Alternative Fuel

Airman 1st Class Marc Lane


Rising gas prices have made filling the old gas tank a regular nightmare. Imagine a gas tank that holds thousands of gallons and needs to be filled on a regular basis.

With more than 140 aircraft appearing at the Le Bourget Airport for the 47th International Paris Air Show the future of jet fuel was a common topic. Along with the rising cost of oil, the cost of jet fuel rises.

***image1***A press conference held by Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Marion Blakey, Federal Aviation Administration administrator, aboard a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III at the air show discussed alternative fuel developments that are being created and ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The C-17 not only served as a location for the conference. It also served as an example of one of the most fuel efficient cargo planes.

During the conference Secretary Wynne outlined many goals for the future of fuel.

“The development and application of alternative fuels will not only save the United States money by becoming less reliant on petroleum fuel sources but also improve the future of the world by reducing pollution,” he said. 

“We know that demand for passenger and cargo aviation continues to rise. So with more planes in the air, we need to cut that carbon footprint,” said Mrs. Blakey. The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative formed by many commercial and government sponsors is under way conducting studies to determine the feasibility, costs, technical issues, and environmental benefits of alternative fuel sources.

The studies are expected to be completed in September.  

Mrs. Blakey added, “We’ve got a lot of people pulling in the right direction. I think the best is yet to come.”