Posted on 07/06/2007 3:30:42 PM PDT by GoldCountryRedneck
Wow! Thanks for posting.
Thanks for a tip from GoldCountryRedneck
PING!
Sorry....
I don’t know why (well I can guess that it’s campaign $$), but the Bush administration has been one of the unfriendliest administrations when it comes to General Aviation. At one point after 9/11 some feds were making it pretty clear that they would gladly cut GA in the name of fighting terrorism (even though it was clear that 9/11 was just an excuse).
That's a lot of it. The airlines can out-contrbute GA by a wide margin and get the best Reps and Sens that money can buy.
Fortunately, there are a few Private Pilots in the Legislative ranks, but not enough.
What the airlines fear is the oncoming manufacture of VLJ and air-taxi operators. If they can control the airspace, they can make those operators, and private pilots in general, fade away through financial and bureaucratic pressure.
More fares in their pockets. Follow the money...
I’m flying next week. I’m sure I’ll be able to put these in at least a half dozen seat pockets without any trouble.
Going to Alaska on the 21st, just printed u a dozen copies.
If this ever happens GA is done for except for the super rich.
Is this article in the current AOPA magazine, mine just csme yesterday and I havent had a chance to look at it.
AOPA is one fine organization, been a member for 27 years.
I’ve met Phil Boyer (AOPA Pres for those who don’t know the organization) on several occasions. An exemplary individual and one of the easist execs with whom to just talk about flying that you would ever want to meet.
One thing they might want to add to that flyer would be the seat miles traveled by GA aircraf.
I dont know what it is today but about 15 years ago it was about 20%.
If most of those people flew commercial the pasangers of todsy would be mighty unhappy with the crowded airports and airplanes along with the large price increases.
Another thing would be the hugh increase in package delevry service cost that would occur.
Asfar as GA crowding the ATC system, one thing no one talks about is the thousands of daily flights huling bank checks that are being eliminated constantly with checks being cleared electronicly.
I used to keep my plane next to Cal Air Charter in Burbank that flew 80 sigles, 2 jets, and a chopper daily and that business is being eliminated. They were only one of the ones servicing So. Cal., they were part of Unitd Courier.
That used to be a big business, when they had a plane down I occasionaly did a flight for them or transport parts and an IA to repair it.
Here's the part I don't understand.
In 1990, Congress voted in a huge luxury tax, which crippled the aviation industry, nearly wiped out the boat-building industry, and several other alleged "luxury"-type manufacturers and sellers.
The cost in U.S. jobs was astounding and the penalty in taxes NOT collected was significant.
The so-called idle rich just elected not to pay the heavy taxes on yachts, airplanes, furs and the like; and, the only people hurt were the workers in those industries.
The same dynamic is patiently waiting to smack down the U.S. aviation-related economy if this "fee" thing is enacted.
There would be no gain in money collected from GA, net receipts would be down.
Aviation jobs, everything from wx briefers, fuelers, airport restaurateurs, hotel/motel, taxi-services, would be in a steep descent. The inverse multipliers would have a deep effect here.
In 1990, Congress voted in a huge luxury tax, which crippled the aviation industry,...boat-building industry, and several other alleged "luxury"-type manufacturers...
Congress has never been far-sighted enough to weigh "The Law of Unintended Consequences" as they legislate.
The top execs at the DOT and FAA are not aviation-minded or knowledgable. They truely believe that an ATC system which was designed, historically, for the airlines should once again be administered by the airlines as "those people are the ones really knowledgable about airplanes,". All in the guise of 'downsizing government', I suppose.
But, look what is happening with the recent 'outsourcing' of the FSS (Flight Service Station) to the private sector. Phone delays, incomplete briefings, lousy weather interpretations, lost flight plans, etc, etc, etc.
There are some government functions which should be centralized and taxpayer-funded. Like the military, the ATC system should be among them. Capitulation to a private industry group (ATA in this case) with a self-serving agenda who stands to gain a substantial taxpayer windfall is ludicrous.
And, yes, the Pipers', Cessnas', the Diamonds, just getting back on their feet after the luxury tax and liability fiascos of the 90's, will once again be back on the ropes wondering who will by their aircraft...
Bump!
This is too important to let Congress get away with!
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