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Proposed Tax Increase Irks Private Jet Owners

A proposal to cut federal taxes paid by Continental and American airlines, has upset small jet operators. Not only do they share the sky but they will also inherit the $168 billion taxes that President George Bush is proposing to cut off larger passenger carriers.

Representative John Mica, a Florida Republican said, “I don’t walk, breath or move without being assaulted by very strong opinions on the subject”.  He is of course on the House Transportation Committee.

As in stands at the moment a full Boeing 757-200 that flies between New York and Florida, pays the government $2,015 per trip. Now a General Dynamics Gulfstream jet travels the exact same route. They receive the same information from air traffic control. They presently pay $236. If Bush gets his way, the Boeings will pay $1,298 and Gulfstream jets to pay $837 per trip.

James May of the Air Transport Association says “We absolutely have been overpaying. “Our passengers should not be forced to subsidize corporate aircraft.”

Ed Bolen said, “Should Bush’s proposal become law the impact is going to be significant on small owners and operators of small jets. Bolen is the chief executive of the National Business Aviation Association. He then added, “A significant portion of small aircraft users would cut back or even stop flying.”

It seems that everyone is getting ready for a showdown on this one. Rol Murrow of Air Care Alliance speaks for people who do mercy flights. The sick people that get these free flights on jets are going to be fewer; mainly because there would be less people around to donate free flights.

This plan of Bush’s has created a raging war in Congress. The rural communities rely on these small air carrier companies. Lawmakers are being swamped with letters and calls.