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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - UECGA2 (Use of Ethanol Containing Gasoline in Aviation)

Teaser

Summary

Majority of piston engine powered General Aviation aircraft are running on aviation gasoline (Avgas) grades that are more expensive than bioethanol containing automobile gasoline grades. In addition, the lead containing Avgas (100LL) to be phased out in the near future.
None of the major General Aviation aircraft engine manufacturers considered proving solutions to allow use bioethanol containing automobile gasoline grades, since such would result only in a marginal or no increase in sales of their main products (engines).
The essence of our solution has two facets. On one hand, it intends significantly reducing cost of operation, by allowing the use of cheaper bioethanol containing automobile gasoline grades, compared to Avgas, which would make our solution very attractive to the General Aviation community. On the other hand, it intends mitigating safety risks, which will be proven by the approvals (STC) of the competent aviation safety authorities (EASA and the FAA).
Consequently, the project objective was to study the feasibility to certify modifications of piston aero engines and small aircraft that allow use of bioethanol containing gasoline. It aims to reduce fuel cost for small aircraft, while it will not require replacement of old engines. The project also aims to allow eliminating lead containing Avgas and introducing renewable energy by using bioethanol. This will reduce greenhouse gas emission, combating climate change and contributing to environmental protection.

Work performed

Having completed the feasibility study, conclusion was reached that the business idea of modifying and certifying small aeroplanes and their engines to allow operation with bioethanol containing automotive gasoline, which contributes to reduction of environmental pollution as well as to reduction of operations cost is sound, both technically and commercially viable.
To prove technical feasibility Certification Programmes were developed for aircraft and engine modifications based on the certification requirements, as well as means of compliance that have been determined as result of a thorough analysis. Concurrently, risks related to the use of bioethanol containing gasoline for aircraft operation have been identified and assessed during the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Results of the FMEA were taken into consideration for the development of the technical solution and the Certification Programmes. Requirements for production capability have been determined based on the relevant aviation safety regulations concerning Production Organisation Approval (POA) that should be obtained to commercialise the technical solution by selling replacement parts to engines and aircraft in relation to the modifications.
The accepted Certification Programmes of the aircraft and the engine prove the technical feasibility. This means that the technical solution can be extended to other aircraft and engine types, which are similar in design and construction to those considered during the feasibility study.
Nevertheless, it should be highlighted that certain technical risks were identified during the FMEA that may only be assessed during thorough ground, flight and laboratory tests as determined for compliance demonstrations. Therefore, risk still exists that no technical solution can be developed for reasonable costs.
Following market research, it was established that appreciable demand exists for technical solutions that can reduce operational costs of General Aviation aircraft. While use of bio-ethanol component containing gasoline can significantly reduce cost of operation, due to known safety risks the perception of such fuel for aviation use is uncertain. Consequently, with proven safety record and strong promotion negative perception should be changed. Taking this into account business plan was developed to introduce the technical solution to the market and to boost sales.

Final results

As both technical and commercial viability have been proven we plan to proceed with the development of our solution. The solution, upon introduction to the market, will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission (CO2) and elimination of lead containing Avgas fuel grade (100LL). Reduction of operation cost will lower cost of pilot training and make flying affordable to more people. More affordable basic/initial pilot training will enlarge the pool of pilots that can enter commercial pilot training and later get employment at airlines. Growing population of pilots will reduce costs of airlines on longer terms by balancing demand for versus the availability of pilots. This will contribute to sustainable growth of airlines.