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This question established a basis for the use of 100% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) as a Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII) in aviation gasoline systems. However, this Cessna Service Letter documents that IPA is not to be used as a FSII with automotive gasoline in Lycoming powered Cessna aircraft, or indeed in any Lycoming aircraft whatsoever, in accordance with Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1070R.

Now, Peterson offers their auto fuel STC for many aircraft, including Lycoming powered Cessnas, allowing the use of certain types of non-ethenol automotive fuels. Peterson is known for being outspoken about the problems with ethanol as an additive in automotive gasoline.

My question is twofold:

  • firstly, is there any documented basis for the use of IPA as an FSII with any type of automotive gasoline in certified aircraft fuel systems (I am thinking part 23 certified aircraft, to exclude non-certified aircraft); and,
  • secondly, is there any documentation for the allowance or prohibition of the use of IPA as an FSII with a Peterson auto fuel STC?
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    $\begingroup$ I didn't know India Pale Ale could inhibit icing $\endgroup$
    – TomMcW
    Jan 24, 2016 at 20:22
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    $\begingroup$ @TomMcW Now you know! The things you can learn on the internet! At least it is useful for something... $\endgroup$
    – J W
    Jan 24, 2016 at 20:36
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    $\begingroup$ @TomMcW .....so long as you don't think drinking IsoPropylAlcohol can make for a fun evening. $\endgroup$
    – curious_cat
    Feb 4, 2016 at 13:47
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    $\begingroup$ I'm pretty sure you would be iced after doing so, @curious_cat! $\endgroup$
    – FreeMan
    Feb 4, 2016 at 18:10
  • $\begingroup$ @TomMcW: It probably actually could serve as a (weak) icing inhibitor (if your aircraft's fuel system isn't soluble in ethanol), due to the ethanol content lowering its freezing point, and the effect could be strengthened considerably by fractional freezing (cooling the IPA until ice starts to crystallise out, and then picking the icebergs off the top and throwing them away) to concentrate the ethanol further. $\endgroup$
    – Vikki
    Sep 7, 2019 at 0:53

1 Answer 1

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Oxygenates, which includes alcohol, are not allowed in gasoline used in aircraft even with a special type certificate, not even airplanes certified to use MoGas. MTBE is the one oxygenate that is approved.

Gasoline sized hydrocarbons do not need freeze protection. Up to 1% anhydrous IPA (from a sealed bottle) can be used to clear an acute moisture issue, but the fuel should be consumed asap, IPA should not be a regular blend additive and certainly not be stored after adding to the tank.

The reason alcohol is not allowed is that it creates more far more problems than it solves. Alcohol is strongly attracted to water which helps IPA absorb small amounts of free moisture from the fuel system but it will also absorb moisture from humid air. A very small amount of which (1-2% moisture to total gasoline) will cause the alcohol to separate from the hydrocarbon portion creating an aqueous layer that at low altitudes will cause erratic power surges or completely stop the engine and at higher altitudes is insufficient to prevent ice in the fuel lines.

Meanwhile the octane rating of the remaining hydrocarbon mix will be severely degraded as alcohol containing gasoline is reliant on the alcohol as an anti-detonation additive. Adding more alcohol to overcome the moisture issue by brute force will reduce the usable energy of the fuel. (joules per kg, alcohol has only 0.6 times the energy of petroleum per Kg) Up to 5% alcohol improves burn efficiency slightly more than it reduces specific energy, plateaus at about 10%, then the reduced energy outweighs any improved efficiency. Of course weight matters to aircraft.

If the plane is stored for a few months, the separated aqueous layer can cause substantial corrosion and schmoo in the system. I wish I had taken pictures of the tank and carburetor of the motorcycle I just rebuilt after sitting in a garage for a year to show what happens with gasohol, and on the flip side I have zero alcohol gasoline that can sit for years.

NOTICE: Isopropyl alcohol in amounts not to exceed 1% by volume can be added only to aviation fuel(not automotive fuel) to prevent ice formation in fuel lines and tanks. Although approved for use in Lycoming engines, do not use isopropyl alcohol in the aircraft fuel systems unless approved by the aircraft manufacturer.

Source PDF from Lycoming, which also specifies oxygenates shall be limited to 1%.

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