3 Bucks Per 1000 Pounds Charge to Take Effect in February 2025

E-I-C Note: ANN has been looking into issues involving the proliferation/collection of landing fees, the company(s) that are involved in those collections, and the legalities surrounding all this... and we grow increasingly concerned over the effect on GA, as well as the ponderous, questionable legal issues involved. There is MUCH more to come on this subject, although we must note that the Kissimmee Airport folks will not consent to an interview without preconditions to its conduct... take from that what you will...  -- Jim Campbell, ANN CEO/EIC

After months of pushback from locals, the Kissimmee City Commission has questionably approved landing fees for the Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM). The charge, which varies based on weight and type of aircraft, is expected to take effect on February 1, 2025.

The city initially decided to pursue the introduction of landing fees at a meeting on September 17.  The commission hoped to begin making charges on November 1 and review the rates a year later. However, recently elected Commissioner Carlos Alvarez insisted that the structure be revised before being enforced.

Between the original discussion and the final approval, the city received countless complaints from Kissimmee pilots and aviation representatives. Locals noted that introducing landing fees would either cause pilots to forego touch-and-gos, removing a widely utilized safety practice, or spend more on flight training. It could also cause pilots to avoid the field altogether, which would impact nearby businesses.

Airport Director Shaun Germolus and other city staff maintained their position that fees are necessary to maintain the facility. They expect to garner around $400k to $500k in annual revenue if the number of landings made at Kissimmee stays at 2023 numbers -- which, based on recent social media discussions by pilots who have used the facility, now appears highly unlikely.

The commission voted 4-0 to pass the landing fees in late December, while, again, ignoring much of the input of airport users. They will cost pilots $3 per 1,000 lbs for fixed-wing aircraft and $20 flat for helicopters. Planes weighing under 5,000 lbs will get one free landing each day. This structure is slated to go into effect on February 1, 2025.

“While it is understood that each airport arrives at a fee structure meeting its unique financial needs, these fees keep with rates proposed by other East Central Florida airports and align with industry norms,” the legislation read.

The group simultaneously finalized a contract with Vector Airport Systems, who appears to be associated with many of these recent landing fee decisions,  to manage the charges with a 15% payout. The deal could be in place for up to three years.

And again, we promise that there is much more to come on this issue. 

FMI: www.flykissimmee.com