GoodFuels

Ethanol to power planes for SD airshow

One team performing at this weekend’s Sioux Falls airshow will have a little something extra powering their planes - ethanol!

The “Vanguard Squadron” has been flying on ethanol since 1993.

“It’s just a hoot and you get to show off….” Left wing pilot Steve Thompson has 21-thousand hours flight time. He says their ethanol powered planes are more than good marketing. Thompson says ethanol allows the plane’s engines to run cooler. “Because it runs cooler it allows you to pull more power out of the engine.”

Even though they’re doing stunts flying at high speeds in the air, the team has complete faith in each other.

And as for getting scared in the air, Steve Thompson says it’s not an issue for him. “I can’t remember the last time I got scared in an airplane.”

Ethanol can power more than just cars. Congratulations to the Vanguard Squadron team for utilizing home-grown, renewable fuel. Good luck this weekend!

Click here for more information on the Sioux Falls Airshow.

Photo by geoff.agombar.