ARBN 070 931 645

15 March 2001

A report has been received by CASA advising of severe fuel leaks in the Repco fuel pump of Skyfox (aircraft, not engine fuel system) thought to be caused by the effects of Shell Optimax on the seals inside the pump. This is being investigated by CASA and a report is attached.

Members are well advised to read it. Unfortunately it was received by FAX and has been copied in PDF format so an acrobat reader is required (downloadable from the Airworthiness Page)

No doubt all members are aware that the use of lead is being phased out of automotive fuels and that it is being replaced by a different product to suit engines now requiring leaded fuel. This fuel is called Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP).

LRP is being gradually introduced into the consumer market across the country and some of its side effects are really yet to become known.

All fuel companies recommend against using motor fuel (mogas) in aeroplanes and their objection to it is no doubt loud enough to clear them from liability associated with any problems in aircraft. They produce special, certificated fuel for aeroplanes: AVGAS.

Most of the aeroplanes in the AUF are fitted with engines whose manufacturers recommend against the use of leaded fuels which means that unleaded MOGAS is used although in some cases, because of suspicion over octane ratings of unleaded fuel, availability etc, leaded mogas is sometimes used in ultralight aircraft. The introduction of LRP presents many unknowns and the AUF advises caution in its use.

R Hewitt-Cook

Technical Manager