The Empire Strikes Back at General Aviation

Harrison Ford and the Campaign to Prevent User Fees

Years ago he flew the Millennium Falcon.

Now, he fly’s better equipment including a Cessna CJ3, Aviat Husky, Cessna Caravan, Bell 407 and de Havilland Beaver.

The U.S. ”Empire” is planning to “strike back” at general aviation. President Obama proposed user fees to start in 2011 to the tune of $7.5 billion dollars. Many, including me, believe this plan has the potential to cripple general aviation. There are beginner and veteran pilots who will stop flying. Manufacturers, business and airports will be affected.

May the Force be with us

Today’s Wall Street Journal mentions that Harrison Ford agreed to be the spokesman for the new campaign from AOPA to prevent user fees from hurting general aviation. Mr. Ford gives the explanation.

General aviation provides an economic lifeline for communities across America,” said Harrison Ford, “Millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes depend on small aircraft serving our country every day.”

Why it Matters

General aviation represents $150 billion in revenue and provides 1.3 million jobs. It supports law enforcement, medevac, and emergency services, as well as aiding disaster relief efforts. General Aviation includes crop dusters, overnight freight and business support. It’s the way to most pilots get training. Forestry, search and rescue, firefighting, energy, and construction all depend on it. That’s why there’s over 5,300 general aviation airports in the U.S. in addition to the 600 that support scheduled flights. There's at least 10,000 more private use landing areas and helipads

As Chief Justice John Marshall stated: "The power to Tax is the power to destroy". We will eventually run out things to tax. Don’t make us bring out the Wookie.