San Carolos Flight Center First Flight School to Operate Aircraft on Swift Fuel’s 100R

Photo above – Rabbit Aviation Services CEO Dan DeMeo adds Swift 100R fuel to a San Carlos Flight Center Cessna 172.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) has announced that they are now operating all of their Cessna 172 aircraft on Swift Fuels’ newly approved 100R unleaded aviation gasoline. As the first flight school in the nation to make this transition, SCFC is excited to lead the way into the next chapter of general aviation.

Swift Fuels’ 100R is a high-octane, unleaded avgas recently approved by the FAA. In addition to reducing environmental impact by eliminating lead emissions, 100R offers performance and maintenance benefits. Unleaded fuel burns cleaner, resulting in improved engine efficiency, reduced deposit buildup, and lower maintenance costs over time.

“We are thrilled to adopt 100R fuel for our fleet,” said Alessandro Franco, Owner at San Carlos Flight Center. “Not only does it align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances aircraft performance and extends engine life—benefits that directly impact our pilots and maintenance team.”

Franco noted that this milestone was made possible through the exceptional support of the Flight Center’s local partners, and he extends his thanks to Rabbit Aviation Services CEO Dan DeMeo and San Carlos Airport Manager Gretchen Kelly for their invaluable collaboration during this transition.

Since August 2021, SCFC has been operating all eligible fleet aircraft on UL94 unleaded avgas, underscoring their dedication to embracing cleaner and more efficient fuel alternatives. As they pioneer the use of 100R in their operations, SCFC encourages others in the aviation community to join them in adopting unleaded fuels that offer both environmental and operational advantages.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.