2011 - A good year for autogas

With the continued rise in avgas prices and decline in aircraft sales and general activity, it has been hard in the past year to find positive news related to aviation. Against great odds, however, autogas appears to be making a comeback, thanks in part to the efforts from many of you, the nearly 400 members of the Aviation Fuel Club which was launched in January of this year.  While the number of FBOs selling leaded avgas continues its slow decline, the number selling autogas has seen a slight increase in 2011, the first time in many years.  See the table at the bottom of this list of airports selling lead-free, ethanol-free autogas for evidence of these trends.  The biggest impediment to expanding the availability of autogas remains the difficulty in finding reliable supplies of ethanol-free fuel at 91 AKI or higher octane. According to a new article at AGFAX.COM, we may have already hit the so-called 'blending wall' in the US, the point at which Congressionally-mandated annual increases in ethanol blending can no longer be absorbed into the US vehicle fleet.  Hopefully, this will force the EPA to revise the RFS mandates and preserve premium fuel for the millions who need an ethanol-free fuel.

U-Fuel's FBO in a Box concept

U-Fuel, a leading supplier of fuel stations to the aviation industry and sponsor of the Aviation Fuel Club, announced its revolutionary “FBO in a Box” concept this week, aimed at dramatically lowering the cost to operate small airports. As seen in this artist's rendering , the facility consists of a strong, weatherproof steel enclosure that contains a self-service station for autogas, avgas and/ or Jet-A and an air-conditioned FBO with restroom, small meeting room, telephone, wireless Internet, vending for food, beverages, aviation items and engine oil. Access to the facility and fuel station is secured via cards or RFID devices. The system is designed to operate on low capacity 120 VAC or from solar or wind power. Maintenance involves daily visits to sump the tanks, check equipment, clean and restock supplies in the pilot's lounge. As shown in the rendering, the roof of the facility can double as an observation deck for visitors. This new, recently-patented concept is an extension of U-Fuel’s market-leading self-service fueling technology, made possible by experience gained from installing systems in remote locations around the world. Lower operating costs improve an airport's bottom line, lower the cost of flying, and help general aviation. For information, contact Kent Misegades, Aviation Sales, U-Fuel, kent@ufuel.com

AEF is now Ascentium

Announced earlier this year, U-Fuel partnered with American Equipment Finance (AEF) to provide financing and leasing for its fuel systems to airports, FBOs, flight schools, etc.  In October, AEF joined Ascentium Capital LLC of Kingwood, TX, as described in this press release.   Paul Hagner, who continues with Ascentium as its expert for airport fuel equipment financing, commented on the merger: "What does this merger of American Equipment Finance and Ascentium Capital mean for you?  Ascentium Capital is a direct lender and offers greater access to financing that will help your business grow.  And, we provide more options for the most effective and innovative financing and leasing”.  See details of Ascentium's offerings, and contacts for Paul Hagner, on this new flyer.

Aviation 101 - recent gafuels postings

Two AFC Directors, Dean Billing of Sisters, OR and Kent Misegades of Cary, NC, co-author the GAfuels blog at General Aviation News. Below are links to some of their recent postings on issues related to aviation fuels.

Latest FAA fleet fuel report deeply flawed - November 28th, 2011

Payette airport adds autogas - November 1st, 2011