San Diego Airport Leads Nation in Leaded Avgas Sales Despite Unleaded Option

Published Oct. 18 by nonprofit newsroom inewsource, the investigation noted that sales during 2025 hit their highest point in over a decade at the city-owned facility. This high volume of leaded fuel sales persists even though an unleaded aviation fuel alternative was introduced at the airfield in November 2024.

Data from the investigation showed that Crownair Aviation, the city's distribution partner for UL94, sold a mere 24 gallons plus a fraction over that amount during the examined two-year window. The sales figures point to significant obstacles in moving away from 100LL, demonstrating that simply offering an alternative does not ensure broad fleet compatibility since UL94 only works for specific piston aircraft and cannot substitute for 100LL in every plane.

Broader adoption hinges on adequate fuel approvals, availability, and distribution for aircraft owners and flight schools. The reporting also looked at potential lead exposure risks for nearby communities, noting that flight paths travel within two miles of or directly over more than 30 schools. Despite this, the childhood lead-prevention program operated by San Diego County has not carried out targeted testing for children residing close to the airport.

To address these concerns nationally, the FAA runs the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative, known as EAGLE, which targets the removal of lead from aviation gasoline across the piston fleet by the end of 2030 while preserving safety and preventing disruptions to general aviation activities.

Sources: AVweb