Here comes the user fees!

[dseagrav]

http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav...030855b-a122-458a-8941-795c54ebbd85&Dynamic=1

Anyone got details yet?

 

[AeroBoy]

This story includes link to DOT budget details:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FY2008_Budget_User_Fees_194396-1.html

 

[Low Pass]

It's coming sooner than later, IMO. Will spell serious pain for light GA and lots of scud running to avoid using ATC. But hey, Canada and other enlightened countries have user fees for GA!! It *must* be better!

 

[AC560]

It's coming sooner than later, IMO.

AOPA has been spending its money on Congress pretty well, I am optimistic that they will be able to kill it.

 

[G-force]

About USER FEES !!!

AOPA has been spending its money on Congress pretty well, I am optimistic that they will be able to kill it.

They better KILL IT or IT will KILL PT91 & 135 flying in this country !!!!!

 

[dseagrav]

They better KILL IT or IT will KILL PT91 & 135 flying in this country !!!!!

I think that's the intention. According to ANN there's a 400% fuel tax hike that comes with the fees, too.

 

[Low Pass]

AOPA has been spending its money on Congress pretty well, I am optimistic that they will be able to kill it.

I've been watching this for the last 6-7 yrs. Each year it has had much less momentum than now. I am very pessimistic about it this year. The only chance is that the dem congress doesn't support it because Bush proposed it, or a massive letter writing campaign pushes it off the table for another year or two.

As for the fuel tax increase, the enviros may well be behind this push to try and reduce usage of 100LL.

But since when does Congress pay any attention to their constituents? It looks bleak.

 

[AC560]

But since when does Congress pay any attention to their constituents?

They don't they pay attention to people who give them money and AOPA got something like 70% of their candidates in. Plus it is GW's plan so of course the Democrats are going to be against it. Still remains to see what will happen but I am optimistic.

 

[U of I Tweak]

I've been watching this for the last 6-7 yrs. Each year it has had much less momentum than now. I am very pessimistic about it this year. The only chance is that the dem congress doesn't support it because Bush proposed it, or a massive letter writing campaign pushes it off the table for another year or two.

As for the fuel tax increase, the enviros may well be behind this push to try and reduce usage of 100LL.

But since when does Congress pay any attention to their constituents? It looks bleak.

With respect to it being shelved for two or three years, I don't think that's an option. The FAA funding is done in ten year intervals, so if a plan is approved that includes user fees, I think we're stuck for ten years. If the reauthorization does not include user fees, then we have a fight in ten more years. In either case, the FAA's current funding system is in place until September when this fiscal year ends. The new authorization well then go from FY2008 to FY2018; or at least that is my understanding of it.

 

[Blackjet]

Plus it is GW's plan so of course the Democrats are going to be against it. .

That is probably an excellent course considering he has not done anything for the better of anyone I know. All these pilots who spouted how great he was and voted for him 2 times. Now, he is going to help them right out of a job. Hmmm, lets slash all these programs $, toss users fees on the aviation sector, AND lower taxes. Real genius. Exact same thing as Reaganomics, which is exactly what cost his dad reelection. Some people never learn. Thanks GW.