Alaska considers resolution opposing FAA funding plan

Alaska considers resolution opposing FAA funding plan

Alaska has six times as many pilots per capita and 16 times as many aircraft per capita as the rest of the United States. With the lack of roads and extreme conditions, people depend on general aviation for emergencies, mail, and supplies. That's why the FAA's funding proposal to raise fuel taxes, charge user fees, and slash airport funding simply won't fly there. A resolution, sponsored by state Rep. Kyle Johansen, formally opposes the FAA's Next Generation Transportation Financing Reform Act of 2007. The resolution, which was scheduled to be voted on yesterday (April 19) after production of "ePilot," would send a strong message to the federal government about the harsh economic impact the FAA's plan would have on the state's economy. AOPA Alaska Regional Representative Tom George and AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula testified in support of the resolution on April 12. Watch for the result of the vote on the resolutions in next week's ePilot or at AOPA Online.

April 20, 2007