ALL AIRCRAFT operators flying in US airspace after 19 May must pay a user fee for aviation services, regardless of whether they take off or land in the USA.
The fees, to be assessed against commercial and general-aviation aircraft, were authorised by the US Congress in 1996. The US Federal Aviation Administration says that the rules are consistent with international practices and should produce an estimated $90 million in revenue during fiscal year 1998.
The tax will be based on distance flown through US-controlled airspace, but will not apply to US Government-owned aircraft. Piston-powered general-aviation aircraft will not be charged a fee for overflights of less than 460km (250nm).
The levy will vary according to aircraft type. The bill for commercial aircraft flying in US-controlled oceanic airspace, for example, will be $69.50 per 185km. The FAA will charge users monthly.
Source: Flight International
