Editorial: It Must be February...Again!

By Ed Downs

I doubt there is a single reader who has not heard about the impending “sequester,” the sword being held over the heads of every citizen by both our executive and legislative branches of government as a means of gaining the “sound bite” upper hand on America’s ailing economy. Regrettably, this writer has yet to see a “sound bite” solve problems.

So, why the title of this months’ column? A moment of research disclosed that it was in February of last year that airspace users faced an onslaught of proposed user fees, charges designed to make sure we aviators were “paying our fair share.” Now, one year later, spokesmen from the Executive branch are talking of cutting tax investment incentives to users of business aircraft, cutting jobs in the aviation manufacturing centers of Wichita and Seattle and reducing FAA budgets to the point of reducing safety by firing thousands of FAA employees. Threats are not limited to those of us who do the actual piloting of aircraft, but include innocent passengers, who are being told they will face long delays at airports, cancelled flights and less safety. All of these terrible things will happen unless the threatening voice “gets it’s way” in the ongoing budget battles. Added to these insulting claims is the ongoing suggestion that it, “the government,” is entitled to decide if we really need our flying machines and deserve any tax considerations that are heaped upon other industries that somehow fall into the “needed” category.

Helicopter Association International President Matt Zuccaro certainly made his industry’s views clear when addressing White House tax proposals that would affect his industry. “I find it unbelievable that continued initiatives such as this one, seemingly aimed at eliminating general aviation, are being promoted by a president who is one of the most frequent users of corporate aircraft via his travel on the peoples’ aircraft, that we pay for,” said Zuccaro. “I support his use of these aircraft to perform his duties and responsibilities. But is it too much to ask that private individuals and corporations also be allowed to realize the benefits of General Aviation for their business activities? Especially since we pay our own way by the millions of dollars we already give to the government via existing aviation-related taxes, while creating 1.2 million jobs and contributing $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually, as we serve the needs of society. This is especially true with regard to such helicopter operations as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical transport, power line construction and repair, along with oil and gas production.”

Now, to be realistic, these threats will probably not actually come to pass as the calamitous results of fatal budget cuts. Even as this is being written, announcements have been made that the elected heroes of our sagging republic are going to hold last minute negotiations.  This meeting will basically conclude that “the other guy” is at fault for current circumstances and nothing will be done, with current economic problems simply being put off to another day. One and all will claim victory and the political establishment will congratulate itself on the brilliant nature of their negotiating skills. Once again, our highly paid and richly rewarded elected officials will not be able to do what thousands of volunteer management groups representing home owner associations, clubs, charitable organizations, business associations and hundreds of other entities, do every day as a matter of pure service to the community. A CEO faced with arguing departments that could not get the job done would simply fire key managers and start over. Clubs and home owner associations can hold special elections. But when it comes to our federal elected officials, it seems like nothing can be done, or that the majority of voters simply do not care. So, what can we do, at least to the extent of preserving our passion for flying privately owned aircraft?

The bottom line is, do not simply defend our passion with numbers and statistics, but strongly challenge the right of another, especially elected officials, to claim they have the mandate to determine if we “need” something. It is the seemingly political correctness for elected officials to determine our “needs” that is the real problem. The challenge we in aviation face is that we are being sold as a “they-don’t-need” group. Being classified as a “they-don’t-need” group does not mean your passion is taken away, but that it is taxed to the point of being too expensive to own. To be sure, nobody “needs” cigarettes, but the tax revenue provided by those addicted to smoking is a multi-billion dollar windfall for government. The question is, who is on the next list of “they-don’t-need” something? Is it those who drive low-mileage pick-up trucks, maybe recreational boats, perhaps horse owners? By dividing us up into categories, we can be pitted against each other until even those attending tail gate parties will be taxed due to the global warming involved in the process of barbecuing. No, it is not silly. History has all too many examples of this kind of governmental interference, the kind now being faced by the aviation community. So what is the “take away?” Start with local politicians and work up, letting them know how you feel. Current issues are now forcing State politicians to take a very close look at Federal authority. Take advantage of this review process. Stick up for other groups that are attacked as “they-don’t-need.” Join appropriate alphabet groups and local flying clubs. Most of all, know what is going on and participate in solutions.