Essentially the airlines want GA to pay for the upgrades to the new system even though the airlines are the ones that impact it the most.

User fees are still being debated. So far it looks like the house version, no user fees, is winning but there's a lot of work to do. It is also very possible that Bush will veto the bill and the whole debate will start again.

The airlines have been scheduling flights beyond current airport capacity then blaming the delays on GA for tying up air traffic control. This is a prime example of business lobbying and manipulation at its worst.

Don't get me started on User Fees. AOPA is correct in that they will turn into a nightmare. One only look at the user fees imposed with the trailpark passes, park entry fees, climbing fees, pooping in the backwoods fees to see how inefficient they are and how quickly they can get out of hand.

Is there any way to get this info out to the general public. How does a person get on the news. I know there buisy shooting stories about Joe Blow's daughter volenteering as a salvation army bell ringer and other important stuff but a guy would think it wouldn't take much to push the public into a frenzy if they knew the airlines are intentionally making them sleep overnight at the airports, set on the tarmac for 3 hrs for no reason, or even better, jumping through hoops for the rediculous joke of security screening.

wirsig wrote:Is there any way to get this info out to the general public.

Sadly, the "average citizen" is so busy with trying to make ends meet that they don't read the news, and until an issue is rubbed in their face, don't do anything about it. If something really crappy happens to effect their life, they will get up in arms, but not until. This is why when election time comes around we have a choice between dumb and dumber. No matter who you vote for, they are all worthless pieces of shit that are only looking out for themselves and their largest campaign contributors. Yes, I'm pissed.
(':evil:')

tom

Groundhog day?

Just sent Lars Larson an email asking his help to get the word out on this. Folks from the NW may know who I'm talking about, but for the rest, he has a radio show that does a good job of blasting the lefties and exposing.............well lets just say government wrong doings.
Dont know if it will help any, but couldnt hurt either.
T

If she goes up that much, I'm scr..fu... toast.

That will make the 182 eat $160+ per hour in fuel burn. Would make av gas here $13.15 a gallon.

Man say it ain't so!

A guy won't be able to give a plane away. "Mad Max" days ahead.

Fly safe, check your weather. Bub

iamcamper wrote: he has a radio show that does a good job of blasting the lefties and exposing.............well lets just say government wrong doings.

Now... just in case this tax increase/user fee business is being implied as a "Lefty" proposal. Good ol' Trent Lott was pushing for user fees in the senate.

But I'm with you on the Government wrongdoings part. This is coming at us from all sides. Don't forget to call or write your congressman... be nice, but explain that you don't appreciate fees being hefted on GA. AOPA is backing H.R.2881 bill which is the tax increase but without fees. S.1300 bill contains user fees. AOPA's position is that H.R.2881 is the best we're likely to get.

H.R.2881 increases Jet-A from 21.8 cents to 35.9 cents per gallon. Avgas from 19.3 cents to 24.1 cents per gallon.

S.1300 also calls for a $25.00/flight user fee. I thought it had steeper gas taxes as well, as much as 70 cents a gallon, but I'm not seeing that in the article I have in front of me so don't quote me on that.

The most galling part is that airline taxes, including fuel taxes, remain at current levels. Stick it to the little guy, once again.

Calling does help. 202.225.3121 is the capitol switchboard. Give them your zip code if you don't know who your rep or senators are. AT&T is probably recording all calls.

Looking at the September AOPA magazine issue here's a little more info:

The original FAA proposal which appears dead: Fuel tax to 70 cents (263% increase) plus a user fee. Piston aircraft and turbine aircraft would see huge tax increases and user fees. Airlines get a huge tax break. Airline passengers get hidden taxes added to tickets.

Senate bill S.1300. Piston aircraft fuel tax remains the same and exempt from user fee
Turbine aircraft: Large fuel tax increase to 49.1 cents per gallon and a User fee charge (AOPA position is that this fee will eventually be extended downward to piston aircraft)
Airlines get a large tax break plus a user fee billed to airlines and another to airline passengers.

House Bill H.R.2881: Piston aircraft fuel tax increase to 24.1 cents. Inflation adjusted.
Turbine Aircraft: fuel tax increase to 30.7 cents. Inflation adjusted.
Airlines pay same 4.3 cents fuel tax. Other taxes remain the same

Think Im going to have to vote Democrat this time. Bastards.