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Middleton commissioners weigh FAQ wording as industry debates unleaded aviation fuel

Middleton Airport Commission · January 10, 2025

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Summary

Commissioners recommended clarifying the airport FAQ to reflect manufacturer concerns, technical limits (single 10,000-gallon tank), the FAA's slow timeline, and to add disclaimers/links; staff will draft redlines and keep the item on future agendas.

The Middleton Airport Commission discussed updates to the airport website’s FAQ about unleaded aviation fuels amid changing manufacturer guidance and industry uncertainty.

Chair said recent contradictions have emerged between supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals and engine manufacturers, noting some manufacturers (including references to Lycoming) have warned that certain unleaded fuels may affect materials or void warranties. Commissioners and staff agreed the FAQ should reflect these uncertainties and advise pilots that compatibility does not always mean usability or warranty safety.

Commissioners recommended specific edits: add manufacturer input as part of the FAQ so aircraft owners know to consult engine manufacturers and AMEs before converting fuels; clarify that FAA certification and industry testing are ongoing and that changes may be slow; explain infrastructure limits (the airport currently has one 10,000-gallon tank and fuels cannot be mixed); and place a clear timeline/disclaimer noting the information will be updated as evidence emerges.

Airport manager Rich and staff urged frequent updates to the FAQ given evolving evidence and technical surprises that can arise when fuel formulations change. Brian Hamilton suggested a hotlink to an authoritative, regularly updated source and cautioned against linking to commercial vendors to avoid appearing to favor a developer. Commissioners endorsed keeping the FAQ as a standing agenda item so the commission can review new developments at future meetings.

Staff will draft redline language, circulate it to Rich and the chair for technical accuracy, and return it for commission review before posting to the website.