Could User Fee Proposals Be DOA?

A very short while ago, ANN's Pete Combs had the chance to directly question two leading lawmakers about the state of the American aviation industry. While originally brought together to discuss aviation security matters, ANN was also able to get some extremely interesting data about the state of the User Fee fight from Congressman John L. Mica of the Seventh Congressional District of Florida (as well as being the head of the pivotal House Aviation Subcommittee) and Congressman Robin Hayes (R) of the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. Hayes serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Aviation Subcommittee.

In the press conference at the Charlotte-Douglas Int'l Airport in Charlotte, NC, both Hayes and Mica answered questions about the state of aviation, and aviation security in particular. When ANN questioned Rep. Hayes about the state of the User Fee proposal floated by FAA over the last year, the answer was one that GA parties will be pleased to hear.

The NC Congressman told ANN that he knew why we have seen so little, lately, from the FAA in regards to user fees, and told Combs that "Admin Blakey has very decidedly gotten the message from Chairman Mica and me. User fees will kill General Aviation."

Throughout the conference dedicated to security questions, Hayes also noted that the airlines are spending millions of dollars day to meet TSA security requirements on carry-on luggage... and while this 'puts a further drain on government resources... but that's no call to institute user fees.'

Hayes, a GA pilot, says he's not sure about the status of future FAA Funding, but concluded that "user fees are not the way to go." ANN will have more on this story later in the day. Audio from the press conference will be presented on the next ANN Aero-Cast news and feature programs.

FMI: http://hayes.house.gov/, www.house.gov/mica/