But There Are Encouraging Signs
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association says there is
adamant opposition to increased aviation taxes and new user fees
from many members of the House aviation subcommittee... but there's
a slightly different wind blowing on the Senate side of the
Capitol. Questions are being raised about how to resolve the huge
differences among general aviation, the airlines, and the Bush
administration over how to fund the FAA.
"Everyone of you is going to have to pay more, do more, give
more," Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) told representatives from the
airline (ATA), airport (AAAE), air cargo (CAA), controllers union
(NATCA), and business aviation communities (NBAA) during a March 8
hearing before the Senate Commerce aviation subcommittee.
"It's time we do something grand. You're all going to pay more,"
said Lott... taking a decidedly contrary position to colleague Jim
Inhofe's plea to keep user fees away from general
aviation.
But Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government
affairs, notice a sign of possible encouragement.
"... [T]here seemed to be less enthusiasm for user fees this
time," said Cebula. "The thousands of letters our members have
already sent to Congress are beginning to have an impact. And as
the FAA funding proposal moves through various committees, AOPA
will be contacting more of our members to write to specific
senators and representatives at the right time when additional
letters will be most effective."
Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), chairman of the aviation
subcommittee, noted the administration's FAA funding proposal is
being "assaulted and attacked by everybody...are there areas where
you could reach accommodation with each other?"
AOPA says the consensus among those testifying Thursday was that
the air traffic control system needs to be modernized. But there
was no agreement on how to pay for it, or even if additional money
is really needed.
"The FAA has not yet made a solid case supporting their proposed
changes," said Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), chairman of the
full Commerce Committee. "Any aviation proposal that moves through
Congress must deliver the promise of improving access and providing
affordable, secure, and quality air service to all Americans,
regardless of geographic location."
Even ATA, the airlines trade organization, seemed to be backing
down a little, according to AOPA. The once-strident proponent of
user fees is now referring to "usage taxes" instead, and saying
they want Congress to remain in control of ATC funding
decisions.
"Clearly, the airlines are concerned about the powerful
influence that AOPA members can have on Congress," said Cebula.
"They really would prefer that GA just go away. We won't."