Obama chided for aviation debate comment
October 5, 2012, 03:40 pm
President Barack Obama recently came under fire by aviation executives for his recent comments about user fees on general aviation at the presidential debate with Mitt Romney on October 3. Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, has been quick to condemn the statements made by the president during the debate.
While butting heads with Romney about the taxing of the wealthy, Obama said that companies with enough money to afford a corporate jet should be able to pay for costs associated with its operation.
“At a time when both candidates claim to be putting job creation at the top of their agendas,” Bolen said in response, “it is unfortunate the president denigrated the business aviation industry, which is responsible for 1.2 million American jobs and $150 billion in economic impact.”
Obama also failed to mention the potential charges on all turbo-prop aircraft and fees for other flights and businesses with his user fee proposal. Piston aircraft and flying for pleasure is exempt from the proposal.
Bolen added that the comments made by the president mischaracterize businesses that depend on airplanes, including smaller and medium-sized businesses like farms, flight schools, medical care providers and emergency responders.
Craig Spence, secretary general of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, said at the China Low Altitude Economy Summit in August that general aviation is an "economic powerhouse" in the United States and represents a valuable model for countries considering expanding their own general aviation industry.
Spence said at the summit that there are 5,261 public use airports, accounting for 10 times the amount of commercial airports and 19,000 landing strips. This provides the United States options for flexible, quick and reliable air travel to even the most remote corners of the country.
Furthermore, like Bolen noted, general aviation's infrastructure accounts for $150 billion in annual contributions to the United States economy. General aviation supports millions of jobs and provides helpful services when disasters strike and other needs are required.
There is one airport for every 7,000 people in the United States and one plane for every 1,100 people. There is only one airport for every 22 million people in India and one plane for every million people.
“Imagine the development potential and economic growth that could be generated if these numbers were cut in half, let alone reaching the levels experienced in the United States,” Spence said.
Pilots supporting the general aviation industry should consider pilot life insurance to ensure the financial future of loved ones.
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