Airsport UK - 2011

Fuel
For ROTAX aircraft engines different fuel types are available. See Operators Manual of the relevant engine type and/or the table in chapter 5.3.
Automotive fuels
In addition to AVGAS various automotive fuel types with different quality are available. Due to various environmental, economic and political reasons a number of fuel types with different amount of ethanol blend is available. Therefore the maximum amount of ethanol blend is defined as follows:
E10 (Unleaded gasoline blended with 10 % Ethanol)
In addition to AVGAS and unleaded automotive fuel (Mogas) the ROTAX, 912/914
series of engines are now approved for use with E10. Fuels that contain more than
10 %ethanol blend have not been tested nor are they permitted for use.
Suitability of fuel system components of airframe
ROTAX urges owners to confirm with their airframe manufacturer that ethanol
blended fuels of up to 10% (E10) are compatible with all fuel system components. It
is the responsibility of the aircraft manufacturer to test the fuel system components
and supply any further information on techniques, procedures and limitations of
using ethanol blended fuel.
ROTAX recommends that aircraft manufacturer and owner/operators read the
following: - FAA Advisory Circular Letter AC 23.1521-2
- FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-07-06
- EASA Safety Information Bulletin – SIB 2009-02
These contain details regarding the use of ethanol (alcohol) blended fuels and the
type certificate requirements.
It is strongly recommended that also non-certified aircraft also conform to the
information given in the above documents.
AVGAS fuel additives
Additives, which aid the scavenging of lead deposits under the names of Decline®
and AlcorTCP,, have not been tested by ROTAX®. Field experience gained shows
that these products have no detrimental effect on the engine, when used in the
recommended manner.
1 INTRODUCTION
a) Before an aircraft is granted a Certificate of Airworthiness or a Permit to Fly it
must be demonstrated that the aircraft, including its engine(s), complies with the
applicable airworthiness requirements. The aircraft or engine designer will normally
define, by reference to a recognised specification, the fuel or fuels he is using when showing compliance. The evidence of that compliance will normally be based upon
testing using the nominated fuel(s) only. Consequently, when EASA or the CAA as
appropriate is satisfied that compliance with the requirements has been shown and
issues an approval for the aircraft or engine, that approval will be conditional upon
the use of fuels conforming with the particular nominated specifications.
b) For many decades the industry-standard fuel for piston engine aircraft has been
100LL Avgas, conforming with specification DEFSTAN 91-90. This specification
is comprehensive, and any changes to be made to it are subject to wide consultation
and rigorous analysis before adoption. Production of Avgas is subject to stringent
quality control and chemical analysis of the product. The delivery of Avgas to
aerodromes is subject to procedures to protect the fuel from contamination and to
maintain its quality and traceability. The Air Navigation Order (ANO) places
obligations on the managers of aviation fuel installations at aerodromes and
personnel carrying out refuelling, to apply procedures to maintain the quality of the
Avgas. CAP 748 provides guidance on these matters.
c) Compared with the Avgas specification the specifications for motor gasolines
(MOGAS) allow greater variability in the composition of the fuels, and proposed
changes to the specifications themselves are not subject to the same level of
scrutiny. The major oil companies consider that the systems in place for the
production and delivery of Avgas are essential for a fuel which is to be used in
aircraft and consequently they do not support the use of MOGAS for aviation
purposes. Most major aircraft engine manufacturers (other than a few whose engines
have been developed from car engines) have aligned themselves with the oil
industry and have refused to obtain approval for the use of MOGAS in their
engines. However, some third-parties, mostly in the US, have provided evidence to
the various Airworthiness Authorities to justify continued compliance with the
airworthiness requirements for some engine and aircraft types when using certain
motor gasolines.
d) Information on the types of aircraft which have been approved by the CAA to use
leaded or unleaded MOGAS is in CAP 747, Mandatory Requirements for
Airworthiness, Appendix 8, General Concessions (GC) 2, 3, 4 and 5. This leaflet
provides guidance on the use of MOGAS and does not override GCs.
