VP Racing Fuels Welcomes Champion Pilot Andrew Findlay to Aviation Fuel Team
In a significant development for the aviation fuel industry, VP Racing Fuels, Inc. has announced its collaboration with celebrated race pilot Andrew "Andy" Findlay and his team, One Moment Air Racing. This strategic partnership places Findlay at the forefront of testing VP Racing's latest product, the unleaded AVGAS, a key innovation aimed at meeting contemporary aviation needs while also adhering to environmental standards.
VP Racing, known globally for its excellence in performance fuel products, has set its sights on pioneering the use of unleaded aviation gasoline in response to regulatory changes initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This initiative, known as the Piston Engine Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), invites fuel suppliers to innovate and improve aviation fuels. VP’s latest product has already achieved a critical 150-hour durability test in a turbocharged Continental piston engine, marking an important milestone in the development cycle. Unlike other fuels hastily marketed, VP’s AVGAS is formulated not to damage aircraft components such as paint, fuel systems, or fuel tanks, a crucial factor for pilots and aircraft owners alike.
Mark Walls, VP Racing’s Director of RD and Fuel Technology, expressed enthusiasm about Findlay’s involvement in the project, stating, "We’re excited to have Andy join the VP Team, continuing to develop our UL100E unleaded AVGAS. His championship pedigree and extensive experience in the experimental aviation sector will be invaluable to our efforts."
Andrew Findlay, a two-time Reno Air Race Champion with a track record of nearly three decades in motorsports, shared his perspective on the new AVGAS. He stated, "This unleaded AVGAS from VP Racing is a genuine breakthrough in aviation fuel technology after years of development. Our preliminary flight testing indicated that the engine performance remains consistent between UL100E and the traditional 100LL fuel at certified power settings for the TSIO-550 family. This is groundbreaking because we are the first to flight test an unleaded fuel that adheres to ASTM standards, demonstrating no perceptible difference in aircraft operation."
As part of this collaboration, Findlay will test the UL100E Avgas using his modified Lancair Super Legacy aircraft, an impressive machine powered by a TSIO-550-EXP engine. His aircraft, "One Moment," will prominently showcase VP Racing branding, symbolizing the partnership and its commitment to innovation.
This collaboration is not merely about advancing fuel technology; it also highlights the importance of striving for sustainability in aviation. As environmental concerns continue to grow, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to develop cleaner fuels. The unleaded AVGAS represents a pivotal step toward minimizing environmental impact while maintaining performance parameters expected by pilots and enthusiasts alike.
For more information about the PAFI program and its initiatives, aviation professionals and enthusiasts can visit the EAGLE website at https://flyeagle.org. To learn more about VP Racing Fuels and their innovative products, including the new AVGAS, interested parties can navigate to their official website at www.vpracingfuels.com. As this partnership progresses, the aviation community eagerly anticipates the advancements that will emerge from this promising collaboration.