Nearly 200 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to President Obama opposing the $100 per-flight user fee for business jets and turboprops proposed in the administration’s fiscal 2013 budget.
In the letter, Representatives note that commercial and general aviation are part of a vital industry providing millions of U.S. jobs. “We should work together to support policies that encourage job growth and strengthen U.S. economic activity,” according to the letter, which was signed by 195 House members. “Imposing a $100 per flight fee on commercial and general aviation is the wrong approach, and we respectfully request that you abandon this idea once and for all.”
The Representatives’ letter was the latest push in the general aviation community’s unified battle against aviation user fees. The National Business Aviation Association supported the effort to gather signatures for the letter. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen praised those who signed the letter, saying, “We thank the Congressional leaders whose letter reinforces a clear message of Congressional opposition to user fees. Their staunch support on this critical issue is appreciated.”
Read more on user fees and why one aviation journalist thinks they might compromise aviation safety.
