The House Small Business Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow to examine the finer points of the Obama Administration’s proposed $100 per flight user fee and its potential impact on jobs.
Chaired by Missouri Republican Sam Graves, the Small Business Committee has increased its scope and gained influence in recent years, especially since the recession started. The fact that Graves is himself a pilot and the co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus provides some indication that the Committee might well adopt a negative stance when debating the president’s proposal.
The $100 user fee would apply to turbine-powered airplanes flying IFR. Aviation groups are strongly opposed to the proposed fee, saying it would add another layer of bureaucracy in Washington. The House GA Caucus’ 116 members last year sent the Obama Administration a letter urging it to drop the user fee plan.
If you’re interested in watching the hearing live, it’s starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and can be viewed online here.
