Lawmakers Note Detrimental Effects For State That Relies
Heavily On GA
Alaska, home to a bustling general aviation industry, is sending
a strong message about its dislike for the FAA's funding proposal.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association tells ANN the Alaska
House on April 24 unanimously passed a resolution pointing out the
harsh economic impact the FAA's plan would have on the state's
economy.
Sponsored by state Rep. Kyle Johansen, the resolution will now
go before the Senate. There is concern at the municipality level as
well. The city of Cordova, AK has adopted its own resolution
against the FAA's funding scheme, thanks to Mayor -- and AOPA
member -- Tim Joyce.
"This sends a strong message from an important aviation state
and a local community within that state that user fees and a near
quadrupling of aviation fuel taxes is a bad idea," said Andy
Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "It
comes at a critical time as Congress is drafting its version of the
FAA funding bill."
AOPA states, given Alaska's unique environment, it's easy to see
why pilots there are opposed to fuel tax increases, user fees, and
airport funding cuts. Alaska has six times as many pilots per
capita and 16 times as many aircraft per capita as the rest of the
United States. With the lack of roads and extreme conditions,
people depend on general aviation for emergencies, mail, and
supplies. Some students even get to school by using GA.
"Like general aviation
pilots across the country, it is not in the best interest of Alaska
to have bureaucrats in Washington, DC, making decisions with very
limited opportunity for congressional oversight," said Cebula,
testifying on the resolution on April 12. "Your [congressional]
delegation has done an excellent job looking out for the interests
of Alaskans."
Speaking of the delegation, US Representative Don Young
(R-Alaska) recently responded to a letter from a concerned AOPA
member. "I do not endorse the proposed plan which was submitted to
Congress. We have a lot of work to do in order to determine the
best way to move forward with reauthorizing the FAA," Young wrote.
"Hopefully, we will get a bill passed through Congress before the
end of the year."
Although Young is no longer chairman of the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee, he says he still has a strong voice
and will work with the current chairman, Rep. James Oberstar
(D-MN). Oberstar previously said that he plans to give the FAA's
proposal a "decent burial."
Meanwhile, down where the tundra tires meet the dirt, AOPA
Alaska Regional Representative Tom George also testified in favor
of the legislature's resolution. He outlined the real consequences
of the FAA's plan.
"In Alaska we are concerned with aviation safety. We already
have an accident rate higher than the rest of the nation," George
said. He mentioned significant improvements in safety, thanks to
the FAA's Capstone program, but he said things could get worse if
pilots have to pay directly for services. "If pilots start avoiding
services such as access to weather, instrument approaches, and
towered airports, we could see a further decline in aviation
safety; the very thing we are working hard to improve."
George also mentioned the already exorbitant fuel prices,
averaging $4.88 a gallon with a high of $7 a gallon in Galena.
"And the FAA wants to make it 50 cents more?" he asked. "These
prices are high enough to limit flying, which has an impact on
fueling outfits, mechanics, parts houses, and all the other
business that service GA. We don't want to price aviation out of
business."