From a TCM press release 3/31/2009 Continental Motors Completes First Flight on Unleaded AvGas Flight marks a major milestone in TCM’s alternative fuels strategic program March 3 1, 2009 – (Mobile, AL) – Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. (TCM), in collaboration with Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, announces the first test flight of a certificated aircraft using Unleaded Aviation Fuel.  “This is an accomplishment that adds to TCM’s catalog of aviation firsts, such as the introduction of a horizontally opposed cylinder configuration, fuel injection, turbo charging, and electronic engine controls (FADEC),” stated Rhett Ross, president of Teledyne Continental Motors. “TCM is committed to leading the industry towards a common 100LL alternative fuel that minimizes cost to aircraft owners,” Ross added.

ABS spoke with TCM's Mac Little, who confirmed the engine was a "stock" IO-550BB, and not reliant on FADEC or other add-on technology.  "We want to preserve the fleet...with the least possible cost impact to customers," Little told ABS' Tom Turner.  Upcoming tests with other types of fuels are pending, said Little, who quipped he would let us "read what [we] want" into the types of fuels to be investigated.

TCM's press release continues: 

“This is another big step in our sustainability initiative at Hawker Beechcraft and something that will delight general aviation pilots,” said Ed Petkus, Hawker Beechcraft Vice President, Product Development and Engineering. “This partnership with TCM exemplifies the leadership of our companies and our commitment to supporting the technologies necessary to find an alternative to 100LL. I am confident our customers and the entire aviation industry will benefit from our joint efforts.”

TCM began investigating unleaded fuel alternatives to 100LL aviation gas in early 2007. Efforts included participation in the Coordinated Research Council (CRC), analysis of various commercial fuel options and extensive fuel tests on engines in the company’s dynamometer test cells. Prior to conducting its first flight, the company down-selected its flight test fuels to the unleaded fuel most likely to be submitted for certification and standardization as a piston aviation fuel.

The demonstration flight, performed by TCM pilot and engineer Keith Chatten and engine performance analyst Tim Kenney, occurred in a production G1000 equipped Model 36 Bonanza. The flight profile tested all aspects of flight including takeoff, climb, maximum power cruise, low power cruise, descent and landing. The airplane was equipped with data recording devices to provide data for post flight analysis. With the first flights complete, TCM will begin the certification process of several engine models to meet the needs for existing and future aircraft.

To learn more about the Continental Motors Alternative Fuels Strategy or to view a video of this groundbreaking flight, visit the Continental Motors website at www.tcmlink.com.