Spending Bill Funds Unleaded Fuel Testing

January 23, 2014 - Last week Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill of 2014, which included language that funded the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), a key step in the road toward transitioning to a high-octane unleaded piston aviation fuel. The appropriation is slightly above the requested level through Fiscal Year 2014 and the fact that current FAA budget authorization is for a three-year duration means this level of funding would also likely continue at least through FY16.

PAFI is an FAA/industry partnership charged with evaluating candidate fuels and developing data to support fleet-wide certification for their use.

"This is a crucial program for the health and long-term viability of general aviation," said Doug Macnair, EAA vice president of government relations. "Funding PAFI at the requested level keeps us on track for a managed, sustainable, and safe transition to a high-octane unleaded replacement for 100 low lead."

The spending bill contained other measures to help GA, including funding for the contract tower program and a renewal of language prohibiting user fees.