In an approach being celebrated by general aviation advocates, the president’s proposed federal budget for the first time in years includes no new general aviation user fees.
The past three budget proposals have included $100 per flight user fees, each time meeting with stiff resistance from the industry.
Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, said in a press release that the inclusion of no such proposed fees this time around was a victory for general aviation stakeholders.
“After years of fighting to protect pilots from arbitrary fees and charges, we’re pleased to see that the White House has finally taken our message to heart and acknowledged that user fees on general aviation are a non-starter,” he said.
Other aviation-related aspects of the proposed budget include $15.8 billion to fund the Federal Aviation Administration and $166 million for research, engineering and development.
It also includes a proposed reduction of $450 million — down to $2.9 billion — for Airport Improvement Program grants.
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