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Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) has reached a major milestone in its Unleaded Fuel Transition Plan, announcing the availability of UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline, an FAA-approved fuel that contains no lead and is compatible with approximately two-thirds of piston-engine aircraft operating at the airport.
The transition represents a significant step forward in reducing lead emissions while maintaining aviation safety and operational reliability. RMMA is among the early leaders in Colorado advancing infrastructure and operational readiness ahead of the Federal Aviation Administration’s national 2030 goal to eliminate leaded aviation gasoline.
“This is about leadership and responsibility,” said Erick Dahl, Airport Director at RMMA. “For decades, general aviation relied on leaded fuel to safely power piston-engine aircraft. While safety has always come first, the aviation industry has long recognized the importance of transitioning to cleaner alternatives. That transition is beginning and RMMA is proud to be leading it.”
The project is funded through a partnership that includes FAA grant funding, CDOT Aeronautics grant funding, and RMMA funds, underscoring strong federal, state, and local collaboration.
“This is a strong example of how policy, innovation, and partnership can deliver real results,” said Rachel Zenzinger, Jefferson County Commissioner and sponsor of Colorado House Bill 24-1235, which focuses on reducing aviation impacts on communities. “Reducing lead exposure matters for public health, and RMMA is demonstrating what proactive leadership looks like.”
RMMA has selected one of its fixed-based operators (FBO), Sheltair Aviation, to offer Swift UL94, an FAA-approved, unleaded alternative to traditional 100LL aviation fuel that contains no lead. RMMA does not procure or sell fuel directly; Sheltair will manage fuel procurement, operations, and delivery on the airfield.
“Sheltair Aviation is proud to partner with Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport on this important milestone,” said Greg Garghill, General Manager of Sheltair at BJC. “Offering Swift UL94 allows us to support a cleaner aviation future while maintaining the safety, reliability, and operational standards our customers expect. This transition demonstrates how airports and industry partners can work together to implement meaningful change.”
Jefferson County’s Director of Development and Transportation, Abel Montoya, who oversees RMMA among other divisions states, "RMMA’s transition plan also includes a fuel subsidy, coordinated with CDOT and Sheltair, to help cover the price difference between leaded and unleaded avgas so pilots pay the same price while making the switch. This approach supports adoption while maintaining operational stability for the aviation community.”
Flight schools operating at RMMA emphasized the importance of the transition for the future of aviation and pilot training.
“Access to unleaded fuel sends a clear message to student pilots that aviation is evolving responsibly,” said Danny Smith of WAFA Flight School. “It supports safety, innovation, and the long-term health of the industry.”
Terry DiManna of McAir Aviation added, “This approach preserves fleet functionality while preparing for the future. It’s the right balance for training, operations, and community impact.”
RMMA’s staged transition supports national efforts to scale production and availability of 100UL aviation fuel, which will ultimately enable a fully unleaded general aviation fleet.
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