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...