Environmental Footprint of General Aviation: A Comparative Study of Airframe Materials in Colombia

The global aviation industry is rapidly expanding, which demands integrating sustainable practices across all sectors, including general aviation. This study examines the environmental implications of material choices in general aviation, focusing on composite materials and aluminum alloys within the Colombian aerospace context. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework compliant with ISO 14040 standards, the research evaluates the environmental impact across manufacturing, operational, and disposal stages. Two components are contrasted: a composite-based airframe modelled on the Lancair IV and an aluminum-alloy airframe derived from the Cessna 172. Results, limited to the aircraft types under consideration, reveal significant differences in environmental footprints, with composite airframes exhibiting higher impacts during production but offering long-term advantages due to weight reduction and improved fuel efficiency. Conversely, aluminum alloys demonstrate lower production impacts but higher resource depletion and emissions during use. Sensitivity analyses highlight fuel consumption as a critical factor, with operational emissions accounting for up to 95% of an aircraft's total environmental impact. Recycling scenarios for aluminum alloys demonstrate a potential reduction of up to 5% in key environmental categories, emphasizing the importance of material recovery. This research provides critical insights into sustainable manufacturing practices in the aviation sectors of developing countries and elucidates the ecological implications of material selection that could be expanded to other products. Keywords: General aviation aircraft, developing countries, LCA, aerospace recycling