FAA Wants EAA To Pay Them To Staff Oshkosh l

[Jim Rosenow]

I haven't seen anyone yet address the legal basis that allows FAA to unilaterally begin charging the additional fees they are asking from EAA. I think it's a valid question that was asked earlier. I ask it again...could someone more knowledgeable than I address it?

From the FAA web site (http://www.faa.gov/about/safety_efficiency/)....
"Under the broad umbrella of safety and efficiency, we have several major roles:

• Regulating civil aviation to promote safety
• Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology
• Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft
• Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics
• Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation
• Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation"

My personal opinion is that bullet point 2 would certainly include financially supporting the gathering of a few thousand of the brightest and most innovative folks in the general aviation arena.

Another curiosity question...Will the several thousand square foot building that houses the FAA multi-media self-promotion dog-and-pony show (and the accompanying staff) also be empty this year? That would permit significant savings for the FAA.

Jim