Recently, my wife and I decided to take a road trip to Texas to visit friends and fill up on good Cajun and Tex-Mex food. On our return, I stopped to visit GAMI — General Aviation Modifications, Inc. — in... Continue Reading →
The effect of lower octane fuel on your airplane
Posted on June 25th, 2012 by Ben Visser
Last week I was watching TV when I heard a loud clap of thunder and saw a flash. This was followed by the lights going out and the very sickening sound of electronics going bye-bye from the computer desk. The... Continue Reading →
Avgas Economics 101
Posted on May 10th, 2012 by Ben Visser
After I wrote about my visit to Swift Fuels, I received several notes asking why it would be so difficult to determine a price for the finished product. I have a good friend who runs an auction company and when... Continue Reading →
The staggering chicken test
Posted on March 20th, 2012 by Ben Visser
In response to a previous column in which I expounded on the problem of exhaust valve recession with unleaded fuels, I received a note from Ron Newberg, which reminded me of work done by the oil companies back in the... Continue Reading →
Our fuels expert visits Swift Fuels
Posted on March 5th, 2012 by Janice Wood
Swift Fuels has been working on a 100 octane unleaded avgas for a number of years. I have been, shall we say, less than enthusiastic about the company’s work for various reasons. However, as of late, the company seems to... Continue Reading →
Ethanol: It will get you coming and going
Posted on February 6th, 2012 by Ben Visser
Recently, reader Frank Klein asked if he should be concerned about filling up containers of auto gas for his plane if the previous customer pumped 10% ethanol fuel from a pump island that uses a common dispensing hose for several... Continue Reading →
Correction: Exxon Mobil to remain 100LL manufacturer
Posted on December 20th, 2011 by Ben Sclair
In a blog posted on Monday, December 19, fuels expert Ben Visser incorrectly stated that Exxon Mobil had stopped manufacturing 100LL for the general aviation marketplace. In fact, Exxon Mobil continues to manufacture 100LL for distribution under brand names other... Continue Reading →
Oil giant pulls out of 100LL business
Posted on December 19th, 2011 by Ben Visser
UPDATE: Calls from AOPA and EAA Tuesday morning inform us Ben’s column is incorrect. Exxon-Mobil will continue the manufacture of unbranded 100LL fuel. Exxon-Mobil will discontinue branded fuel sales under the Exxon Avitat flag. We are awaiting confirmation from Exxon’s... Continue Reading →
What part of ‘no’ don’t they understand?
Posted on November 20th, 2011 by Ben Visser
One of the joys of being retired is that I get to read more of the newspaper each evening. Now the front page has all of the big stories that are of worldwide importance, like the Kim Kardashian marriage that... Continue Reading →
Why lead reduces knock
Posted on October 24th, 2011 by Ben Visser
In the Sept. 23, issue of General Aviation News, there was a letter to the editor from Jack Thompson, who wrote: “Re: Visser’s Voice: Knock free, Aug 26 issue: It is a sad commentary given that the IC engine is... Continue Reading →
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