WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2012 – The Senate General Aviation (GA) caucus sent a letter to President Obama today signaling their concern over a $100 per flight fee on general aviation.  Twenty-eight members of the caucus signed the letter opposing the new tax on aviation, which was included in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget proposal. 

The letter, authored by Senate GA Caucus Co-Chairmen Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE),  stated, “The Administration’s proposal would bypass the existing per-gallon system and create a new bureaucratic regime within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to collect a new user fee.  We believe the per-gallon tax assessed on aviation gasoline and jet fuel is the most efficient and effective way to generate revenue from aviation users.”

They also pointed out the negative safety ramifications that user fees could have on general aviation by creating a disincentive for pilots to use air traffic control services which allows for safety-enhancing flight tracking and real-time weather and traffic information. 

“We are grateful that the Senate GA Caucus is sending the White House a message loud and clear that user fees are a non-starter,”  said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce.  “The leadership provided by this caucus is extremely valuable in helping to bring awareness to this ill-conceived proposal.”