Boulder Municipal Airport is set to begin offering unleaded aviation fuel by the end of 2026, marking a significant step in the nation’s effort to eliminate leaded aviation gasoline. This initiative, mandated by recent state legislation, aims to phase out leaded fuel at five Colorado airports by 2030, reflecting growing concerns about health risks associated with lead exposure near flight paths.
The airport, primarily serving private pilots, research institutions, and flight instructors, is adjacent to heavily populated residential areas, including the Vista Village mobile home park. Historically, the presence of leaded aviation fuel has raised alarms due to its link to developmental harm in children and increased health risks for nearby communities.
Plans for the transition include making unleaded fuel available at retail by late 2026, supplied by the airport’s fixed base operator, Journeys Aviation. The city has not yet finalized the infrastructure requirements but proposes incentives, such as reimbursements for certification costs and subsidies, to encourage pilots to switch to unleaded alternatives. Longer-term efforts include installing a 10,000-gallon self-service tank and selecting the appropriate fuel type based on technological advancements.
“We plan to switch from 100LL (low lead) to unleaded fuel as soon as it becomes available,” said Elliot Dickerson of the Soaring Society of Boulder, noting the modifications made to tow planes for glider launches that already operate on 94-octane unleaded fuel.
The federal government, through the FAA and the EAGLE initiative, is working towards an industry-wide phase-out of leaded fuels by 2030. Some airports, including Centennial Airport in Colorado, already offer unleaded options, though pilots have reported overheating issues with lower-octane fuels during hot weather, often reverting to leaded variants.
Research linking aviation emissions to reduced IQ, impaired cognitive development, and other health issues has intensified the debate over the future of Boulder Airport. Local officials and scientists emphasize the urgency of transitioning away from leaded fuels and improving infrastructure to support this goal.
Public participation will be sought through noise abatement meetings and comment submissions. The airport’s legal dispute with the FAA was resolved last fall, allowing it to continue operating, although its long-term future remains uncertain.
