Is Colorado Aviation at Risk of Being Weighed Down by a Leaded Fuel and Noise Bill?

Hamstringing Aviation Infrastructure

CO—Since the early days of aviation, there have been those who take offense to the noise that airplanes make in flight. In recent times, Colorado House Bill 24-1235 has been under consideration. If passed, it would hamstring aviation infrastructure users throughout the state. One organization is doing all it can to avert the chances of such a Bill being passed into law.

Amendments

The Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) supports efforts to amend the Bill, and the organization believes those efforts are working. Since the Bill has a good chance of passing, the organization has taken the position that amending it would best serve aviation. Colorado residents have for many years called on their elected officials at every level of government to be proactive on noise and leaded fuel issues related to local Colorado airports.

Steadily Working to Transition From Leaded Fuel

By supporting aviation and the incentives in the Bill that will help airports and aircraft owners better manage the transition to unleaded Avgas, the impact on aircraft owners and pilots will be far less disruptive. It is worth noting that the greater aviation community has been steadily working to transition from leaded fuel to unleaded fuel nationwide. Rushing the process, as appears to be the case with HB 24-1235, only lays an undue burden on those in aviation.

Low Levels of Airborne Lead

The Bill, in effect, would create a biased approach to the key issues of leaded fuel and airport noise, as residents from neighborhoods impacted by noise would be placed on the Colorado Aeronautics Board. Concerning leaded fuels, it is known that they can indeed cause health concerns in high concentrations. However, aircraft operating to and from local airports produce relatively low airborne lead levels. Further studies are needed on this subject before those in aviation are asked to carry the added burden.

Health Concerns for Residents Near Airports

Leaded fuel has historically been used in piston-engine powered aircraft due to its ability to enhance engine performance and reduce engine knocking. The burning of leaded aviation fuel, typically known as Avgas, produces leaded emissions that contribute to air pollution; however, it has been argued that the risk of direct health concerns for residents near airports is very low.

Significantly Lower Than That of Ground-Based Vehicles

Remember that aircraft fuel consumption is significantly lower than that of ground-based vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants. The relatively limited use of leaded aviation fuel reduces overall emission levels compared to other sources. It is also worth noting that advancements in aviation technology have resulted in more efficient engines, reducing engine fuel burn and emissions overall.

Monitor and Control Emissions

In addition, airports already have strict safety and environmental regulations in place. These airports are required by law to closely monitor and control emissions, including those from aircraft operations. This also involves implementing measures that minimize pollutants and conducting regular environmental impact assessments.

Advances in Aviation Fuel Technology

Studies of the impact of leaded fuel emissions by aircraft on air quality near airports have shown that while lead concentrations may be elevated, they typically remain well within acceptable levels set by government agencies. Advances in aviation fuel technology are at the core of efforts to develop and transition to unleaded fuels for aviation, specifically targeting concerns related to airborne lead pollution.

Modern Aircraft Powerplants Are Designed to Be More Fuel-Efficient and Quieter

Concerning the noise issue, the debate on excess aircraft noise in proximity to local airports is often exaggerated, as advancements in aircraft engine technology and stringent noise abatement flight departure and arrival procedures have significantly lowered the noise impact on surrounding communities. Modern aircraft powerplants are designed to be more fuel-efficient and quieter than just a few years ago.

Community Outreach Programs

Manufacturers have invested in research into ultra-quite engines and improved aerodynamics. Uniquely designated flight paths, curfews on noisy aircraft movement during sensitive hours, and community outreach programs all work to significantly lower noise levels near airports. Studies assessing the actual impact of aircraft noise have shown that noise levels are generally within acceptable limits established by the government.

Public Awareness

While aircraft noise is an unavoidable aspect of airport operations, advancements in powerplant design and the measures discussed here have significantly reduced the impact of noise on local communities. Public awareness of these improvements should help to dispel falsehoods regarding the severity of aircraft noise near airports.

Prime Subject of Discussion Among Pilots

While leaded aviation fuel and airport noise will likely continue to be prime subjects of discussion among pilots, aircraft owners, and homeowners who live near airports, solutions are likely on the horizon. HB24-1235 requires close monitoring going forward. Any bills that are passed going forward must give equal time to the unnecessary burden on the Colorado aviation community and general aviation nationwide.

Call To Action

Please share this call to action with your friends and anyone else who supports an unburdened aviation community.