U.S. Federal Aviation Administration finalizes diesel engine policy

Diesel Fuel News, June 23, 2003

The new policy (see June 13 Federal Register) will guide certification requirements for several new diesel-powered light aircraft expected to come into the North American market fairly soon (see Diesel Fuel News 5/12/03, pl2; 3/17/03, p8). While these diesel aircraft are expected to use kero-jet fuel (like turbine-powered airplanes), this won't necessarily rule out the use of additized fuel (anti-icing, biocides, military fuel thermal stabilizer), No.

2 diesel, or fuel blends such as biodiesel, FAA notes, depending upon engine type-certifications. "Commercial turbine fuels will probably not be given a cetane rating; therefore aircraft diesel engines will be approved and certificated to operate on a specific turbine fuel(s)," the FAA notice says. "Compatibility of the fuel system materials (elastomers, sealants, liners, hoses, composite parts etc.) with the approved fuels for an aircraft diesel engine has to be established."