Sustainable aviation fuel use and airplane flight manual
Effectivity: All Learjet aircraft
ATA 28-fuel
Bombardier would like to remind operators that all Learjet aircraft models are approved for use with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) that meet standards criteria. Airplane Flight Manual (AFMs) that previously did not incorporate the qualifying standard are being revised.
The term biofuel is considered somewhat synonymous with Sustainable Aviation Fuel; however SAF is the term preferred by the aviation industry due to the scope of the term being broader than aviation biofuels. Biofuels generally refer to fuels produced from biological resources (plant or animal material). However, current technology allows fuel to be produced from other alternative sources, including non-biological resources, with the term reflecting the sustainable nature of these fuels. SAF is made by blending conventional kerosene (fossil-based) with renewable hydrocarbon.
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) specifications are used for fuel classification. Regardless of the basis of the fuel, all ASTM D1655 qualified fuels are approved for use in Learjet aircraft, with the AFMs revised or in the process of being revised to reflect this standard. By ensuring all flight manuals have a reference to ASTM D1655, this simplifies the fueling process, avoids cross referencing of the fuel supply to the AFM, and eliminates confusion of determining approved fuels.
All Learjet 35, Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Learjet 60XR, Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 series aircraft currently have AFM documentation supporting the use of ASTM D1655 Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels. All Part 25 20 series AFMs will be revised via Temporary Flight Manual (TFM) 2020-13 and the Learjet 31 and Learjet 55 aircraft series will be covered through revision to the AFM Fuel Servicing Addendums. The TFM and Fuel Servicing Addendum Revisions are scheduled for an April 2021 release.
For additional information, please contact your Bombardier Field Service Representative (FSR), or the Customer Response Centre (CRC).