Senators showing opposition to increased aviation user fee
March 16, 2012, 08:16 am
In February, Congress passed the long-term FAA authorization bill, which will guarantee advancements for the industry through grants, research and development, and new technology. However, the Obama administration has included a $100 per flight user fee as part of the 2013 budget to help pay for the industry's innovation.
Under the proposal, non-commercial and piston-engine planes will be excluded from the fee, as well as small carriers and air taxis operating in rural parts of the United States outside of controlled airspace. However, the majority of general aviation groups, such as charter services that operate larger planes, will still need to pay the fee.
In response, 28 U.S. senators wrote a letter to President Obama voicing their concerns about the proposed fee, as well as launched an online petition to the White House, with more than 9,000 signatures from aviation professionals throughout the country.
Dana Hyde, associate director for general government programs, said the small fee could generate $11 billion over 10 years, which could greatly advance the aviation industry across the nation.
Opponents are arguing that a per-gallon tax on fuel would be a more equitable way of distributing the cost of flights among carriers from all corners of the industry. This fee could force all aviation workers to contribute to the fund, making no special exemptions for smaller planes and operators.
"We are concerned for a new user fee like the one described in the administration's budget proposal may create a disincentive for pilots to use air traffic control services or fly in controlled airspaces," the senators wrote. "The administration's proposal would bypass the existing per-gallon system and create a new bureaucratic regime within the Federal Aviation Administration to collect a new user fee."
After reading the senators' letter, Lorraine Howerton from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said the letter illustrated the value of general aviation to the national economy, and the AOPA is supporting the senators' efforts.
The letter is not the first time lawmakers have expressed opposition to a user fee proposal. The House of Representatives signed a letter to President Obama discussing the strong opposition to the fee being shown across the country and how past attempts to oppose a similar charge have failed.
As the nation works to develop a means to generate money for the aviation industry, pilot insurance works to protect the money in the industry that could be lost due to accidents or mishaps in the sky.
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