While I was definitely cheering GAMI with their G100UL fuel the Swift 100R appears to be a better solution overall at this point. The Swift 100R can be mixed with 100LL and that might seem a small thing but in reality it is huge for the next few years until 100R (or whatever replaces 100LL) is everywhere. If I am flying a cross country I want to be able to stop where it makes sense and be able to buy whatever they have. If I can’t mix my GAMI fuel with 100LL then I can only fly to places that have it. The 100R takes that concern away.
Also, Swift already has UL94 and that can be replaced with 100R. So they already have some experience in the real world and those with the UL94 STC can upgrade to the 100R at no cost.
Finally, Swift says they are making the 100R better with “detergents” (I always wonder, Tide? All? Gain?, WHAT??) so eventually we should expect less (or no) plug fouling and 100 hr oil change intervals.
The latest approvals for 100R added a HUGE amount of aircraft so Swift thinks it’s over 50% of the market now. They still have some of the bigger engines to go but they have a lot of momentum now. My Apache is on the list though. In truth my little Apache can run on ethanol free mo-gas as it was designed for 80 octane so I’m ok with whatever works but the Swift 100R is looking like the winner at this point. It’s time to make this happen!
