Green Flight International recently completed a transcontinental flight in a jet powered by biodiesel.

The record setting flight in BioJet I, as it is called, originated in Reno, Nev., and ended in Leesburg, Fla., on Nov. 1 after a total flight time of 11 hours, 13 minutes, Orlando, Fla.-based Green Flight said. Altitudes ranged from 13,000 to 17,000 feet.

"This transcontinental flight was distinctive in that 1,776 miles of the 2,486 total miles flown were powered in 100% biodiesel," Green Flight president Douglas Rodante said. The remaining 710 miles were powered by a mixture of 50% biofuel and 50% standard jet fuel.

The 50/50 mixture was used to compare performance data and demonstrate the capability of blending biodiesel with existing

"There is absolutely no room for error in a single engine jet aircraft operating on 100% biofuels," according to chief pilot Carol Sugars. "The extended cross-country experimental flight operated to stringent specification required by the Federal Aviation Administration in order to ensure public safety.

In addition to Green Flight the project was sponsored by Lake Erie Biofuels (Erie, Pa.) and Logistics Plus which assumed fuel supply and transport duties. Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Missiles and Fire Control provided laboratory testing and support.