In response to Congressional direction and recommendations from the National Academies, the FAA launched the EAGLE initiative, a collaborative effort to transition piston-engine aircraft away from leaded aviation gasoline (avgas) by the end of 2030, with an extension to 2032 for the State of Alaska.
Long Beach Airport is supporting the transition to unleaded aviation fuel through programs such as the STC Fee Reimbursement Program and Subsidized Aviation Fuel for the Environment (SAFE). For additional information about the nationwide transition to unleaded aviation gasoline, including the Federal Aviation Administration’s transition plan and recent updates, please visit the resources below. The FAA’s plan provides a roadmap for safely transitioning the general aviation fleet to unleaded fuel.
Additional Resources:
Actions Taken by the Long Beach City Council and Long Beach Airport to Support the Transition to Unleaded Avgas:
Then-Vice Mayor Rex Richardson introduced a recommendation directing the City Manager to work with Airport staff and stakeholders to develop a plan to reduce and mitigate lead pollution. The recommendation was approved by the City Council.
The Long Beach City Council votes to waive fuel flowage fees for unleaded avgas.
Signature Aviation @ Aeroplex receives the Airport’s first delivery of unleaded avgas.
Councilwoman Kerr, co-sponsored by Councilman Supernaw, requested a comprehensive report on general aviation, including strategies to incentivize the use of unleaded avgas. The City Council approved the request, and Airport staff subsequently published a memorandum on Oct. 31, 2023, outlining its findings and recommendations.
The Long Beach City Council approves a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Fee reimbursement program, which takes effect January 2024.
The Long Beach City Council approves a subsidy program to offset unleaded fuel costs for general aviation users at Long Beach Airport.
Unleaded Fuel Incentive Programs
Fuel Flowage Fee Waiver
The Fuel Flowage Fee is a per-gallon fee charged on all fuel delivered to LGB. However, LGB waives the fee for all deliveries of unleaded aviation fuel. Originally authorized by the City Council through December 31, 2025, the waiver has since been extended through December 31, 2027.
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Reimbursement Incentive Program
What is the UL94 STC? A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is an FAA-approved authorization for a major modification or alteration to an FAA-certificated aircraft. Aircraft owners can purchase the UL94 STC from Swift Fuels through its “Forever Avgas STC” program, which authorizes the use of UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline in approved aircraft. Once registered, aircraft owners receive the STC certificate, installation documentation, and required placards. The aircraft must then be updated by an FAA-certified mechanic in accordance with the STC requirements.
This program reimburses aircraft owners and operators based at Long Beach Airport for costs associated with obtaining the UL94 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), up to $300.
To apply for reimbursement, please download and complete the STC Fee Reimbursement Form and email the completed form to LGBreimbursement@longbeach.gov.
[Download STC Fee Reimbursement Form]
Originally authorized by the City Council through December 31, 2025, the program has been extended through December 31, 2027.
Subsidized Aviation Fuel for the Environment (SAFE)
The SAFE Program helps make unleaded aviation fuel more affordable for general aviation users by allowing fuel providers to sell unleaded fuel varieties at the same price as 100LL. The program offsets the cost difference for participating fuel providers.
The consumer sale price of UL94 can be $2 to $4 more per gallon than leaded 100-grade fuel (100LL). By offsetting this price difference, the SAFE Program helps make unleaded fuel more accessible to general aviation users.
As demand for unleaded aviation fuel increases, the cost is expected to decrease over time. The SAFE Program helps support this transition by encouraging greater use of unleaded fuel.
The program does not apply to commercial or business jets, which already use unleaded fuel.
Long Beach Airport is one of only a handful of airports nationwide to offer a financial incentive encouraging the use of unleaded aviation fuel.
