Frederick, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Friday welcomed Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s signature on a bill that eliminates the six percent state sales tax on the retail sale of aircraft parts and maintenance.
“This bill creates major cost savings for aircraft owners,” said Mark Kimberling, AOPA’s director of state government affairs. “It will also boost the competiveness of Pennsylvania’s aviation industry in a region where neighboring states with similar benefits have siphoned off aviation jobs and investment. This tax measure will level the playing field and stem the exodus of aviation activity and jobs.”
When the Senate did not act on the bill in 2012, advocates in the state legislature reintroduced it in 2013. The tax exemption measure eventually became part of an omnibus budget-related bill, ensuring that it would be considered during the state’s House, Senate and Governor’s office budget conference.
“AOPA and the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania have pressed for this legislation for several years,” Kimberling said, “knowing that it would prove vital to Pennsylvania’s pilots and aviation businesses.”
AOPA simultaneously worked to defeat a proposed Pennsylvania tax of 2-cents-per-gallon on jet fuel.
Gov. Corbett signed the bill July 10. The tax exemption takes effect 90 days from that date, marking the latest win for pilots and aircraft owners as part of AOPA’s comprehensive nationwide advocacy effort.
Pennsylvania, despite recent industry challenges, remains as one of the larger general aviation states in the nation with over 17,000 pilots, 6,000 GA aircraft and 131 public-use airports.
About AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. With a membership base of nearly 400,000, AOPA is the largest aviation association in the world. With representatives based in Frederick, M.D., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media products. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.
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