Greetings! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. In February, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed the creation of an array of new user fees to fund the U.S. Air Transportation System. Much of the industry gave the proposal a ‘thumbs down,’ with a key exception being the Air Transport Association, which a year earlier had released a position paper that was very similar to the subsequent FAA proposal. Airports want the cap on passenger facility charges (PFCs) raised and indexed for inflation. User groups (other than the airlines) are essentially calling for the status quo.
It is up to Congress to make the final determination on how to fund the system while also modernizing the Air Traffic Control System the need for which all parties agree.
Meanwhile, another debate has emerged involving money a rates and charges showdown at Los Angeles International Airport that could have-lasting repercussions for airports and their tenants. In the final analysis, it is all a moving target, at best.
Second, The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved S.1300, the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007, which authorizes FAA and other programs through 2011. The U.S. House had yet to come forward with its reauthorization bill.
Comments NATA, “The Senate’s FAA reauthorization largely maintains the status quo…” It does not make changes to current aviation taxes, which fall under the domain of the Senate Committee on Finance. Here are some key S.1300 provisions:
S.1300, however, does not raise the cap on PFCs, which, with the exception of ATA, is generally supported by industry. It is at the top of the airport groups’ wish list, and FAA had proposed raising the cap from the current $4.50 to $6.00, but not indexed for inflation.
The Senate bill does call for a pilot program to allow up to six airports to charge their cap and to collect the fees themselves.
Thirdly, Here is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airport and Aviation Bills are as follows:
Missouri
House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
(2007)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
HB 118 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe --- CoSponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Specifies the situations in which the Civil Air Patrol may be activated, which missions are federal or state, and who pays for the missions
HB 302 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J. --- CoSponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Changes the laws regarding state aviation trust funds and air traffic control towers
HB 305 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J. --- CoSponsor: Page, Sam
Increases the limit on the amount deposited into the Aviation Trust Fund to $8.5 million
HB 529 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J.
Changes the laws regarding the Aviation Trust Fund and air traffic control towers
HB 571 --- Sponsor: St. Onge, Neal C. --- CoSponsor: Schneider, Vicki
Changes the definition of "commercial aircraft" by lowering the maximum certified gross take-off weight from 7,000 to 1,000 pounds
HB 619 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe --- CoSponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Specifies the situations in which the Civil Air Patrol may be activated, which missions are federal or state, and who pays for the missions
HB 624 --- Sponsor: Wilson, Larry --- CoSponsor: Quinn, Paul
Changes the laws regarding taxation and regional economic development districts
SB 120 --- Sponsor: Nodler, Gary
Increases the cap on the Aviation Trust Fund and allows the Aviation Trust Fund to be used for certain federal air traffic control cost-sharing programs
SB 602 --- Sponsor: Kennedy, Harry
Creates a sales and use tax exemption for purchases of aviation fuel for transoceanic flights
Last Updated July 5, 2007 at 4:20 pm
NOTE: Here’s your Web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
Web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
All other State Pilot Associations can follow the same format to search your specific state’s aviation and airport bills.
Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state that you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for General Aviation.
So let’s not forget to exercise our rights and privileges, so we can continue to make a “Difference for General Aviation.”