The Importance of Quality Aviation Gasoline for Regional Airports

Fuel is the lifeblood of aviation, and for regional airports, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality aviation gasoline (AvGas) is essential for reliable operations. However, even minor lapses in fuel quality can have severe consequences.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has reported multiple incidents where jet fuel contamination—particularly with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)—has led to engine failures and in-flight emergencies. In one 2023 case, an aircraft suffered a double flameout loss due to DEF contamination. This further highlights the risks of poor fuel handling.

These incidents reinforce the need for strict fuel quality control at every stage of the supply chain. 

We reached out to Dallas Green, Regional Operations Manager at Rhinehart Oil, to shed some light on the matter. He says:

“I tell all the guys who work in the rail and load the trucks that every step of the process matters. When steps are missed, lives are in danger. That’s why following procedures and maintaining fuel integrity is critical in aviation.” 

Let’s explore why fuel quality matters.

Understanding Aviation Fuel: AvGas

AvGas is the specialized fuel used in piston-engine aircraft, which are commonly found in general aviation, private aviation, and small commercial operations. Unlike jet fuel, which powers turbine engines, AvGas is specifically formulated to deliver consistent, high-energy combustion for smaller aircraft.

The fuel is refined for high-performance aviation needs, ensuring that engines run smoothly at varying altitudes and temperatures. The most common type is AvGas 100LL (Low Lead), which is widely used across the industry, including:

• Private pilots and flight schools
• Charter services and regional air operations
• Firefighting aircraft during wildfire seasons
• Agricultural aviation, such as crop dusting operations

Rhinehart Oil is one of the only distributors of AvGas 100LL in the western U.S., making it a critical fuel supplier for emergency response aircraft during fire season. With wildfires posing an increasing threat, ensuring a steady, high-quality AvGas supply is essential for firefighting operations and protecting communities.

What Makes Aviation Fuel ‘High-Quality’?

For fuel to be deemed ‘high-quality’, it must meet strict industry standards to ensure safe, efficient engine performance. 

Green emphasizes the need for quality standards, stating:

“The aviation industry demands absolute precision when it comes to fuel quality. Every gallon of AvGas we handle goes through strict testing, controlled filtration, and dedicated equipment to prevent contamination. Our role isn’t just to deliver fuel—it’s to ensure safety at 30,000 feet.”

Here are some factors that determine if the quality is up to par:

• Purity & Contamination Control: AvGas must be free of water, dirt, and microbial growth to prevent engine misfires, fuel system blockages, and corrosion. Strict filtration, sealed storage, and routine testing are critical.
• Consistent Composition & Performance: It must maintain a precise chemical structure, ensuring stable combustion at high altitudes and varying temperatures.
• Rigorous Industry Testing: Fuel undergoes multiple tests at every stage of distribution, from railcar sampling to final pre-flight checks by pilots. Any irregularities result in immediate action to prevent unsafe fueling. 
• Controlled Storage & Transportation: Dedicated storage tanks and exclusive-use fuel trucks help eliminate cross-contamination. Rhinehart Oil ensures every gallon of AvGas is transported in equipment that never carries other fuel types, maintaining its purity and integrity.

Industry Standards That Govern Aviation Fuel

Aviation fuel is regulated by:

• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) – Oversees fuel safety and operational standards.
• ASTM International – Establishes precise fuel specifications.
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) – Sets global fuel handling and storage regulations.

Failure to meet these standards can result in engine failure, flight cancellations, and regulatory penalties.

The Risks of Low-Quality or Contaminated Fuel

Quality aviation fuel is necessary to ensure every takeoff and landing happens without risk. When fuel is contaminated or of poor quality, the consequences can be severe, impacting everything from operational efficiency to passenger safety.

• Engine Damage & Reduced Performance: Poor-quality fuel can lead to engine knock, misfires, and excessive wear on components. Contaminants like water, dirt, or microbial growth can clog fuel filters, disrupt combustion, and cause inconsistent performance. In worst-case scenarios, it can result in complete engine failure mid-flight.
• Increased Maintenance Costs & Flight Delays: Aircraft rely on highly precise fuel systems, and even minor contamination can lead to expensive repairs. Fuel system flushing, filter replacements, and injector cleanings add up quickly, increasing operational costs and forcing aircraft out of service for extended periods.
• Safety Hazards & In-Flight Emergencies: Fuel contamination poses a direct threat to flight safety. If an aircraft’s fuel supply is compromised by impurities or improper additives, it can lead to fuel starvation, erratic engine performance, or even flameouts. 
• Impact on Emergency Operations: Poor-quality fuel affects more than commercial aviation; it can hinder critical operations like wildfire suppression. Aircraft deployed for fire control depend on high-quality AvGas to take off and execute their missions. Contaminated fuel could delay response times, increasing the severity of wildfires. 
• Regulatory & Compliance Violations: The FAA and ASTM have strict guidelines to ensure aviation fuel meets performance and safety standards. Any lapse in fuel quality can lead to regulatory scrutiny, operational fines, and increased oversight. 

Green had this to say about the risks of poor fuel to airports:

“Regional airports can’t afford to take chances with fuel quality. One contamination event can ground multiple aircraft, disrupt operations, and even put lives at risk. That’s why every gallon has to meet strict industry standards before it ever reaches a plane.” 

How Regional Airports Can Ensure a Reliable High-Quality Fuel Supply

Regional airports must take proactive steps to secure clean, reliable AvGas, minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations.

1. Partner with a Trusted Fuel Supplier

Choosing the right fuel supplier is the first step in maintaining high-quality aviation fuel. Regional airports need to work with distributors that follow FAA and ASTM standards, implement rigorous testing, and use dedicated equipment to prevent contamination. 

