Small Airplanes of the Near Future: Greener and Cheaper with Natural Gas
Introduction
The aviation industry is facing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Electric planes have been proposed as a solution, but they are still in their early stages of development. In the meantime, compressed natural gas (CNG) is emerging as a promising alternative fuel for small airplanes.
Benefits of CNG for Small Airplanes
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel than traditional aviation gasoline. It produces fewer pollutants, including greenhouse gases. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option for small airplanes.
In addition to its environmental benefits, CNG is also cheaper than aviation gasoline. This could lead to significant cost savings for pilots and aircraft owners.
Challenges to Adopting CNG
The biggest challenge to adopting CNG in the aviation industry is the lack of infrastructure. There are currently very few fueling stations for CNG-powered airplanes. This makes it difficult for pilots to find places to refuel.
Another challenge is the need to modify airplanes to run on CNG. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Potential Uses for CNG-Powered Small Airplanes
CNG-powered small airplanes could be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Crop dusting
- Recreation
- Travel
- Flight training
Other Alternative Fuels for Small Airplanes
CNG is not the only alternative fuel being considered for use in small airplanes. Other options include:
- Electric power
- Solar power
- Biofuels
Conclusion
CNG is a promising alternative fuel for small airplanes. It is cleaner-burning and cheaper than traditional aviation gasoline. However, there are still some challenges to adopting CNG in the aviation industry, including the lack of infrastructure and the need to modify airplanes.
Additional Information
- Around 190,000 small airplanes are flown in the United States.
- The biggest impediment to getting the industry to adopt compressed natural gas is the infrastructure challenges, like installing new tanks in airplanes and fueling stations at airports.
- Aviat converted one of its Husky airplanes to fly on both 100LL and CNG, and they flew it to Oshkosh from the factory in Afton, Wyoming. The airplane is equipped with both tanks and can run on either fuel at the flip of a switch.
- Aviat told Wired that the plane actually ran better when using natural gas rather than aviation gasoline—the engine remained cooler.