Aircraft Fuel Options
Compare avgas, Jet-A, and diesel fuels for your aircraft.
Fuel Comparison
| Aspect | 100LL Avgas | Jet-A | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Piston engines | Turbine engines | Diesel engines |
| Current Price | $5.50-$7.00/gal | $4.50-$6.00/gal | $3.50-$5.00/gal |
| Availability | Most airports | Major airports | Growing |
| Lead Content | Contains lead | Lead-free | Lead-free |
100LL Avgas (Avgas 100)
✓ Advantages
- Widely available
- Works with all piston engines
- Consistent supply
- Proven performance
✗ Disadvantages
- Contains lead (health concern)
- Highest cost
- Environmental impact
- Phasing out globally
Jet-A Turbine Fuel
✓ Advantages
- Lead-free
- Lower cost
- Better availability
- Reliable engine performance
✗ Disadvantages
- Turbine engines only
- Higher price for turbine aircraft
- Limited to specific aircraft
- More complex fuel handling
Diesel Fuel
✓ Advantages
- Lowest cost
- Lead-free & clean
- Good fuel efficiency
- Environmental benefits
✗ Disadvantages
- Limited aircraft models
- Few FBOs carry it
- High initial cost
- Battery dependency
Fuel Cost Comparison
Annual fuel costs for aircraft flying 100 hours/year:
Cessna 172 (10 gal/hr)
- Avgas 100LL: $6,000
- 1,000 gal × $6/gal
Turboprop (25 gal/hr)
- Jet-A: $11,250
- 2,500 gal × $4.50/gal
Diesel Aircraft (8 gal/hr)
- Diesel: $3,200
- 800 gal × $4/gal
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The Future: Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel, made from renewable sources.
- ✓ 80% carbon reduction potential
- ✓ Compatible with existing engines
- ✓ Cost parity expected by 2030
- ✓ Mandates coming (2025-2030)