The White House responded to a 8500-signature petition titled “Take Aviation User Fees off the Table” with a treatise called “Why We Need Aviation User Fees.” It concludes that “a $100 per flight user fee is an equitable way for those who benefit to bear the cost of this essential service” and is signed by OMB associate director Dana Hyde. Hyde has twice called for all users to pay or do their “fair share.” The fee would exclude all piston, military and certain other aircraft. Sigh. Here we go again.
Despite the tragic events of the crash at the Reno Air Races last year, the Reno Air Racing Association will have an event Sept. 12-16, 2012. It’s yet to be called an “air race,” and Association President Mike Houghton said if racing is not allowed, the 2012 event will be the last. FAA deputy director John McGraw told the NTSB that current regulations are enough for overseeing shows and races. “If we become aware of a risk that exceeds the boundary of what we think is acceptable, we will make those changes. But not currently.” The Reno Air Races have seen 20 pilots killed since they began 47 years ago. In 2011, Galloping Ghost’s violent crash during the races killed 11 people, including pilot Jimmy Leeward, and injured more than 70 on the ground.
