Story ID: 
Million Air Burbank Adds UL94 to Menu
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: With legislators angling for a ban on leaded aviation fuel, FBOs are starting to take notice
Word Count: 293
With the California Senate introducing a bill that would phase out the distribution and sale of leaded avgas beginning in 2026, FBOs in the region are starting to make alternative plans. Among them is Million Air Burbank, which has now introduced supplies of Swift Fuels UL94 unleaded avgas ahead of any possibly leaded fuel ban.
UL94 has received a spike in interest since the U.S. EPA announced its final determination that the lead emissions resulting from aircraft operating on leaded fuels could possibly endanger public health.
In December, the FBO invested in a new dedicated 1,000-gallon refueler to handle the unleaded fuel, which meets ASTM International D7547 specifications and has the same fuel density as 100LL for the calculation of weight and balance. It will continue to offer 100LL until all makes and models of piston aircraft are certified to run on unleaded fuel.
Two years ago, a government/industry initiative known as Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) was launched with the goal of removing leaded aviation fuel by 2030 “without impacting the safe and efficient operation of the piston-engine fleet,” according to previous FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. UL94 is now FAA-approved as drop-in ready for use in nearly three-quarters of the piston fleet with no modifications.
“In our commitment to a greener future, we recognize UL94 as a crucial transitional measure,” said Priscilla Howden, general manager of the location, which also offers sustainable aviation fuel and has achieved carbon neutrality. “We believe in identifying and implementing sustainable offerings at our FBO, and this is something we have been working towards. It seemed the right time to bring UL94 to Burbank, to make it even more accessible to pilots who want the fuel.”