New Petition Challenges KISM’s Decision as Boycott Gains Traction

After months of pushback from local pilots and aviation groups, the Kissimmee City Commission officially approved landing fees for Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) on December 20, 2024. Even with the fees in place, however, the community refuses to let the decision slide.

The charges took effect on February 1, 2025, requiring pilots to pay $3 per 1,000 pounds for fixed-wing aircraft and a flat $20 for helicopters. Despite overwhelming opposition from the pilot community, the commission locked in a three-year contract with Vector Airport Systems to handle billing—at a 15% commission, of course.

Now, pilots are mobilizing to fight back. A petition demanding that the FAA intervene against the use of ADS-B data for billing purposes is gaining traction, with supporters arguing that Vector’s tracking methods pose safety and privacy concerns. The campaign is urging pilots to sign in protest, hoping to pressure regulators into action.

Beyond the petition, a grassroots boycott of KISM is also in the works. Pilots are encouraging each other to avoid flying into the airport altogether, which could undermine the city’s revenue expectations. If landings drop significantly, so will the anticipated $400,000–$500,000 in annual income from the new fees. With fewer aircraft touching down, the financial strain could ripple through the airport, affecting FBOs, fuel sales, and local businesses that rely on aviation traffic.

In addition, pilots attending Sun ‘n Fun—one of the largest aviation gatherings in the country—are being asked to wear bright orange shirts as a visible protest against ADS-B-based billing. The goal is to raise awareness across the broader aviation community and show unified resistance to what many see as an unfair and shortsighted policy.

Meanwhile, frustration over how the decision was made is fueling renewed calls for an airport advisory board. Many in the aviation community believe KISM’s airport director should not have unilateral control over policy decisions without proper oversight… a very fair claim. Advocates argue that a board representing pilots, FBOs, and local businesses would ensure that major changes like landing fees are handled with greater transparency and stakeholder input.

For now, Kissimmee city officials say they will monitor the impact of the fees and review revenue numbers in the coming months. Whether that means they are open to adjustments remains to be seen. In the meantime, pilots are making it clear that they are not going down without a fight.

E-I-C Note: During the upcoming SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo, the ANN/SnF Digital Daily team will be interviewing soem of the pilots fighting this program and proividing additional insight into the growing issues surrounding the proliferation of GA landing fees. Join us each morning, at 0900ET, at www.airborne-live.net and www.snfdd.com

FMI: https://www.change.org/p/calling-on-the-faa-to-halt-the-use-of-adsb-data-for-billing?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1v1gLffKOFBz_l4aMzUda5_qFnzQZNM5ORPKSmhHKZjRbi-Yk_XNLVG58_aem_XAvyuOuZFWW61-ocgF7InQ