Definition

Aviation Gasoline

Description

AVGAS is the most commonly used fuel for piston engines. Some gas turbines can run on AVGAS but it is not the fuel of choice and is normally only used in the case when kerosine or jet fuel is not available. AVGAS contains a highly toxic lead additive in order to achieve high octane ratings and is coloured according to the grade. For example, 100LL (low lead) AVGAS is dyed blue.

Within Europe, for reasons of cost and environmental concerns, there is a move away from AVGAS to jet fuel with more and more light aircraft being fitted with highly fuel efficient diesel engines.

AVGAS is not to be confused with AVTUR (Aviation Turbine Fuel) or AVJET which are jet fuels.

Related Articles

• Piston Engine Induction Icing
• Ignition of Fuels
• Jet Fuel
• Biofuel

Further Reading

• ICAO Doc 9977, Manual on Civil Aviation Jet Fuel Supply, First Ed. 2012
• Aviation Fuels Technical Review, Chevron, 2004
• Alternative Jet Fuels, A supplement to Chevron’s Aviation Fuels Technical Review, 2004