The Hewlett Committee reviewed an advisory letter from the Airport Commission recommending a temporary halt to G100UL unleaded aviation fuel sales at county airports until industry testing and warranty impacts are better understood.

Commission members said differences among producers and a lack of consistent ASTM testing for some fuels — specifically citing that some manufacturers are submitting their formulations to ASTM consensus testing while others (they said) are not — have created industry uncertainty. Commissioners noted concerns from aircraft owners and insurers, including a referenced insurance claim the commission said was linked to GAMI‑branded G100UL. The commission framed its recommendation as a liability‑mitigation measure for the county rather than a move to restore leaded fuel.

Assistant County Counsel Elizabeth Bianca told the committee that the Federal Aviation Administration is the approving authority for aviation fuels and that, to date, the FAA has approved use of G100UL. Bianca said county staff have notified the FAA of claims received from local airports but that FAA approval remained in place. Commissioners responded that FAA approval is only one step in acceptance and that multiple engine and airframe manufacturers have not endorsed the fuel and warned about warranty implications.

No public speakers addressed this item at the committee meeting. The committee heard the advisory and acknowledged the recommendation; no formal suspension order was enacted at the committee level during the hearing, though the commission asked the Board to consider a temporary halt until further review and testing is complete.