It all adds up

However, one major issue that continues to trouble pilots is the seemingly growing imposition of fees and in particular, airport landing fees. The cumulative effect of these fees on top of fuel taxes and FBO fees not only imposes a financial burden for private pilots but can be counterproductive to the broader goals of aviation safety, access, and growth.

Despite a large misconception, many private pilots operate on tight budgets, and even relatively modest fees can be an obstacle. While pilots understand the need for airport revenues they are often discouraged by the cumulative impact of countless fees and costs at many airports. These fees can create a situation where pilots, who are already balancing fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other costs, are faced with another financial barrier when they choose to fly. Imposing airport landing fees only increases the operational cost of private aviation, ultimately dissuading pilots from flying to certain airports or reducing the frequency of their flying altogether.

Airport leaders often don’t understand why private pilots throw their hands in the air when they hear about more fees coming their way. For starters, the buck stops with these pilots, unlike the airlines and for-hire operations where costs are passed along to the customer. And let’s look at just some examples of what types of fees private pilots are already paying today on top of their state and federal fuel taxes. This list is not all inclusive but it’s indicative of what is going on today: based tenant aircraft storage fees (either hangar or tiedown); overnight aircraft parking fees; daily aircraft parking fees; security fees; handling fees; special event fees; building maintenance fees, and more. And while many airports and FBOs impose no fees or reasonable fees, the point is they all add up.

From a broader perspective, airport landing fees can harm the long-term growth of GA—just as they have done in other countries. Private pilots are often the first point of entry into aviation and young aviators who learn to fly and develop their skills have enough on their financial plate. Unfortunately, we have witnessed some in the flight training industry—a crucial part of aviation’s talent pipeline—turn their heads and pass the costs along to their students. Moreover, airports are now contracting with companies who use ADS-B and other technologies to collect landing fees from pilots.

The purpose of ADS-B, as we all know, is to improve aviation safety and efficiency—period. It was never intended to be used for collecting fees for airports or for monitoring and tracking aircraft that often lead to frivolous noise complaints and legal actions. ADS-B should be used solely for its intended purpose—safety—and policy makers need to set this right. Using this technology for aircraft identification and fee collection also begs the question of privacy and data used by third parties. Our policy makers also need to look at how the FAA’s aircraft registry information is accessed and ensure that no one can obtain personal and aircraft information without a pilot’s or an owner’s authorization.

AOPA works to foster professional relationships with our airport and FBO partners. We want all sectors of aviation to succeed as we all need one another. Our aviation system is the largest, most complex, and safest system in the world. Can it be improved; yes it can. Any aviation accident is one too many and we should be doing everything within our power to continue to urge Congress and the FAA to deploy the most modern technology and hire the best and brightest controllers, mechanics, and pilots. New technology is only part of the solution to create efficiencies and improve safety in our system. We also need more air traffic controllers and a comprehensive airspace redesign that works for all users.

With fees, airlines have the ability to negotiate their rates and charges with airports. Private pilots do not. GA pilots have no seat at the table during lease negotiations between airports and FBOs. Essentially, pilots are simply told what and how much the fees are going to be. A first step in correcting this imbalance would be for airports to reconsider the impact of landing fees on the health of GA and explore alternative revenue sources that foster a more accessible and dynamic aviation environment. Working with pilots is a much better approach and will help pave the way for a more thriving and sustainable aviation industry that benefits everyone.

Jim Coon spent 25 years on Capitol Hill in several senior staff positions, including staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

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