Regional Affairs

Fears about ethanol-blended gas put to rest, for now

Pilots who use motor vehicle gasoline to refuel their aircraft won't have to worry about a shortage of non-blended fuel in Idaho for a while. That's because the state's House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee has rejected an ethanol blending bill, recommending that the issue be studied sometime after the state legislature adjourns later this spring. Although the bill would have permitted the sale of non-ethanol blended gasoline, it would not have required it. AOPA believes that would have made it difficult for aircraft owners who have supplemental type certificates permitting auto fuel use to obtain gas without the ethanol content.

March 17, 2006