Airportbusiness.com reports that lawmakers have been busy with trying to come up with a way to pay for the new Air Traffic Control system, that utilizes GPS Satellites instead of today’s radar. In May, the Senate Science and Transportation Committee approved the FAA reauthorization bill that includes a $25 fee to all passengers who purchase a ticket, but will exempt recreational aircraft, piston driven aircraft (most propeller aircraft, exception of Turboprops), and medical services (hospital helicopters, etc.) This new fee is expected to raise $40 million dollars annually, in an effort to pay for this new system.
$25 per flight seems high to me. On some carriers, that’s over 50% of the ticket price (on discount low-cost carrier flights.) For a round trip (2 flight) ticket a passenger is shelling out $50 on this new Air Traffic Control system. If you’re flying with connecting flights, let’s say 2 flights per way, you’re paying $100 for this new system. A lot, eh? Perhaps even too much. I like the idea, but I don’t like the price. I’d like to see congress lower that to $10 or $15, similar to the amount of security search charge.
Any thoughts?
Image: www.erau.edu
