General aviation groups and many members of Congress gleefully commented on President Obama’s decision to not ask for general aviation fees in the 2011 budget, but all agree there is a need to keep their guards up to prevent the charges from being called for again in coming years. The Air Transport Association, which represents the airlines and is a primary supporter of user fees for GA, was completely quiet on the subject.
The FAA is still operating on a temporary authorization with some in Washington hoping that a full-term reauthorization can come up before the current extension expires.
With some members of the Senate favoring socking it to GA, there is a concern that user fees could still raise its ugly head. If so, the subject could further delay passage of reauthorization.