Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to switch to unleaded aviation fuel 3 years ahead of deadline

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport says it is on track to make the switch to unleaded aviation fuel three years ahead of the FAA deadline. RMMA is the fastest-growing airport in Colorado with three flight schools and 50 businesses. 

RMMA director Paul Anslow said the chance to buy a used tanker truck really put them on the fast track. He also said this is a change the industry is embracing. 

"The reality is, everybody in the industry wants to switch over. We want to be good stewards and we want to be good neighbors. Nobody is saying we want to stick with leaded fuel... everybody wants to switch over," said Anslow. 

"This is a huge, proactive step by RMMA and Jefferson County to help the general aviation industry make the switch to fully unleaded fuel," said Adrian Nye, President of the Colorado Pilots Association in a statement. "Colorado's general aviation pilots and community are proud to be helping lead this effort nationwide, and look forward to a safe, responsible transition over the next few years."

Anslow said the price of that fuel has come down as RMMA joins Centennial Airport in using unleaded fuel. He believes the price will continue to drop as more airports make the switch. 

"Colorado has a long, proud history of pioneering aviation advancements, and today's announcement is in keeping with that tradition," said Brad Elliott, Board Chairman of the Colorado Aviation Business Association in a statement. "There are still considerable supply, infrastructure, and certification challenges to overcome in making the fleetwide transition to unleaded fuel, but today's action by RMMA and JeffCo is a great step forward, and CABA will continue to work with our elected officials to advance policies to prudently and safely help that transition."

Right now, the plan at RMMA is to be completely lead-free by fall of next year. The FAA has a 2030 target date for the full elimination of leaded aviation gas.