Avgas

[Loner]

It’s no different than any business dependent of suppliers, the business assumes the risk, the supplier is under no obligation to deliver

[J31]

From COPA

https://copanational.org/en/2018/02/15/ ... arantined/

**Update**

Imperial Oil has updated the avgas situation and has found some hopeful signs but is still recommending that fuel received between Dec. 28 and Feb. 13 not be used. The good news is that the fuel is unlikely to have caused any performance issues other than interference with fuel gauge sensors for those who have put it in their aircraft. Here is what Imperial had to say.

The company continues to work around the clock to understand the issue and explore interim supply solutions for customers.

Imperial has confirmed that avgas already lifted from Imperial’s Nanaimo, B.C. and Winnipeg, Man., terminals has no issues.

Otherwise, we are working on three potential solutions and will seek your input on these. Here is what they are:

Scenario 1 – Best Case Scenario: Investigation indicates some delivered product cleared fit-for-use;

Scenario 2 – Blending; Investigation indicates the issue can be resolved by blending the off-spec with additional product;

Scenario 3 – Pump out and replace fuel in inventory.

As we communicated previously, the concern about this avgas is that as a result of the product quality issue, interference could occur with onboard fuel gauge sensors. We do not suspect potential for other performance issues. Until Imperial’s understanding of the issue improves and the most appropriate resupply options are identified, Imperial continues to advise to not use or distribute the product.



Transport Canada has issued the following nation-wide NOTAM:

180001 CYHQ NATIONAL
CYHQ POTENTIAL QUALITY ISSUE OF FUEL 100LL (JET A NOT AFFECTED)
DISTRIBUTED BY IMPERIAL OIL (EXTENT UNKNOWN)
VERIFY LOCALLY FOR AVBL
1802160008 TIL APRX 1802231800

Avgas supplies across the country delivered since late December have been quarantined, forcing retailers to temporarily halt sales. During the quality control process, it was discovered the conductivity level of the fuel did not meet specifications. The quarantine means that many FBOs and airport fuel suppliers have closed their avgas pumps until a solution to the problem is found. FlightFuels spokesman Craig Tanselli told COPA Flight the problem originated with the Edmonton Esso refinery that produces all the avgas for the whole country. He said his company is checking inventories to see if there is any unaffected avgas that they can sell but for the time being there are no avgas sales. Many airports have issued NOTAMs advising they cannot sell avgas. Jet fuel is not affected. Several airports who received their fuel prior to December 28, 2017 are reporting that their supply has been tested and found to be within specifications. COPA is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.

[superbilly24]

180039 CYQM MONCTON/GREATER MONCTON R.LEBLANC INTL
CYQM FUEL 100LL NOT AVBL
1802161341 TIL 1802171600

We've been grounded since Thursday in Moncton. I guess all the fuel comes from that one refinery in Alberta.

Are you grounded due to lack of fuel, or to fear of damage or operational issues?

We have fuel, but were advised by the supplier to not use it until further notice. We are still waiting to see if they will drain our tank and then receive some fresh fuel, or if we will be able to use the fuel we have.

[mijbil]

Is there actually any prohibition on the use of this fuel, if it is already in your aircraft? We've filled up our RV-7a at Springbank several times since December 28, and haven't observed any issues. Is there any reason why we can't fly off the fuel that is currently in the tanks?

Personally I'd ask my airport for all the fuel for my homebuilt. They can't sell it and it's going to be a pain in the a** to get rid of. Offer to take it off their hands! Free fuel!

Or save it for the local airshow or flog it to hot rod cars who would love some 100 LL.

I like the STC for Mogas idea as well, BUT, " you want Mogas?, you all gots to give me Mo money!!" Nothing at Transport is free.

[CpnCrunch]

I like the STC for Mogas idea as well, BUT, " you want Mogas?, you all gots to give me Mo money!!" Nothing at Transport is free.

TC already has a blanket mogas approval for C150, C182 and a few other types, with no STC required:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/ca- ... /mogas.pdf

(see section 8.0, category 4). Unfortunately you're limited to 4700 or 5500ft and 24C, so it isn't terribly useful.

[7ECA]

Seems like a number of airports in the Lower Mainland are back to selling AvGas.

Any official word from TC or Esso as to what the solution is?

[oldncold]

question didnt a new refinery start up in Edmonton area first one in IN 35 YEARS. Could they make avgas?
2) playing devils advocate could this be imperial oils exit strategy from avgas all together

[RevT]

question didnt a new refinery start up in Edmonton area first one in IN 35 YEARS. Could they make avgas?
2) playing devils advocate could this be imperial oils exit strategy from avgas all together

The NWR refinery is kind of an interesting one in that they are very heavily focused on diesel production and have stated they won't be producing any finished gasoline products (they will produce blending components like Naphtha and VGO). That's unusual for a North American refinery so I wouldn't expect them to enter the avgas market. They have a good page online about it: https://nwrsturgeonrefinery.com/project ... the-value/

As for IOL exiting the market - only they would know. But they're logistically set up to do it now and they're the only ones who do it in Canada. That's a nice position to be in. So the question is whether they could do something better with their assets and whether the costs of maintaining a good avgas supply chain outweigh the margins.

[Heliian]

I gave up trying to understand the Canadian oil situation, it essentially comes down to what the max profits can be made.

We need to rein this back in to a semi-competent government that would better diversify our resources and handle business right here in Canada. We have been in need of refineries ever since they all shut down and not only that, we needed more.

[sunk]

Went to order a B train of avgas and was told they still are not delivering.

[7ECA]

Looks like the airports that had their stocks cleared for use, are now starting to run out. Pitt Meadows being one example - guess it'll be quiet for the foreseeable future.

