One of the most trending topics right now is the possibility of alternative fuels for jets and other airplanes. Sustainable jet fuels can help address the issues that are present with petroleum based fuels such as cost, environmental effects, and energy security challenges.

Currently the FAA is working towards enabling the the U.S. use of one billion gallons per year of “drop-in” n sustainable alternative jet fuels by 2018, according to an article written last year by the FAA (https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/research/alternative_fuels/). Although alternative fuel is created from renewable sources they result in the same level of performance as petroleum based fuel, and also the same safety.

In a more recent article written by AIN (http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/blogs/ain-blog-look-rearview-mirror), they pulled various topic headlines from their older publication which expressed issues during the 1970s and 1980s. Only one of these headlines barely mentioned the idea of alternative fuel, while many of the other topics are especially interesting considering how they have developed today (make sure to check out the very last one).

If you’re interested in joining the discussion on alternate fuels you can find a few forums that would love your input below:
Airline Pilots Forum
The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative
CLEEN program
Alternative Aviation Fuels Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)