AOPA and Other Aviation Groups Supportive of Alternative Fuels Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 3, 2021 – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association joined other aviation associations in asking Congressional leaders to increase funding for the Alternative Fuels for General Aviation program. As Congress prepares to finalize its funding allocations for the fiscal year 2022, several aviation associations have joined forces in asking the Appropriations Committee Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittee in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to support this growing initiative.

“We believe the fuels testing program is at a critical juncture and we request the final conference agreement contain a funding level of $10 million,” the group wrote. “The funding level is consistent with the spirit of the recent White House announcement on sustainable aviation fuels, where the work on alternative fuels for general aviation was highlighted. There is still considerable work to be done to address the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with piston aviation fuels and your support is key to addressing them in a way that does not compromise aviation safety.”

The Alternative Fuels for General Aviation program enables the engineering, technical, and management support of fuel research and safety certification activities necessary to identify and secure a fleet-wide authorization approval and deployment of an unleaded aviation gas consistent with aviation safety.

Joining AOPA in signing the letter to Congress included Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Helicopter Association International (HAI); National Air Transportation Association (NATA), and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

A copy of the letter can be found here.