If the argument for these fees is that people don't really "need" to own an airplane; well, you don't really need a computer either.
A bit of a mismatch there re: scale, don't you think?
Nobody "needs" an electric toothbrush, either.....
I'll play devil's advocate here....let's assume that aviation safety is an issue of concern to pilots (if not, it SHOULD be!). Obviously the old air traffic control methods, with lots of people looking at radar screens tracking more flights than they can manage, are questionable. It's hard to believe that those conditions offer optimal safety. The technology is outdated, the ATC's are tired from being overworked. IMHO the switch to a GPS based technology could improve air traffic safety by allowing for programming that would automatically notify the ATC's that there is a dangerous situation. It could all be automatic, rather than relying on fatigued air traffic controllers to notice it.
That costs! Keep in mind that the penalty points for failure of an airborne flight are significant, so already procedures have been implemented to require exceptional efforts to keep airplanes safe. For example, already there are higher-quality fasteners required for aircraft construction than for ground-based transport devices....just one example. It is one of the most highly regulated services and industries in our society...and the focus of those regulations is safety. A switch to an improved method of tracking airflights will cost....ya gotta pay to play.
How many of you want your family in an airplane that is involved in a mid-air collision b/c it was "missed" by a fatigued air traffic controller, all because those who enjoy and occasional pleasure flight fought and defeated the efforts to implement a method of tracking flights more effectively?
In our society efforts have been made to ensure public safety by the imposition of many fees....do you think the airbags in new cars that are mandated by the government are put there free? Of course not, the cost is included in the price of the car, it's there but it is hidden. This fee under discussion just isn't as invisible as many of the other fees we have to pay. All those employees at the airports who do the searches as you prepare to board a plane....not free, but the fees are hidden.
I agree with Jim that the "creeping" nature of fees is an issue, but if the legislation were written correctly that might be prohibited. Sounds to me like the idea is a good one, the implementation is what has pilots all up in arms.
How about this....the airports are required to pay the $100/flight fee. Then they could pass the cost on to the end users...the pilots or the company flying the plane...in a more hidden manner. Would this be more acceptable?
IMHO, what we're all discussing here is, once again, funding the function of government, not whether or not we want a safe aviation industry. Let's focus on the issue...getting ourselves and our loved ones from one place to another on an airplane SAFELY!!!
Cheers!
Doug