Can I use auto fuel in my airplane

There are some aircraft engines that allow the use of automotive fuel if you comply with the STC to do so.

Personally as an aircraft mechanic I do not recommend it as it can shorten the hours TBOH. I also do not recommend using automotive fuel in an engine that has just been overhauled or had a top overhaul. Aircraft engines are designed to operate with leaded fuel.

I assume you are talking about a piston airplane. A number here think you are speaking of your turbojet, or turboprop.

If you have a supplemental type certificate that approves it, yes. I have known a number of pilots who used auto fuel in their airplanes for years, and they never had any trouble. A few were airline mechanics. You are best off avoiding alcohol blends. The compression ratio of any airplane engine that is approved is quite low compared to cars. Often they are just under 8:1. Even though the engines work harder continually, the low compression ratio, and relatively high cubic inch size allows lower octane fuel to work fine.

If you don't purchase the STC, run auto fuel, and crash, the FAA will violate you, and you will render your insurance void even if your engine is approved to run on auto fuel.


Any airplane granted an auto fuel STC has gone through extensive testing for everything from engine damage due to the lower octane (typically only granted to lower compression ratio engines) to vapor lock.

When I used to flight instruct, I had no reservations about teaching in an airplane with an STC using auto fuel.

You can if the engine is certified to use auto gas, and/or if the airplane has a supplemental type certificate (STC) for auto gas instead of avgas. You'll want to avoid any auto gas with ethanol in it, though.

Sure. Then you can practice your crash landings.

I wouldn't risk it. If it doesn't work in a car, the car stops moving. If it doesn't work in a plane, you die.

If you have to ask this question I won't be catching a ride with you

The octanage, and torque of airplane fuel is about triple (to say the least) as strong as regular fuel.

Plane fuel is often mixed in with regular fuel for Car Racing... but the other way around, it would not work.

Prolly work.
Might as well give it a try.
What's the worst that could happen?
Save a couple a bucks wherever you can! I always say ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avgas#Automotive_gasoline

I wouldn't as it not as refined, and most planes run on kerosene/jetfuel I would hate to fall out of the sky because of it

Lucky you have a plane... i barely have a working car... tear.. can you put airplane fuel in a car.. will it fly?