Tue, Oct 11, 2005
Repudiates User Fees For General Aviation
NATA submitted comments Monday to the FAA Office of Aviation
Policy and Plans (APO) regarding the agency's proposed changes for
funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Early last month, the
FAA issued a list of questions for industry groups to consider
regarding any change in the funding of the trust fund. The FAA is
scheduled to release its proposal for changes to the funding stream
in the spring of 2006. The taxes that currently fund the trust
expire on September 30, 2007.
In his comments, NATA
President James K. Coyne reiterated NATA's preference for the
system to remain as it is, discussing the efficiencies of the fuel
tax for general aviation aircraft and the difficulties on-demand
air charter operators would face under a user fee system.
The comments included discussion of the administrative burden
that a user fee system would place on hundreds of small air charter
operations throughout the country that would not have the
capability of sorting through the high volume of bills such a
system would generate. Coyne stated, "…it is critical that
both Congress and the FAA are aware that overall a system of user
fees could add greater confusion and inefficiency to the air
transportation system, cause a bureaucratic nightmare for both
government and industry, jeopardize safety, and ultimately result
in less revenue than in the current system."
Should the FAA decide to move forward with a user fee system,
Coyne demanded that all aircraft be treated as full and equal
participants in the system. Discussing the fact that most charter
and general aviation aircraft are the first to be denied access to
airspace during a special event or high-security period, Coyne
stated, "Any proposal put forth by the FAA regarding user fees
should absolutely recognize on-demand charter and general aviation
operators in the same manner as airlines. An air traffic control
system that continues to operate in the same way with a new user
fee structure will serve no benefit to the charter and general
aviation community, and could ultimately reduce air transportation
in this country at a time when we should be looking at ways to
increase service."
Coyne also reaffirmed NATA's commitment to work with both the
FAA and Congress to help develop a funding structure that benefits
all parties involved.
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