Radical FAA Funding Scheme

AOPA members are incensed about the Bush administration's attempt to radically alter the FAA funding scheme.

In an open letter to members, AOPA President Phil Boyer this week talked about the administration's plan to "coddle the airlines and kill general aviation with a 70-cents-a-gallon avgas tax, user fees for flying into Class B airspace, and new or increased fees for other FAA 'services.'"

One member, echoing the feelings of some others, wrote: "I'm going to sell my airplane now, Phil, and give up flying because I won't be able to afford it anymore."

While encouraging members not to despair because the winnable fight has just begun, Boyer unveiled AOPA's strategic battle plan. It calls for bringing pressure to bear on certain members of Congress at specific times. In the coming months, members will be called to help, but in a highly targeted fashion. And when the final bills are up for vote by the entire Congress, AOPA will issue a national call to action.

For those who want to write their representatives now, AOPA is providing detailed information on what to say and how to send it. With Congress in recess this week, Boyer also urged members to talk to congressional representatives while they are back at home meeting with constituents.

www.aopa.org