VP UL100E Clears Major Aviation Industry Hurdle with ASTM Standard Publication
San Antonio, TX (January 5, 2025) In November, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published D8631-25, the Standard Specification for Unleaded Aviation Gasoline Test Fuel Containing Ethers. This is the first ASTM specification for UL100E, the unleaded aviation gasoline co-developed by VP Racing and LyondellBasell. UL100E is currently undergoing full-scale testing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and engine and aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) under the Piston Aircraft Fuel Initiative (PAFI) program. Completion of these evaluations is anticipated by September 2026.
PAFI is the sole collaborative fuel certification program designed and conducted by the FAA and OEMs, requiring an ASTM specification as a condition of fleet authorization. UL100E is the last remaining test fuel in the PAFI program and it has recently passed a number of testing milestones. These milestones include material compatibility testing by several aircraft OEMs, including Van’s Aircraft Inc., Piper Aircraft, Textron Aviation Inc., and Cirrus; engine testing by Lycoming Engines and Continental Aerospace technologies and by the FAA at the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace in Atlantic City, NJ. Flight testing on a Lancair Super Legacy equipped with a turbocharged TSIO-550 engine and a Harvard Mk IV warbird equipped with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp radial engine is ongoing.
Lycoming recently concluded a 300-hour endurance test on an IO-540-D4A5 engine and met valve seat recession (VSR) performance requirements with UL100E. The FAA Technical Center also finished detonation testing on a Continental IO-550-D engine and identified the optimal timing advance for UL100E in the IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, and -L series of engines. These engines are used in numerous aircrafts including the Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron. Next up for testing at the Technical Center is a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A which powers the six-seat Cessna T-206 Turbo Stationair.
PAFI testing of UL100E is expected to be completed in September 2026. The FAA will use the PAFI test results to define the eligible fleet and outline any operational and/or engine modifications required for a small portion of the fleet via a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB). Progress on UL100E testing under PAFI can be monitored at Flyeagle.org.
For more information about VP Racing and its products for aviation, enthusiasts, and general consumers, visitVPRacingFuels.com
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About LyondellBasell
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are helping enable a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.
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ABOUT VP RACING
VP Racing, The World Leader in Fuel Technology®, has been fueling champions in virtually every form of motorsport on land, air, and sea since 1975. VP is the Official Fuel of the series like IMSA, NHRA, SCORE, World of Outlaws, AMA Pro Motocross, IHRA, MotoAmerica, SRO GT World Challenge, Champ Offroad, American Flat Track, USF Pro, NASA, and more than 60+ other sponsored series and sanctioning bodies.
VP Racing is also well-known for its full line of consumer products, including ethanol-free small engine fuels and lubricants formulated for 2 and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment, automotive additives and octane improvers, performance coolants, appearance products, apparel, and accessories sold globally through automotive, home improvement, and online retailers. The VP brand is also represented by a program for independent operators with 350+ VP-branded gas stations, car washes, quick lubes, and marinas throughout North America. For more information, visit VPRacingFuels.com