Repudiates User Fees For General Aviation

NATA submitted comments Monday to the FAA Office of Aviation Policy and Plans (APO) regarding the agency's proposed changes for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Early last month, the FAA issued a list of questions for industry groups to consider regarding any change in the funding of the trust fund. The FAA is scheduled to release its proposal for changes to the funding stream in the spring of 2006. The taxes that currently fund the trust expire on September 30, 2007.

In his comments, NATA President James K. Coyne reiterated NATA's preference for the system to remain as it is, discussing the efficiencies of the fuel tax for general aviation aircraft and the difficulties on-demand air charter operators would face under a user fee system.

The comments included discussion of the administrative burden that a user fee system would place on hundreds of small air charter operations throughout the country that would not have the capability of sorting through the high volume of bills such a system would generate. Coyne stated, "…it is critical that both Congress and the FAA are aware that overall a system of user fees could add greater confusion and inefficiency to the air transportation system, cause a bureaucratic nightmare for both government and industry, jeopardize safety, and ultimately result in less revenue than in the current system."

Should the FAA decide to move forward with a user fee system, Coyne demanded that all aircraft be treated as full and equal participants in the system. Discussing the fact that most charter and general aviation aircraft are the first to be denied access to airspace during a special event or high-security period, Coyne stated, "Any proposal put forth by the FAA regarding user fees should absolutely recognize on-demand charter and general aviation operators in the same manner as airlines. An air traffic control system that continues to operate in the same way with a new user fee structure will serve no benefit to the charter and general aviation community, and could ultimately reduce air transportation in this country at a time when we should be looking at ways to increase service."

Coyne also reaffirmed NATA's commitment to work with both the FAA and Congress to help develop a funding structure that benefits all parties involved.

FMI: www.nata.aero