I think a lot of the problem stems from a fundamental difference in attitudes and philosophy between here and the US. In the US, Federal rather than state taxes fund the Air Traffic Services, as a result of the principle that the safety enjoyed by the public, be they ground or airborne, is in the interests of everybody. Aviation, light or heavy is rightly regarded as just another form of transportation. However, over here, the attitude is still full of stuffed shirt arrogance perhaps fuelled by, dare I say it, envy, and the NIMBY syndrome, which appears rife everywhere. So, All of us pilots, must pay for the services that we use, but which benefits all of society. Dont get me wrong, I am not advocating that we should not pay at all, just a fairer amount. I am happy to contribute in my taxes to the provisions of the Library (tax funded) and the Leisure Centre/Sports Hall (tax funded) even though I dont use them. Whats wrong with some state aid to assist airports. Do they all fail to see that GA brings benefits to all sectors of the community. Even the Tree-huggers and Bunny-kissers who are forever bleating on about wildlife would be pleased to know that it flourishes in Airside areas prohibited to the public. Oh well, we shall all reap the crop of our apathy I suppose.
Tailwinds
