Reauthorization Called A 'Death Blow' For Small
Communities
For many residents of Alaska, there is nothing "recreational"
about small aircraft -- those planes represent the very lifeblood
of many communities, which rely on regular air runs to bring in
needed supplies. So, it is not surprising the mayor of one of those
villages is passionately opposed to the fees proposed by the FAA
Reauthorization Plan, and Senate Bill 1300.
"Proposed (tax) increases to aviation fuel, which is already $7
a gallon, and a proposed segment fee of $25 is going to kill the
rural economy in the villages," Dan Kleas told the Alaska Journal
of Commerce. Kleas owns a regional air service, and is also the
mayor of Bettles, a community of less that 50 residents above the
Arctic Circle.
Needless to say, Bettles doesn't see regular airline service; in
fact, it isn't even on the public road network. The tiny village
relies exclusively on general aviation aircraft as its connection
to the outside world.
"While the FAA plan is the grimmest of all alternatives, I don't
support the Senate bill either," the mayor says. As ANN reported, the Senate's
proposed funding plan for the FAA drops user fees for small,
piston-engine aircraft... but hits turbine aircraft users with a
$25 per-trip fee.
A Senate amendment to ax that surcharge failed last week by one
vote... with Alaskan senator Ted Stevens casting the
tiebreaking vote in support of the segment fee.
"When everything you have and everything you need is dependent
on airplanes and the aviation industry, this will kill us," Kleas
adds. "If you want to take a family of four to Fairbanks to go to
the dentist, it costs $1,400, now add a $25 segment fee for
dropping them off at the dentist, and then another for picking them
up and the price just keeps skyrocketing up."
Kleas also notes the fees would impact Bettles' tourism-fueled
economy... as pricier flights will mean fewer people willing to
make the trip up North.
Roger Cohen of the Regional Airline Association tells the
Alaskan newspaper if the FAA's plan is implemented, user fees
collected from Alaskan pilots and residents would amount to $9.4
million annually -- by far the highest of any other state in the
US.
Such user fees are opposed by GA organizations such as the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the National Business
Aviation Association. The Alliance for Aviation Across America -- a
"catch-all" coalition of groups opposed to user fees, including
representatives from smaller communities in the lower 48 states --
formed in April to present a united front of protest to the FAA's
funding scheme.
Although the Senate funding plan would do away with many of the
fees to be imposed on pilots of smaller aircraft, the groups
remained opposed to ALL user fees -- saying just one fee leaves the
door open for more down the line. Also of concern is that Congress
would lose much of its current oversight authority of the FAA under
the funding plan.
Alaskan business owners
are worried about the impact new fees would have on their
businesses, as well. Many rely on small aircraft to travel
throughout "The Last Frontier."
"This is going to be like the IRS calling you up and saying you
owe us thousands of dollars, pay up," said Ron Duncan, president
and CEO of General Communications Inc. "Besides anyone can use our
aircraft information and charge you for their flights, this is
going to be an administrative nightmare."
The Journal of Commerce states Duncan's business operates
several aircraft, including a Turbo Otter, used to travel
between its 22 statewide offices. The company also retains a
business jet to travel to and from Washington, DC.
Duncan sees little need for additional fees, saying the FAA
should rely on the tried-and-true fuel tax system already in place
for additional funding. While he's not a fan of a higher fuel tax,
Duncan does say it would be a fairer way to collect from all
pilots.
"They should just keep the fuel taxation system the way it is
currently calculated, we are not so much opposed to a fuel tax," he
said.