California coalition protects avgas access
Collaboration between aviation associations and California public officials eliminated the possibility of prematurely removing piston engine aviation fuel used by most small aircraft before an unleaded replacement fuel is available at airports.
Negotiations over the continued availability of avgas in California have been ongoing for months, as aviation advocacy groups and public officials worked together to amend proposed state legislation to meet an industry-government goal of ensuring a safe and smart transition to an unleaded future for aviation.
In a coordinated effort, AOPA, the Association of California Airports, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the National Business Aviation Association, NATA (formerly the National Air Transportation Association), Vertical Aviation International, and the California Pilots Association, worked with lawmakers to bring the bill into compliance with the 2024 FAA reauthorization, and also add protections for GA airports to ensure they are not in conflict with federal requirements.
“Our nation’s aviation system is a national system, and it can’t function safely under a patchwork approach. I can’t thank Senator Menjivar enough for working with the industry on this important matter,” said AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Jared Yoshiki.
Menjivar has committed to continue to work on this issue should further accommodations be necessary, and further acknowledged the concerns raised by rural communities to ensure they are not penalized for being lower on the supply chain priority list.
"Our goal is to help ensure a transition to unleaded fuel is made as soon as possible and no later than 2030. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved such a fuel and others are being evaluated,” said Yoshiki. “By working together, industry and government, I feel we can get there in a safe and smart way.” The measure now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
