Yeah... I'm a bit turned off by the STC being locked to engine serial number. That means this is a recurring charge (I do exchange engines over field OH) to get permission to buy the fuel that can't be bought yet. Wat? I've bought some stupid ish before, but that seems like an extra-frivolous torching of $1200.
I read a remark elsewhere that GAMI now has a chicken-and-egg problem with adoption and availability, and that resonates a bit.
For $1200, it is lower risk for me to ask forgiveness instead of permission. "Oops, I didn't see the G at the pump, myyyyy baaaaaaaad"
-- it would cost less than $1200 if a fed critter made me drain my tanks and replace with 100LL. And since the fuel is approved for my airframe/engine combo, that scenario puts the fed in the... what... role of IP protection? what an odd world that would be. Federal ASI burning me for using an approved fuel without the permission of the rights-holder.
I think they'd do better to just add 5c to the pump price and not block people from buying their fuel due to a lack of paperwork. I get that they have R&D to recoup. But I also feel like it's an "okay so pick one" situation. Royalty per gallon or STC, but both feels icky. Especially with other contenders. The issue is far from settled, GAMI is just first to the post.
Once 100LL is killed with no viable alternative, though, I'll rub the feet of the statue of St. Braly like everyone else.
Until then, though, it seems like a premature cash grab and I gain *literally nothing* by buying that STC today.
