FAA 'Funding Crisis' Manufactured by the Administration and the Airlines, Claims World's Largest Aviation Organization

"There is nothing inherent in the user fee proposals that addresses the issues of future airspace capacity, new technology, increased efficiency, and more runway capacity," said Boyer, "so you have to wonder; what's in it for the airlines?

"Wherever in the world user fee systems have been implemented, they've proven to be expensive, complicated, financially unstable, and harmful to the average citizen flying an aircraft for business or personal transportation."

Boyer said that taxes are the most efficient and cost-effective way to fund the FAA. Citing Treasury Department data, he noted that collection costs amounted to a mere 0.001 percent of the total raised for the aviation trust fund.

"A complicated user fee system, with the legions of clerks, accountants, and managers needed to send out, process, and collect bills, could not be nearly as cost effective," said Boyer.

"Our aviation transportation system should be treated like all other public benefit government functions when it comes to financing," said Boyer. "Whether it be airways, highways, or public education, funding should come from generally applied taxes, calibrated to the ability to pay."

The more-than-410,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has represented the interests of general aviation pilots since 1939. General aviation includes all flying except the scheduled airlines and the military. Two-thirds of all U.S. pilots, and three-quarters of the GA pilots, are AOPA members.

SOURCE Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

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