Cessna’s piston singles—172 SkyHawk, 182 Skylane, and 206 Turbo Stationair HD—have been approved to use unleaded and/or low-lead avgas, Textron Aviation announced this week. Approved fuels for the 172 and 182 include 91-octane unleaded (91UL), 94UL, and 100VLL (very low lead), while the 206 is approved to run 100VLL.
Sister company Lycoming, whose engines power the three models, recently approved the use of the more environmentally friendly avgas formulas following the completion of a series of tests. It said the fuels are compatible with both new-production and legacy Cessna piston airplanes.
Use of the alternative fuels can begin once operators are compliant with Service Bulletin SEB-28-04 or MEB-28-01.
“Textron Aviation is committed to sustainability, and this announcement is an excellent opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to minimize their carbon footprint while continuing to enjoy the journey of flight,” said Textron Aviation v-p of piston and utility sales Chris Crow. “We have produced more than 75,000 of these three piston aircraft models, and this gives owners and operators around the world a chance to take action in reducing emissions.”