Rep. Salazar defends GA, opposes FAA funding plan

During the House aviation subcommittee hearing on March 21, Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.) told members of the subcommittee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that the FAA's proposed avgas tax hike would significantly reduce general aviation activity in Colorado. "Today, the sale of general aviation fuel is down 23 percent across the state of Colorado," he explained. "Airport managers tell me this is directly tied to the price of fuel. Adding an additional 50 cents on top of the existing price could cripple general aviation." "Rep. Salazar is an important ally in this battle," said AOPA President Phil Boyer, "and we're pleased that he's voicing the concerns of GA pilots, aircraft owners, and airport managers in Colorado."

March 23, 2007