Proudprivate
The source of funding is another debate. A good socialist would of course say the national health should be funded by everyone, even if some prefer to pay for a private service. Doubtless a good right wing conservative would prefer an American style system where the user pays according to their ability and need. When it comes to aviation, as an individual of course I would like everyone to help me pay the cost, but in reality I cant convince myself that any component of aviation should be funded by our society - those that "use" aviation should meet the cost.
You can convince the man in the street that he should contibute to the next man who was unlucky enough to need heart surgery (not least because it could be him next) but can you convince him that he should subsidise my licence or my C of A?
Regrettably I think the "industry" must meet the costs of regulation. I am never the less grateful for whatever subsidies are going, and if the argument is these are in part hypothicated from duty on fuel or taxes on the cost of a ticket that suites me just fine. Would I like to move to a system of wholly indirect tax; well in so far as GA is concerned I am not so sure.
I believe in regulation, but of course I dont want to see over regulation, which is exactly what we have at the moment.
When it comes to GA I believe GA should receive some beneift for the duty paid on fuel.
When it comes to N reg I believe if you base an N reg aircraft in Europe you should pay the equivalent fees to EASA that would be payable by a G reg aircraft and their crew. Beyond that I believe you should be able to excercise your FAA licence priviliges without further ado.