"We Cannot Allow A User Fee Precedent To Be Established"

It's an opportunity to kill user fees once and for all. That's how Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Phil Boyer summarizes the amendment proposed by Senators Bill Nelson and John Sununu Tuesday, that would gut a proposed $25 "per trip" charge for turbine aircraft in the Senate's FAA funding bill.

That bill is coming up for vote Wednesday afternoon... and Boyer is calling on AOPA members in certain states to let their voices be heard before then.

"Even though piston-engine aircraft would be exempt from this fee, AOPA is still adamantly opposed to it on principle," said Boyer. "We know, based on our experience from around the world, that this small fee will ultimately expand and include all segments of aviation. Our members have emphatically told us we cannot allow a user fee precedent to be established."

AOPA says it is "critical" that members in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, or Washington contact their senators. Senators in those states are members of the Commerce Committee.

"Please call or fax right now," said Boyer. "Your fellow pilots are counting on you. And if you can't get through, please keep trying. Use your redial button until it wears out!"

FMI: Call Your Senators!