FAA user fees

[Nolife]

Any opinions about the proposed FAA user fees?

I'm against it and think the IFR skies should be for everyone. Just looking to see how other pilots feel, both professional and private.

 

[pilotyip]

But the money is needed for the poor people.

 

[Nolife]

But the money is needed for the poor people.

Sadly, I think the money is needed for Iraq.

 

[Dilligaff]

My prediction is if GW gets these user fees put in place, the cost of flying will become prohibitive for too many people. Many flight schools will go out of business and the number of new student pilot starts will drop dramatically eventually causing a pilot shortage. For those who continue to fly I think you will see a lot of VFR flights operating without flight following and safety will be diminished. I really don't see a positive spin to user fees. But what do I know - I'm just a pilot!

BTW, how is NavCanada doing these days?

 

[Low Pass]

Sadly, I think the money is needed for Iraq.

If only that were true. It's needed to satisfy the greedy, power-drunk individuals who are the federal government and as pay back the lobbyists from the ATA and the airlines who think this will help them. It will surely deal a serious blow to light GA. One that will have significant negative trickle-down effects to suppliers and manufacturers alike. The results will be much less GA, higher prices and reduced safety as the remaining GA pilots will be driven out of the system into scud running.

 

[Nolife]

I agree whole-heartedly with you Lowpass. I support AOPA and really hope they can fight this off... however the proponents pockets are very deep, and we know that money talks and.... walks.

What do airline pilots and ALPA think about user fees? Perhaps they should let management know their opinions.

 

[SPilot]

I just joined AOPA.

 

[AC560]

BTW, how is NavCanada doing these days?

Hurting Canada's cargo business. Combine their terminals plus NavCan fees and it is cheaper dump dense cargo into DTW/ORD from Europe and truck it across the bridge.

 

[Low Pass]

I agree whole-heartedly with you Lowpass. I support AOPA and really hope they can fight this off... however the proponents pockets are very deep, and we know that money talks and.... walks.

What do airline pilots and ALPA think about user fees? Perhaps they should let management know their opinions.

Well, IMVHO, I wouldn't agitate your airline management or ALPA on this one! They don't care and unless you know an executive type, have no involvement.

But if you personally have any concern for the future of light GA in this country - for educational, entertainment or economic purposes - then you really should join AOPA and write letters to your US reps. AOPA does a fine job of government advocacy for a group of their size.

 

[pilotyip]

AOPA is probably the only reason we have the strongest GA sector in the world, but we are such an easy target because we are so rich and it always easy to take money away from rich people.

 

[TrafficInSight]

AOPA is probably the only reason we have the strongest GA sector in the world, but we are such an easy target because we are so rich and it always easy to take money away from rich people.

I must have missed the memo

 

[SIG600]

My prediction is if GW gets these user fees put in place, the cost of flying will become prohibitive for too many people. Many flight schools will go out of business and the number of new student pilot starts will drop dramatically eventually causing a pilot shortage. For those who continue to fly I think you will see a lot of VFR flights operating without flight following and safety will be diminished. I really don't see a positive spin to user fees. But what do I know - I'm just a pilot!

BTW, how is NavCanada doing these days?

Exactly right on all accounts. Why do you think it costs 600-700 an hour to rent a Seneca in England, or why so many European pilots come to the US to train? I predict a drastic increase in accidents/incidents due to a lower level of participation in the ATC system. Who the hell is gonna pay for VFR flight following on a weekend cross country? How many people are going to push bad weather VFR because they can't afford to file IFR? This is just a horrible idea on so many levels it's amazing that it's even still being considered.

 

[dseagrav]

This is just a horrible idea on so many levels it's amazing that it's even still being considered.

Because they need the increased accident rate to justify the total ban on general aviation they plan to enact around 2012. They need the GA ban to create the pilot shortage that will justify replacing pilots with computers in 2020.

 

[erj-145mech]

"Bonanza 123AB, you're Visa just maxed out, squawk VFR, radar service terminated, have a good day"

 

[AC560]

"Bonanza 123AB, you're Visa just maxed out, squawk VFR, radar service terminated, have a good day"

Haha or better yet "Bonanza 123AB, radar contact please squawk the last 4 digits of any major credit card".

While I am against paying user fees, what I am really against is the pain in the ass it will be to pay the user fees. Do I get a bill at my house, how do they tell who was flying such and such N number, etc. Seems to me it is going to take a lot more money to collect $20 then $20.