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Middleton commission presses industry constraints on unleaded aviation fuel; pilot testifies on benefits
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Summary
Commissioners discussed technical and regulatory hurdles to offering unleaded aviation fuel at Middleton — ASTM certification, STCs and engine/airframe approvals — while a local pilot testified that switching to 94 UL reduced lead in oil and lowered maintenance costs.
The City of Middleton Airport Commission spent substantial time on Jan. 8 reviewing the technical, regulatory and financial issues that affect efforts to bring unleaded aviation fuel to the airport.
Staff and commissioners outlined the core constraints: fuels approved for broad use generally need an ASTM industry specification, and some alternatives rely on supplemental type certificates (STCs) or manufacturer approvals that limit their universal use. Rich (airport operations/FBO operator) explained that fuels without an ASTM certification can put an aircraft into an experimental category if mixed with certified fuels at another airport, and that owner/operators may need STC‑linked approvals or labeling to use certain fuels.
Commissioners stressed safety and manufacturer approvals. Commissioner Randall said the commission should not encourage pilots to mix fuels without manufacturer sign‑off because of airport liability concerns. Staff and commissioners discussed distribution and cost barriers; Chair David noted the airport could consider a modest subsidy (waiving a flowage fee) to make 94 UL competitive, estimating the revenue impact at roughly $150 on a hypothetical 1,000‑gallon purchase.
During public comment, Neil Robinson, a pilot and vice president of EAA Chapter 93, told the commission he has used 94 UL for seven years without issues and cited oil‑analysis figures showing tetraethyl lead parts per million falling from about 4,500 to about 370 after the switch, which he said reduced maintenance and foul‑plug incidents. Robinson said he would pay roughly 20¢ more per gallon for 94 UL to gain those benefits.
What’s next: staff will continue monitoring ASTM and STC developments, check manufacturer approvals, and keep the commission informed. Commissioners asked staff to maintain and update public FAQs to clarify the city’s role and the industry constraints that affect when and how unleaded fuels can be offered.
