The GAfuels Blog is written by two private pilots concerned about the future availability of fuels for piston-engine aircraft: Dean Billing, Sisters, Ore., an expert on autogas and ethanol, and Kent Misegades, Cary, N.C., an aerospace engineer, aviation sales rep for U-Fuel, and president of EAA1114.
According to this recent article in the Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.), marinas have begun selling ethanol-free fuel again after disastrous experiences with E10 ethanol blends in the past year.
“Boaters in the region no longer have to travel to Canada to get ‘real gas.’ Many area marina owners say they have started selling ethanol-free gasoline again and that their customers seem to be happy to pay the premium price to prevent possible engine damage caused by the ethanol blend.”
John Killius, owner of Henchen Marina and Fishing Camp in Henderson Harbor put it succinctly: “Over a dozen folks here who had ethanol gas in their tanks had engine problems. In fact, it’s taken out every small engine I operate here.”
Pilots and airports searching for suppliers of lead-free, ethanol-free autogas should contact the marina owners cited in this article, as well as two suppliers mentioned, MX Petroleum Corp. and Econo Fuels Inc. located in Massena, N.Y.
Will check the local marinas for auto fuel, have a number of pro bale users on our field at VNC.