e) GC No. 2 permits leaded motor gasoline (Leaded MOGAS) to be used with
certain engine/aircraft combinations provided that the fuel is obtained from an
aerodrome aviation fuel installation in full compliance with the applicable
requirements of the ANO (equivalent to the storage and quality control procedures
applied to Avgas). Therefore the permissions granted under GC No. 2 exclude the
use of fuel obtained from a filling station/ garage forecourt.
f) GC No. 3 provides a partial exemption from the relevant Article of the Air
Navigation Order to allow certain light aircraft to use Leaded MOGAS obtained
from garage forecourts subject to the conditions contained in the Notice.
g) GC No. 4 provides a partial exemption from the relevant Article of the Air
Navigation Order to allow microlight aeroplanes to use Unleaded MOGAS obtained
from garage forecourts subject to the conditions contained in the Notice.
h) GC No. 5 provides a partial exemption from the relevant Article of the ANO to
allow certain light aircraft to use Unleaded MOGAS obtained from garage
forecourts subject to the conditions contained in the Notice.i) It should be noted that the CAA does not accept any responsibility for any
infringement of manufacturers’ warranties, possible accelerated deterioration of
engine or airframe components or any other long-term damaging effects resulting
from the use of MOGAS.
2 SPECIFICATION & SUPPLY
a) Leaded MOGAS
The CAA approvals to use Leaded MOGAS apply only to motor gasoline
conforming with BSI Specification BS4040:1988. If you use a mixture
AVGAS/MOGAS with more than 25% MOGAS, it will be assumed that your
aircraft is using MOGAS. Note: “Lead Replacement Petrol”, “Unleaded 4-Star”,
and other products intended to replace leaded petrol are not equivalent to BS:4040
and their use is not approved.
b ) Unleaded MOGAS Where approval has been given to use Unleaded MOGAS,
this must conform with BSI Specification BS:7070 or EN228. Beware of other
fuels which are widely available (often advertised as having special properties).
c) Aircraft with Certificates of Airworthiness carrying out flights for the purposes of
commercial air transport or aerial work, and multi-engine aircraft with Certificates
of Airworthiness when flying for any purpose, are not approved to use fuels
obtained from garage forecourts. Such aircraft must obtain their fuels in full
compliance with the specific demands of the Air Navigation Order (Aviation Fuel at
Aerodromes - Article 137 of ANO 2005).
d) Because the sampling, analysis and acceptance controls for MOGAS obtained
from garage forecourts are less stringent than those for Avgas obtained at
aerodromes, it is essential to ensure that the MOGAS is free from water, alcohol and
other contamination. The following conditions must be met:
• The engine/airframe combination must be approved to use MOGAS, either by
being listed in Schedule 1 of GC No. 2, or by specific approval as specified in the
Generic Concessions.
• The aircraft must be either:
o a microlight aeroplane,
o a powered sailplane,
o a gyroplane, or
o a single-engine light aircraft with maximum authorised weight below 2730 kg
operating on a private flight.
e) If your engine is a two-stroke don't forget to add the correct quantity of oil, or
purchase premixed fuel/oil to the correct ratio.
3 OPERATING LIMITATIONS
Motor gasolines have a higher vapour pressure than Avgas and are also subject to
seasonal variation. To reduce the likelihood of interruption of fuel flow to the
engine due to vapour lock, the following operating limitations are imposed for all flights using MOGAS:
a) Prior to take-off, the temperature of the fuel in the aircraft tank(s) must be less
than 20°C
b) The aircraft must not be flown at altitudes greater than 6000 ft, unless the CAA
has agreed, in writing, to different limitations for that particular aircraft.
4 FUEL HANDLING AND TESTING
a) Fuel supply
MOGAS is more volatile than AVGAS, especially in winter (to help cold starting).
Consequently MOGAS is more susceptible to fuel vaporisation at above average
ambient temperatures, so beware of hot weather in the Spring and:
- Use freshly obtained fuel from a major supplier with a high turnover. (Note that
local Regulations may only allow transportation of limited quantities in your own
vehicle.)
- Avoid long storage in the aircraft fuel tanks.
- Record the source of supply. (Note that most credit card receipts show the type of
fuel, the quantity, and when and where it was purchased. Retention of such receipts
is a means of satisfying this requirement.)
b) Testing for alcohol
The use of fuel containing alcohol is prohibited.
