Utah Valley University’s leadership in aviation sustainability

OREM, Utah — In a groundbreaking move, the School of Aviation Sciences at Utah Valley University has become the first collegiate flight training program in the United States to switch to fully unleaded aviation fuel or (UL94) for its training fleet.

Partnering with Swift Fuels, a fuel research and development company based in Indiana, the first shipment of UL94 arrived at Utah Valley University’s fuel farm on April 13, marking a significant milestone in aviation sustainability.

Unlike cars, which have been using unleaded fuel for the past 50 years, piston-engine aircrafts traditionally require a higher-octane fuel that contains lead additives.

However, Swift Fuels has developed a lead-free UL94 product. The product has been approved for use in approximately 70% of the existing piston aircraft fleet. Although it is still in the early adoption phase.

UL94 is also a greener fuel alternative. It reduces lead exhaust emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Nick Marsh, supervisor of aviation operations at Utah Valley University, expressed his enthusiasm for the switch to unleaded fuel.

“Making the switch will help our operations be more environmentally friendly,” said Marsh.

Swift Fuel’s UL94 will also provide safer working conditions for our fuel-handling employees by eliminating exposure to leaded fuel.”

Utah Valley University has been in operation since 1988, training and educating thousands of FAA certified pilots and aviation industry professionals. Additionally, UVU has a graduate job placement rate exceeding 92%. The switch to fully unleaded fuel for its training fleet further reinforces Utah Valley University’s leadership in aviation sustainability.

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