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By Rylee Kelly
Sep 03, 2025
As a “Lifer,” I’ve built lifelong relationships with people in the aviation fuel business, domestic and international. A good part of that was getting to know the pioneers in the field and understanding the way aviation fuel standards were developed. Because I took that time, I often know the reason when someone asks why we have certain requirements. Most of my career has been built on my understanding of, the development of, the use of, and the application of, ASTM standards. ASTM standards are typically science-based but in a very specific way, focused on the reliable, consistent delivery of products. Understanding how to support that need for consistency with scientific rigor defined my approach to my work.
I went to work for Alcor, Inc. in 1982, given the task of developing a line of research heat transfer testers based off the equipment in the standard test method for thermal oxidation stability of aviation turbine fuels (D3241). Logically, they put me in charge of the research, development, and support of the ASTM equipment, too. They signed me up for ASTM, and I attended my first D02 meeting in Norfolk, VA, in December of 1982.
From the outside, comparing time spent, most might think it would be D3241, however, I would say the standard specification for aviation turbine fuel containing synthesized hydrocarbons (D7566) will have the most long-term impact. Over the decades at ASTM, I saw the gasoline and distillate fuel subcommittee efforts negatively impacted by political decisions made on alternate fuel. I felt it important that the aviation community get out ahead of this reality. I proposed a new section on synthetic fuels for the subcommittee (J06- 2006), wrote the first draft of the method to start approval, and guided the section as chair until (and beyond) it was approved in 2009. In so doing, we set a benchmark. Yes, we are open to alternatives, but they must be fit for purpose. There is no highway in the sky, no place to pull over if you have problems.
The consensus process, with its emphasis on user input, ensures that our standards meet industry needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For a very conservative, quality-critical business like aviation turbine fuel, the standards can be very tight and restrictive, where other products may have less restrictive controls that increase availability. Streamline might be a stretch as a concept for ASTM standards, as we do not cut corners. However, the organized process, with its mechanisms for moving things forward, adds momentum to the effort.
If you are serious about helping shape the future of aviation fuel, then being an ASTM member is a must. The regulatory structure approach to the control of fuel quality, unique to aviation, makes ASTM the primary place to have input in the fuel business from refinery to aircraft. But you can’t just go to the meetings and respond to the ballots to get the most out of it. You need to participate in the task forces, lead a task force for change you want to make, take an office position if offered to get the most out of your effort. You also need to become familiar with the ASTM staff and learn to lean on them for help. You can be well-versed or even an expert on your topic, but they are the same for the process. I’ve been doing this for four decades, I know a lot of the ins and outs, but I still rely on the staff for support. ●
Rylee Kelly is a communications intern with ASTM International.
George Wilson is a long-time ASTM International member and the current vice chair of the aviation fuel subcommittee for the jet fuel specifications section (D02.J0), part of the committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02). In this role, he currently leads the effort to maintain and improve the standard specification for aviation turbine fuel (D1655). Wilson has over 40 years of experience in jet fuel specification testing and test method development, with an emphasis on fuel performance evaluation. He also specializes in evaluating fuel in critical operations with an emphasis on thermal stability. Wilson has been issued six patents and is the 2025 recipient of the Sydney B Andrews Scroll of Achievement.
September / October 2025