Alcohol is increasingly being added to motor gasolines by the oil companies for
environmental reasons. However, if water accumulates in the fuel tanks, or forms
within them due to condensation, the alcohol may migrate from the fuel and
combine with the water. This may cause loss of power in two ways:
- Firstly, the aqueous alcohol solution may be drawn into the engine in place of the
fuel and cause the engine to stop.
- Secondly, the migration of the alcohol away from the fuel and into the water will
lower the octane rating of the fuel. Operation using fuel of insufficient octane rating
may damage the engine.
- Also, alcohol is incompatible chemically with certain rubbers and plastics used in
“0” rings and seals, and with certain adhesives, sealants, pipelines, gaskets etc.
Because of these potential adverse effects MOGAS must be tested to ensure that
NO alcohol is present. Commercial testing kits are available, and testing for alcohol
can also be carried out as follows:
1) Obtain a clear tube (like a test tube or fuel drain device), and mark a line on it
about 10% from the bottom.
2) Add water to the tube until it comes to the line. Now, fill the tube with your fuel
sample until it is near the top. 3) Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, let it settle and if the meniscus is on the line,
the fuel sample is alcohol free.
4) If it is above the line (because the alcohol has mixed with the water) alcohol is
present and the fuel must not be used in an aircraft.
c) Water and other contaminants
Fuel must be filtered to remove water and any other contaminants. Either use a
chamois and funnel or one of the proprietary devices which are available.
d) Fuel containers
These must be properly labelled, clean and free from corrosion etc. There is always
a risk of fire when refuelling from cans due to static electrical discharge. There have
been several cases of fire, including one in the UK.
Plastic fuel containers SHOULD NOT be used. The process of filling, as well as
sloshing in the can during transportation, can cause an electro-static charge to build
up, which then discharges as the can is brought near to the aircraft filler neck. Use a
METAL container and funnel, and earth them both.
Make up a proper earthing device from copper braid, heavy-duty crocodile clips and
a 'ground stake' so that the tank, funnel and fuel container are ALL earthed. Static
charges build up most easily in dry air. The driest days in the UK can be clear, crisp
days in winter.
e) Maintenance indoors
Refuelling and working with fuel, or on fuel systems, in enclosed areas is hazardous
because of the accumulation of fuel vapour, which is heavier than air. In an incident
overseas, mechanics were killed by an explosion when pouring fuel into a container
attached to a wing fuel tank inside a heated hangar on a very cold (and possibly dry)
day. Such work must be done outside and there must be effective electrical bonding
between the aircraft, fuel source, piping or funnel and the ground.
REMEMBER - PETROL IS DANGEROUS
THERE IS ALWAYS THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION
Note: CAP 748 ‘Aircraft Fuelling and Fuel Installation Management’' contains
further information on the storage and handling of fuels.
5 MAINTENANCE & PRE-FLIGHT PRECAUTIONS
a) Non-metallic parts
Because of the different constituents of MOGAS and AVGAS, non-metallic fuel
pipes and seals must be carefully inspected for signs of leakage or deterioration.
b) Water Drains
If the aircraft has been standing overnight or longer, check the drains for water. (This should be normal practice.)
c) Fuel temperature
Prior to flight you should make sure that the 20°C limitation will not be exceeded,
ideally by measuring the fuel temperature (the top of the tank will be several
degrees warmer than the bottom), or by considering:
- The length of time the ambient temperature has been above 20°C.
- Whether the aircraft has been, or will be, standing in the sunshine. (In metal
aircraft with integral wing fuel tanks, white-painted wings significantly reduce the
rate at which fuel temperature increases, compared with dark ones. Even in the UK
a fuel temperature rise of 15°C (from 19°C to 34°C) in 3 hours has been measured
in an aircraft with light-coloured wings and integral wing fuel tanks.)
- How long it has been since the aircraft was refuelled, noting the method of
fuel storage; e.g. underground tank or small bowser standing in the sunshine.
