do not constitute formal fuel approval, they provide regulators like the FAA and distributors with confidence in the fuel’s standardization and quality. This contrasts with other unleaded avgas alternatives such as G100UL, which lacks ASTM evaluation and has faced distribution and operational challenges.
Swift’s 100R fuel stands out for its flexibility, as it can be blended in any ratio with traditional 100LL avgas within aircraft tanks. This mixing capability simplifies fuel logistics for retailers and end users compared to older formulations like UL94, which require separate storage due to octane compatibility issues. However, Swift Fuels clarified that airports still must maintain separate storage tanks for 100R, despite earlier incorrect statements suggesting otherwise, to ensure proper fuel integrity and regulatory compliance.
The expanded STC mandates aircraft placarding and installation certification, meaning only aircraft modified with this approval may legally use 100R. Swift Fuels offers guidance to airport operators on tank installations and fuel handling practices to support widespread adoption. The company highlighted it has produced and sold 5.8 million gallons of unleaded aviation fuel since 2015, including over 200,000 gallons of 100R, primarily to flight schools and overseas customers.
While some operators, such as the University of North Dakota, have reported valve seat recession concerns during tests with unleaded fuels, experts emphasize that modern engines with hardened valve seats—typical in Lycoming and newer Continental models—are compatible with unleaded avgas blends like 100R. Swift Fuels continues rigorous testing in high-compression aircraft engines, aiming to complete FAA certification work across various engine types by late 2027 or early 2028.
Swift Fuels’ advancements position 100R as a strong candidate to replace leaded 100LL avgas in the United States by 2030, alongside other contenders such as G100UL and UL100E. Notably, UL100E remains the only fuel in the FAA Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative actively pursuing fleetwide certification. Swift’s ASTM production specification and broad STC coverage could accelerate the industry’s transition toward unleaded alternatives while addressing environmental and health concerns linked to leaded aviation fuel.
As distribution expands, the ability for more piston-powered aircraft to make the switch to unleaded fuels like 100R could lead to meaningful reductions in lead emissions from general aviation. The increasing adoption rate across flight schools and private owners signals growing market acceptance, though practical challenges remain for airport infrastructure and regulatory rollout.
Swift Fuels’ current focus on completing engine certification across broader fleets, alongside ongoing testing and collaboration with manufacturers and regulators, will shape the industry’s path to phasing out leaded avgas. The rapid expansion of the 100R STC and distribution network demonstrates tangible progress toward this environmental milestone and broader adoption of unleaded piston aviation fuels.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Swift Fuels 100R STC expansion about?
- The FAA expanded Swift Fuels’ supplemental type certificate for 100R unleaded avgas to cover 1,600 piston aircraft and 1,200 engine types, enabling broader use of this fuel.
- How widely is Swift Fuels distributing its 100R unleaded fuel?
- As of July 2026, 100R is supplied at airfields across 29 U.S. states, including locations such as California, Colorado, and Florida, with plans for further growth.
- What advantages does 100R have over other unleaded fuels?
- 100R has an ASTM production specification and can be mixed with 100LL in any proportion within aircraft tanks, easing logistics for distributors and users; it also incorporates additives to reduce engine wear.
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All Regulatory →
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