Aviation Gasoline

High-octane, low-lead fuel specifically designed for piston-engine aircraft.

Overview

Aviation Gasoline is a specialized high-octane fuel used exclusively in piston-engine aircraft (such as Cessna, Piper, and Robinson helicopters). Unlike jet fuel (kerosene Jet A-1, russian TS-1), aviation gasoline must possess exceptionally high knock resistance. In Russia, it is regulated by the B-91/115 grade (GOST 1012), while globally the most common grade is Avgas 100LL (100 Low Lead).

Key Specifications

Energy Density

Efficiency

Global Share

Octane Number

Octane Number (MON/RON)

Sulfur Content

Carbon Intensity

Environmental Impact

CO2 Emissions

~2.3 kg CO2 per liter

Particulate Matter

Contains lead (TEL)

Nitrogen Oxides

Moderate

Market Information

Global Production

~500 thousand barrels per year

Major Producers

USA
Europe
Russia

Price Trend

High volatility due to monopoly

Quality Requirements

Key AvGas quality parameters: knock resistance (motor octane number min 91, research octane number min 115 for B-91/115); tetraethyl lead content (strictly regulated); freezing point (max -60 °C for reliable high-altitude operation); vapor pressure (to prevent cavitation in fuel pumps at altitude); absence of mechanical impurities and water.

Motor Octane Number

Min. 91

Lead Content

Max 0.56 g/L

Freezing Point

Max -60 °C

Vapor Pressure

29.0 - 49.0 kPa

Applications

Used in general aviation: training and private aircraft (Cessna 172, Piper PA-28), agricultural aviation (crop dusting), and piston helicopters. It is NOT used in gas turbine (jet) engines.

Advantages

High knock resistance, critical for aviation engines
Stability at extremely low temperatures (down to -60 °C and below)
Optimal vapor pressure for high-altitude operation
Provides maximum power for piston engines

Challenges

Lead content (TEL) makes the fuel toxic and environmentally harmful
Limited number of global producers (monopoly)
High cost compared to automotive gasoline
Logistical and storage challenges (requires dedicated tanks)

Future Outlook

The main trend is the transition to unleaded alternatives (UL94, G100UL) due to lead bans. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for general aviation and the electrification of light aircraft are also actively being developed.