The new Swift Fuels 100R fuel received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) on September 6 for Cessna 172R and S models with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines.
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San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) has switched its Cessna 172 fleet to Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded 100-octane aviation gas. While 100R isn’t yet available for retail purchase at California’s San Carlos Airport, SCFC arranged with Swift Fuels to purchase the 100R for its airplanes, which have been running exclusively on Swift’s unleaded UL94 fuel since 2021.
The new 100R fuel received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) on September 6 for Cessna 172R and S models equipped with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines. Swift is planning to obtain STCs to cover many more aircraft and engines and also to meet ASTM International standards.
Certain Lycoming engines in Cessna 172R and S models are approved for the new Swift Fuels high-octane unleaded 100R aviation gas.
SCFC owner Alessandro Franco praised San Carlos fuel provider Rabbit Aviation Services CEO Dan DeMeo and airport manager Gretchen Kelly “for their invaluable collaboration during this transition.”
“We are thrilled to adopt 100R fuel for our fleet," he said. “Not only does it align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances aircraft performance and extends engine life—benefits that directly impact our pilots and maintenance team.”
San Carlos Flight Center Cessna 172 refueling with Swift 100R.
Rabbit Aviation offers conventional leaded 100LL and Swift UL94 for retail customers and plans to transition to 100R when it becomes more available and more aircraft obtain the STCs. “This is a demonstration process,” said DeMeo. “Early next year, we will start sunsetting UL94 and converting to 100R.”
Price of the 94UL and 100R fuel is slightly more than 100LL, according to Franco, but the maintenance benefits somewhat offset the increased fuel expense. Not only is SCFC experiencing less spark plug fouling but oil analysis results show less wear metal. “We’ve been very happy with [the unleaded fuel],” he told AIN.
New stickers show that Swift 100R is approved for this airplane.
“We’re very aware and conscious of our impact, be it from an emissions standpoint or noise standpoint,” Franco said, “and we’re very happy with this product from an operations perspective and the community and sustainability and keeping general aviation in good graces with our neighbors. That’s been a huge talking point, and that’s why we were ready to jump in. It’s definitely time to move forward.”
San Carlos Flight Center Adopts Unleaded Swift 100R
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San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) has switched its Cessna 172 fleet to Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded 100-octane aviation gas. While 100R isn’t yet available for retail purchase at California’s San Carlos Airport, SCFC arranged with Swift Fuels to purchase the 100R for its airplanes, which have been running exclusively on Swift’s unleaded UL94 fuel since 2021.
The new 100R fuel received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) on September 6 for Cessna 172R and S models equipped with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines. Swift is planning to obtain STCs to cover many more aircraft and engines and also to meet ASTM International standards.
SCFC owner Alessandro Franco praised San Carlos fuel provider Rabbit Aviation Services CEO Dan DeMeo and airport manager Gretchen Kelly “for their invaluable collaboration during this transition.”
“We are thrilled to adopt 100R fuel for our fleet," he said. “Not only does it align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances aircraft performance and extends engine life—benefits that directly impact our pilots and maintenance team.”
Rabbit Aviation offers conventional leaded 100LL and Swift UL94 for retail customers and plans to transition to 100R when it becomes more available and more aircraft obtain the STCs. “This is a demonstration process,” said DeMeo. “Early next year, we will start sunsetting UL94 and converting to 100R.”
