Airport Board Has Imposed A Hefty Fee On Mechanics Working At The Airport

The Erie, PA Airport Authority Board recently imposed a $2,000 annual licensing fee on mechanics who work on airplanes at Erie International Airport (KERI), and that is making some GA pilots feel like the board does not want them on the field.

Erie News Now reports that along with the license, A&P mechanics must carry insurance of at least $1 million. Pilots say that is simply unfair.

Airport executive director Derek Martin said the new requirements were necessary to bring the airport into compliance with federal rules. Failure to do so could put the airport's eligibility for federal grants at risk, he said.

But the pilots are not convinced. When one member of the authority asked why the license and insurance requirements suddenly have become an issue, Martin said previous executive directors simply did not enforce federal rules.

Several aircraft owners at KERI say the stricter enforcement of the rules means they'll be forced to use a mechanic from North Coast Air, which is based on the field and has been a tenant for many years. Pilot Jack Bendig told Erie News Now that it looks like North Coast Air is trying to monopolize such work at the airport.

But pilot Craig Bamford was more direct. He said that in his view, and that of other GA pilots at the airport, "Mr. Martin and other folks on the board would rather see general aviation go away."

Pilots also say that they are paying up to 50 cents more per gallon for fuel than they would at other airports. Many are trying to move their aircraft to Meadville Airport (KGKA), but there is a waiting list for hangar space or tiedowns at that airport.

FMI: Source report