Coast to Coast Biofuel-Powered Flight from Rhode Island to California

Posted by: Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin

The Coast to Coast Biofuel Airplane Project will combine the excitement of aviation with the leading edge in renewable energy technology. Using aviation biofuel in a single engine Cessna equipped with an amazingly efficient SMA diesel engine, we will achieve a 2,500 nautical mile flight from Rhode Island to California.

This will be the first transcontinental flight using aviation biofuel in a certified light aircraft.

The aviation biofuel is made from renewable Camelina plant seed oil and blended 50-50 with regular Jet A to meet ASTM D7566 standards. The aviation biofuel blend is run through over twenty lab tests to ensure it meets or exceeds the required specifications and this aviation biofuel blend is a drop-in replacement for Jet A that can be used in jet engines, turboprop engines, and aviation diesel engines. With 50% of the fuel made from renewable Camelina plant seed oil, the emissions and carbon footprint is significantly lower, so it is better for the environment.

The SMA aviation diesel engine in the single engine, four passenger Cessna 182 we will be flying is 30-40% more fuel efficient than the avgas burning stock engine that it replaced. This saves a lot of fuel, a lot of money, and is better for the environment.

Increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy are the keys to a sustainable future. The Coast to Coast Biofuel Airplane Project will clearly demonstrate this to promote renewable energy, aviation, and the excitement of real world science education.

Blue Skies!

For more information: http://www.bioplane.us/