Jabiru Aircraft
Pilot’s Operating Handbook
Model J120-C
JP-FM-10
Revision:
0
28 Nov 2007
Page 47 of 50
SECTION 8 – GROUND HANDLING & SERVICING
8.1 FUEL
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Avgas 100LL
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Avgas 100/130
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MOGAS with minimum Octane Rating of 95 RON
1
may be used.
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Do not use fuel additives such as Octane Boosters.
NOTE
As there are significant variations possible even between automotive fuels with the same values
of RON, Jabiru Aircraft strongly recommend using AVGAS. Automotive fuels should only be
used where AVGAS is not available, and if used, must have the highest anti-detonation rating
practically available.
CAUTION
Fuel additives containing alcohol (i.e. Ethanol etc) will damage the sealant used in the fuel tanks.
DO NOT
use fuel with any level of added alcohol.
8.1.1
Fuel Ethanol Content
Jabiru Aircraft allow fuels with an Ethanol content of up to 10% to be used in the J120-C. While
Ethanol boosts the fuel’s octane rating and is becoming increasingly common in automotive fuels
there are important issues caused by its use. The following points are given as a basic
introduction to using Ethanol. Note that while this information was current at the time of writing.
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Use of a fuel with an Ethanol content higher than 10%
IS NOT PERMITTED
in the J120-C.
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Ethanol is hygroscopic (i.e. it will absorb water). This can be water vapour from the air,
condensation inside tanks or free water. While very small amounts of water can be
absorbed without significantly affecting the fuel’s combustion, at higher levels the mixture
will not be combustible. In addition, because this incombustible fuel is formed from a
mixture of the Ethanol in the fuel and the water it can have a large volume – so a small
amount of water will result in a much larger amount of incombustible Ethanol/water mix.
This may give false readings in the fuel tank sumps or exceed the volume of the sump
altogether.
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Ethanol mixed with water is somewhat corrosive and may attack fittings etc of the fuel
system.
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In long-term storage, Ethanol may oxidise with exposure to air. This process produces a
mild acid solution (vinegar) which can attack fuel system fittings.
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Long term exposure to Ethanol damages some types of plastics. The J120-C details
replacement times for fuel lines which are designed with Ethanol fuel blends in mind,
however increased monitoring of fuel lines is recommended in an aircraft using Ethanol
blends.
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Some fuel testers (including the type supplied by Jabiru Aircraft at the time of writing) have
a scale on their side which allows the Ethanol content of a fuel to be checked & assessed.
Several CASA documents discuss Ethanol, and Jabiru Aircraft strongly recommend that owners
considering using an Ethanol fuel blend read and understand this information before using a fuel
of this type. The following CASA document is current at the time of writing:
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Airworthiness Bulletin AWB 2828-003003