Far-reaching impacts
The critical role of general aviation
By Jim Coon
Across the United States and much of the world, small airports are the lifeblood of communities—supporting local economies and providing vital services that often go unnoticed.
Yet many of these airports depend on general aviation to survive. Without it, the economic, social, and emergency support systems they provide would quickly erode. AOPA works to build relationships with airport managers to foster cooperation, understanding, and positive communication. We prefer to work together with airports for the betterment of GA. But like in any relationship, there are differences in opinion from time to time.
No other organization supports our nation’s airports, especially small GA airports, more than AOPA. Our seasoned Airports and State Advocacy team and Airport Support Network, made up of more than 2,300 AOPA volunteers around the country, work with airport managers and communities every day. But the system only works when it’s fair and balanced, and at some airports, that balance is missing.
Last year, Congress, with support from AOPA, raised airport construction funding to $4 billion annually, up from $3.35 billion. The majority of this growth is allocated to GA airports that do not offer commercial airline service. These funds support runways, ramps, lighting, and other projects vital to airport safety. Since the inception of the federal airport improvement program, more than $90 billion in grants have been allocated to airports throughout the United States. And Congress provided airports with a one-time $15 billion infusion for airport projects just a few years ago. In addition, public-use airports are also eligible for state project funding to ensure safe operations.
A growing number of airports have begun using ADS-B data to collect landing fees from pilots to cover operational expenses such as salaries, benefits, insurance, and ground maintenance. While airport managers may experience budget constraints imposed by local government authorities, the utilization of ADS-B data raises concerns regarding both safety and privacy. And this is why legislation has been introduced in Congress to stop this practice. ADS-B is meant to be used as an airspace safety and efficiency tool and should not be used for airport economics. AOPA will contact you soon about advocating for legislation against ADS-B fee collection.
Airports are vital for communities to attract businesses; create jobs; provide medical transport, law enforcement, and disaster relief services. From recreational flyers to business owners who need to reach clients in rural areas, these aviators bring consistent use, fuel purchases, maintenance needs, and employment opportunities that keep small airports active and financially stable. Let us collaborate to develop solutions that support airports without imposing excessive or additional charges on pilots.
GA operations also play a crucial role in training the next generation of aviators. Most commercial pilots begin their careers at small airports. Flight schools and independent instructors depend on a steady flow of student pilots, and those students rely on local airports with affordable access and good infrastructure.
Public misunderstanding about the value of GA can lead to funding cuts or resistance to airport preservation. Together, we must face this challenge through education, especially at the local level. Supporting GA operations through fair policies, infrastructure investment, and community engagement ensures airports remain open and active. And, for the record, most airports across the country understand and support the public-use concept upon which our nation’s aviation system is based—they are fair and reasonable and see the value in working to grow their operations.
On the other hand, a growing number of airports are imposing more fees on GA pilots. This, in my view, is not a good long-term strategy; just ask those who fly in other countries where GA has been devastated. Airports can impose fees but those that receive federal funding are required by the FAA to ensure all fees are fair and reasonable. Several airports allow for the imposition of egregious FBO fees, landing fees being collected using ADS-B data, and impose significant increases in hangar rates. We strongly believe the FAA must enforce its own rules to rebalance the equation.
GA may not always make headlines, but its impact is far-reaching. Every takeoff from a small-town runway represents more than just a pilot’s passion; it represents freedom and innovation—something we should be proud of. 
Jim Coon spent 25 years on Capitol Hill in several senior staff positions, including staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
