FAA Reauthorization Plan Presented Without GA User Fees

The Senate plan for funding the FAA does not include general aviation user fees, but rather an increase in the federal tax of jet fuel to 36 cents per gallon from 21.8 cents per gallon-a 64 percent hike. Congressional proponents of user fees and opponents of the concept, including Sen. Max Baucus (D- Montana), have agreed that the best way for general aviation to pay its way is via increased fuel taxes.

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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