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United States Pilots Association |
This past Friday I participated in a discussion with the editorial department of the Dallas Morning News. Attending were Selena Shilad of the Alliance for Aviation In America and a Vice President of The National Business Aircraft Association. The stated purpose of the meeting was to give a clear and concise picture to the newspaper of the machinations of the airlines regarding user fees and the FAA reauthorization bill. Neither has been passed by the Congress. However, the House did pass a no user fee bill. The Senate was unable to come to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving the FAA to be funded by short term extension bills. This does not bode well for Airport Improvement monies in the future.
What was pointed out to the editorial board was this. The airlines want a huge tax decrease, and in the process want to see GA assessed for user fees to pay for it. When the airlines thought they had this battle won, they pushed for a vote in the Senate. Then, when they realized that it was not going to happen, they switched tactics hoping that the new administration (whoever that will be) will be more interested in helping them. Simply stated, we are trying not to let that happen.
I will not repeat the effects of user fees on GA. We all know what is at stake. If we combine the current exorbitant fuel prices with user fees, GA as we know it will disappear in our country. I am seeing pleas on a daily basis from Angel Flight-Grace Flight for pilots to take flights. The price of fuel is forcing many volunteer pilots to drop out. The initial proposed user fee for turbine-turboprop aircraft was stated to be $25 per flight. We all know this is just the beginning. When we look at aerial applicators flying $1,000,000 Air Tractors, landing and taking off many times each day, the fees become so expensive that the pass through to the farmer cannot be paid. The result is a huge loss of business for all concerned, and an enormous increase in the cost of food to the consumer.
USPA sees The Alliance for Aviation in America as the best hope for GA to defeat these onerous proposals and to keep the airlines out of our business. We do not want them to obtain control and implementation of the air traffic control system. This is a battle that will be won or lost in the arena of public opinion and perception. If you use an airplane in a business, I strongly urge you to contact the Alliance in Washington, DC, and offer your support. Money is helpful, but so is your voice being heard. Please contact Matt at 202 261-6563 or Selena at selena@aviationacrossamerica.org. Adding your name and support to the endeavors of the Alliance and further participating in educating the media and elected officials is the most important thing we can do.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association