6 PRE-TAKE-OFF
a) Carburettor icing is more likely when using MOGAS because it has a higher
volatility (and possibly a higher water content) than AVGAS. Pay particular
attention to the serviceability of carburettor heating (if fitted). If carburettor heating
is selectable, ensure that a satisfactory RPM drop is obtained when heating is
selected on during pre-take-off checks. Note: If there is an increase above the
original engine speed afterwards, it shows that ice was already present when heating
was selected on.
b) After any prolonged period of 'heat soak' at low fuel flow (e.g. during taxiing and
holding before take-off on a hot day), local hot spots in the engine baY may induce
vapour lock in fuel pipes. Before becoming committed to taking off, ensure full
power is available and can be maintained. Be particularly alert for the possibility of
power loss necessitating abandonment of the take-off.
c) On certain aircraft, the front fuel tank must be used for take-off, initial climb and
landing. This is because the tank is higher than the engine and provides a positive
head of fuel thus reducing the likelihood of vapour-lock. These aircraft are listed in
GC No. 2 and GC No. 5.
7 IN FLIGHT
a) Fuel pressure
Pay particular attention to the fuel pressure gauge (if fitted) and be on the alert for
any signs of power loss when you switch off the electric fuel pump (if fitted) after
take-off. For aircraft fitted with electric fuel pumps; in the event of:
• fuel pressure fluctuations,
• loss of fuel pressure, or
• engine misfiring when temperature or altitude are high,
switch the pump ON immediately. b) Carburettor heating Make regular selections of full carburettor heat lasting at
least 15 seconds duration; longer if your engine is particularly prone to carburettor
icing.
8 RECORDING MOGAS USE
The airframe logbook must be annotated such that the operating hours using
MOGAS can be determined. Block records must be transferred at appropriate
intervals into the engine logbook(s) where applicable.
9 PROBLEMS
If you experience any problems when using MOGAS, do not hesitate to contact the
CAA Safety Investigation & Data Department. Please provide as much detail as
possible about the circumstances AND the source of the fuel as soon as practical
after the incident.
10 SUMMARY
Do not fly using MOGAS if the fuel tank temperature is greater than 20°C.
Do not fly above 6000 ft using MOGAS.
Only use MOGAS (leaded or unleaded) if your aircraft/engine combination is
approved to do so.
Use Leaded MOGAS conforming with BS:4040, or Unleaded MOGAS conforming
with BS:7070 or EN228 as applicable.
Always use fresh fuel from a major supplier with a high turnover (or fuel from a
managed aerodrome installation).
Test for the presence of alcohol.
Filter the fuel to ensure it is free from contaminants and water.
When refuelling use metal containers and earth everything properly.
Certain aircraft must use the front fuel tank during take-off, climb, and landing (see
CAP 747 Appendix 8, GC No. 2 and GC No. 5).
In the event of fuel pressure fluctuations or engine misfiring, switch any fuel pump
on.
Be aware that carburettor icing is more likely.
Install a placard, visible to the pilot, providing the following information: USE OF LEADED MOGAS:
See CAP 747 Appendix 8, GC No. 3)
Use freshly obtained fuel conforming
with the specification BS:4040
Test the fuel to ensure that it is free
from water and alcohol.
Inspect fuel system non-metallic pipes
and seals daily for deterioration and
leaks.
Verify correct functioning of the
carburettor heating system.
Verify take-off power prior to
committing to take-off.
Fuel tank temperature not to exceed
20 degrees Celsius.
Maximum operating altitude 6000 ft.
USE OF UNLEADED MOGAS
(See CAP 747 Appendix 8, GC No. 5)
Use freshly obtained fuel conforming
with the specification EN228 or
BS:7070.
Test the fuel to ensure that it is free
from water and alcohol.
Inspect fuel system non-metallic pipes
and seals daily for deterioration and
leaks.
Verify correct functioning of the
carburettor heating system.
Verify take-off power prior to
committing to take-off.
Fuel tank temperature not to exceed 20
degrees Celsius.
Maximum operating altitude 6000 ft.
CARBURETTOR ICING AND VAPOUR LOCK ARE MORE LIKELY
WITH MOGAS
Record the use of MOGAS in the logbooks. Report any problems involving
MOGAS to the CAA Safety Investigation and Data Department.