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County airport advisers urge pause on GAMI G100 unleaded fuel amid damage, FAA approval noted
Summary
An airport advisory recommends temporarily halting sale/use of GAMI G100UL at county airports after reported aircraft damage and insurer claims; the county noted FAA approval but raised concerns about manufacturer acceptance and ASTM testing gaps.
Airport‑related commissioners urged the Hewlett committee to temporarily halt sales of the GAMI G100 unleaded aviation fuel at county airports while further testing and liability review are completed. The advisory, compiled by airport commission members and presented during the meeting, cites reported aircraft damage and an insurance claim described in commission materials.
"This is not an issue about getting rid of unleaded fuel," one airport commissioner said during the presentation, "it's an issue regarding this type of fuel and the challenges that are being faced with aircraft damage." Commissioners said two of the three current producers (Swift and [Laidonel]) are pursuing ASTM peer review and production specifications, while GAMI has declined to submit its G100UL formulation to ASTM testing, a factor the commission cited as increasing uncertainty.
Assistant County Counsel Elizabeth Bianca told the committee that the Federal Aviation Administration is the approving body for fuel used at county public‑use airports and that the FAA has approved G100UL for use at Reid‑Hillview and San Martin. Bianca said the county has notified the FAA of the claims reported by Reid‑Hillview Airport and that the FAA's prior approval has not changed.
Commissioners and staff highlighted a remaining gap: some major engine manufacturers and airframe producers have not endorsed the fuel and have warned that use might affect warranties. The commission also referenced an insurance claim it described as related to GAMI G100UL and said the risk to aircraft owners and potential county liability justified a cautious suspension until industry consensus or additional testing reduces uncertainty.
The committee did not adopt an ordinance or binding county restriction during the meeting. Rather, commissioners sought direction, urged closer monitoring of FAA actions and manufacturer guidance, and urged staff and legal counsel to continue tracking claims and testing outcomes. No members of the public testified on the item during the hearing.
Next steps identified in discussion included continued outreach to FAA and engine manufacturers for written guidance, monitoring of ASTM testing status for different fuel producers, and internal staff coordination to assess operational liability and contingency plans if aircraft damage claims persist. The county will continue to monitor the FAA approval status and industry testing.