Suppliers should also have reliable delivery logistics and the ability to provide fuel during seasonal peaks or emergencies. Rhinehart Oil, for example, ensures fuel integrity through multi-step filtration, sample retention for six months, and strict quality control at every stage of handling and transport.

1. Invest in Proper Storage Facilities & Filtration Systems

Fuel quality isn’t just determined at the point of delivery—storage conditions play a major role in keeping AvGas free from contaminants. Airports must use properly sealed storage tanks with advanced filtration systems to remove water, dirt, and microbial growth. 

Every gallon of fuel should pass through a filtration vessel before reaching the aircraft, ensuring that impurities are eliminated. Additionally, routine tank maintenance, including water drainage and microbial testing, helps prevent contamination before it becomes a problem.

1. Implement Routine Fuel Quality Checks & Staff Training

Even the best fuel supply can be compromised if handling procedures aren’t followed correctly. Regional airports must implement routine fuel testing protocols to confirm purity and prevent fuel degradation. This includes API gravity testing, clear-and-bright visual checks, and filter inspections from railcar to aircraft. 

Additionally, airport staff should be trained in proper fueling procedures, storage management, and spill prevention. While Rhinehart Oil does not directly provide training, we offer guidance and industry best practices to help aviation partners ensure compliance with fuel safety standards.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Fuel quality and safety aren’t just operational concerns; they’re critical environmental and regulatory issues. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that over 50 aviation accidents occur annually due to fuel mismanagement, highlighting the need for strict adherence to handling and storage protocols. 

Fuel exhaustion and fuel starvation are preventable issues that require robust regulatory compliance and proactive environmental safeguards.

Proper fuel storage and handling are essential to preventing leaks, contamination, and potential environmental hazards. Regional airports must comply with strict environmental regulations for fuel storage, including secondary containment measures, leak detection systems, and emergency spill response protocols. Even small spills can lead to soil and water contamination, posing risks to local ecosystems and regulatory compliance.

Rhinehart Oil plays an essential role in supporting regional airports with industry best practices for spill prevention, fuel storage management, and compliance with FAA and environmental regulations. Our expertise in fuel logistics and handling allows them to guide airport partners in implementing the right safeguards.

“We offer our expertise and decades of industry knowledge to help airports manage fuel safely. If an environmental concern arises, we connect our clients with the right agencies for cleanup and prevention, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.” – Dallas Green.

How Rhinehart Oil Distributes Reliable AvGas and Jet Fuel

1. High-Quality, Industry-Compliant Fuel

Rhinehart Oil supplies premium-grade AvGas and jet fuel, adhering to all FAA and ASTM regulations. Every batch of fuel undergoes rigorous filtration and testing to eliminate contaminants and maintain optimal combustion performance. From the moment fuel arrives at their facilities to the time it is delivered, multiple quality control checkpoints ensure consistency and safety.

1. Trusted Aviation Fuel Supplier

With decades of experience in fuel distribution, Rhinehart Oil has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for regional airports and aviation operations. Our expertise in fuel handling ensures that airports receive clean, high-performance fuel, minimizing the risk of equipment failure and regulatory non-compliance.

1. Reliable Bulk Delivery

Rhinehart Oil understands that fuel demand fluctuates based on seasons, weather conditions, and operational needs. Our flexible delivery plans are customized to align with each airport’s fuel consumption patterns, ensuring they never run out of supply. 

With 4 million gallons of AvGas delivered annually, we have the capacity to meet the needs of both commercial and emergency aviation services.

1. On-Site Fuel Storage & Handling Solutions

To support efficient fuel management, Rhinehart Oil offers guidance on storage infrastructure and fueling solutions. Whether an airport requires bulk storage tanks, mobile refueling stations, or enhanced filtration systems, Rhinehart’s expertise helps optimize on-site fuel handling. 

Green says:

“Where many of our competitors might haul other commodities, they might have competing interests. Our equipment is dedicated. It’s dedicated tanks, dedicated trucks, dedicated trailers. So that ensures that quality is maintained and prevents contamination.”

Proper storage minimizes waste, prevents contamination, and ensures compliance with aviation safety regulations.

1. Enhanced Fuel Safety & Quality Control

Maintaining fuel purity is non-negotiable in aviation. Rhinehart Oil employs advanced storage solutions, dedicated transport equipment, and multi-stage filtration processes to ensure clean, contaminant-free fuel. Our commitment to safety goes beyond industry requirements, providing customers with the assurance that every delivery meets or exceeds regulatory standards.

1. Comprehensive Support Services

Beyond just supplying fuel, Rhinehart Oil offers logistical support, storage management expertise, and fueling solutions tailored to airport operations. Whether it’s optimizing delivery schedules, implementing fuel monitoring systems, or troubleshooting storage concerns, Rhinehart’s team ensures seamless and efficient fuel management for regional airports.

Dallas Green, on the importance placed on customers:

“No matter how small the customer, every fuel delivery is important. Our customers rely on us to get them the right fuel, at the right time, with the highest level of quality control.”

Partner with Rhinehart Oil for Reliable Aviation Fuel

Regional airports depend on a consistent, high-quality fuel supply to keep operations running smoothly and safely. Any lapse in fuel quality or delivery can lead to costly delays, equipment damage, or even flight risks. When they work with our distributors, they know they’re getting top-quality fuel. 

With dedicated equipment, strict quality control, and decades of experience, Rhinehart ensures every gallon meets the highest standards. Whether for commercial flights or critical wildfire response, Rhinehart delivers reliable aviation fuel, expert support, and industry-leading safety practices.

Contact us today to discuss customized aviation fuel solutions for your airport!