[dpm]

I gave up trying to understand the Canadian oil situation, it essentially comes down to what the max profits can be made.

We need to rein this back in to a semi-competent government that would better diversify our resources and handle business right here in Canada. We have been in need of refineries ever since they all shut down and not only that, we needed more.

Would you want the government to order Canadian oil companies to make a product that few people buy and most of them don't want to make? There are three possible outcomes:

1. Government has to subsidise the companies heavily to cover extra costs (taxpayers get screwed).
2. Companies raise prices to cover costs (pilots get screwed).
3. Companies shut down Canadian refining operations (we all get screwed).

I'm old enough to remember the catastrophic failures of the National Energy Program and Wage and Price Controls ("6 and 5") from the older Trudeau's years.

[BGH]

Airport Operations Bulletin
Tuesday, March 06, 2018 Volume 3, Issue 10
Please be advised:
• There is currently no Avgas 100LL available on-site at YPK Airport.
• Both the Pitt Meadows Airport Society (PMAS) and the Aeroclub of BC are expecting fuel deliveries by the end of the week.
We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. For further information please be in contact with PMAS Administration at info@flyypk.ca or with the Aeroclub of BC at fuel@aeroclubofbc.ca
AVGAS 100LL
UNAVAILABLE AT YPK
The Airport Operations Bulletin is distributed by the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport Operations Centre. Editions are prepared when important issues arise. Question/comments or contributions are welcome. Please contact Airport Administration.
Tel:(604)465-8977 ext. 6 Fax: (604)465-4512 E: info@flyypk.ca For Information Purposes Only Retain In:
X

[Heliian]

I gave up trying to understand the Canadian oil situation, it essentially comes down to what the max profits can be made.

We need to rein this back in to a semi-competent government that would better diversify our resources and handle business right here in Canada. We have been in need of refineries ever since they all shut down and not only that, we needed more.

Would you want the government to order Canadian oil companies to make a product that few people buy and most of them don't want to make? There are three possible outcomes:

1. Government has to subsidise the companies heavily to cover extra costs (taxpayers get screwed).
2. Companies raise prices to cover costs (pilots get screwed).
3. Companies shut down Canadian refining operations (we all get screwed).

I'm old enough to remember the catastrophic failures of the National Energy Program and Wage and Price Controls ("6 and 5") from the older Trudeau's years.

I speak not just of avgas, I'm talking the whole cake. If we the people had control, then we wouldn't need to worry about some multi gouging us for 8 cents/l every tuesday.

Canada has so much oil that we're trying to practically give it away yet have the most expensive fuel prices in North America. Mostly due to lack of refinery.

We need to stop subsidizing these corporations and subsidize ourselves.

WE NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR RESOURCES.

[7ECA]

Sounds like Socialism.

What would be a really smart move, is nationalizing the whole bloody works and developing a domestic market for our own resources. Having a strong domestic supply and market, would also allow us to develop alternatives fuels, etc, from the profits which would be reinvested in our own country - instead of giving some CEO an obscene bonus, or proving companies with corporate welfare.

[CpnCrunch]

Canada has so much oil that we're trying to practically give it away yet have the most expensive fuel prices in North America. Mostly due to lack of refinery.

We need to stop subsidizing these corporations and subsidize ourselves.

WE NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR RESOURCES.

Part of the problem seems to be the people in BC who are protesting against the pipelines. 50-60% of Vancouver's gasoline comes from Edmonton, but the current Trans Mountain pipeline doesn't have the capacity to supply 100% of that demand, so when the Burnaby refinery closes for maintenance we have to pay higher prices for that refined product to be shipped from somewhere else. Pipelines are the cheapest and safest method of transporting oil and refined products, but some people just have this "no pipeline" mindset, without bothering to check the facts. That's a fine opinion to have if you don't use any petroleum products, but most of them seem to like driving their internal combustion SUVs and flying on planes. It's like the people protesting against seal hunts or fur coats who then eat at McDonalds.

[Oldguystrtn2fly]

Our outrageous fuel prices have zero to do with a lack of refineries and everything to do with our elected officials taxes. Period.

[dpm]

What would be a really smart move, is nationalizing the whole bloody works and developing a domestic market for our own resources. Having a strong domestic supply and market, would also allow us to develop alternatives fuels, etc, from the profits which would be reinvested in our own country - instead of giving some CEO an obscene bonus, or proving companies with corporate welfare.

Lots of countries tried that in the 60s and 70s—we dipped a toe in the water with PetroCan and the NEP, but didn't go all the way.

In theory, nationalised industries sound like a great idea (steel, coal, oil, railroads, airlines, etc, all working for the benefit of the people). In practice, they rarely turn out well, for two reasons:

1. They get packed with cronies who may know little about the industry. If you're a politician with supporters to reward, a state-owned enterprise is a bonanza of opportunities for board seats and senior management positions.

2. They become political footballs. How can politicians resist the chance to buy votes by lowering fuel prices just before an election, even if it means that the company bleeds money? And what politician will have the courage to close a plant that's no longer needed?

If you're younger, you might not have seen how this played out a few decades ago. Britain, for example, was unable to close coal mines in the early 1980s for political reasons, even though coal smoke had killed more Londoners than the Blitz, and by the early 80s, most people had shifted away from coal anyway.

[Air Ops]

Has anyone heard an update? Is there fuel flowing anywhere?

[CpnCrunch]

Has anyone heard an update? Is there fuel flowing anywhere?

Yes. Some airports tested the fuel and found it was within limits, so it can continue to be used. In terms of delivering avgas, Imperial Oil still hasn't started up production again, so the only option for now is to get a delivery from the USA.