Can ethanol-blended gasoline be used in small aircraft engines?
Ethanol-blended gasoline should not be used in small aircraft engines. Most small aircraft engines manufactured in North America are designed to run on aviation gasoline (avgas), which has a much higher octane rating than automotive gasoline. While some of these engines can be modified to run on regular automotive gasoline, owners/operators of small aircraft are advised that ethanol-blended gasoline should not be used in their aircraft, as ethanol can degrade some rubber and elastomeric fuel system components (e.g. gaskets, seals). Owners/operators who use regular automotive gasoline in their aircraft are encouraged to check with their fuel supplier to ensure that their gasoline does not contain ethanol.
