WASHINGTON, D.C. — Confusion in Congress and differences between it and the White House are causing general aviation and the airlines to come into agreement on at least one subject: The President’s proposal to place a $100 fee on every non-recreational flight, in addition to regular fuel and other taxes.
General aviation associations were quick to express opposition to the user fee, which was included in the President’s highly-touted jobs bill. Nine associations released a joint press statement pointing out the fallacy of the program. The airlines were not a part of the group’s joint statement, but the Air Transport Association, the association that represents the airlines, put out its own comments of opposition.
The GA groups politely, but forcefully, pointed out how the $100 fee would cost jobs, as well as create another large bureaucracy to collect the money. They also noted how other nations have seen “devastating” results after imposing user fees.
GA associations working on this issue include the Aircraft Electronics Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, National Association of State Aviation Officials, National Air Transport Association, and National Business Aviation Association.
This never was a “jobs” bill.