ATC services for nothing in Metro Class D? Closer to the truth than you think. How much do you think it costs to provide JUST ATC services at Bankstown or Moorabbin? I would suggest in the vicinity of 3-4 $million apiece! This includes wages, rec leave, LSL, sick leave & super. Then there's costs of training, tower maintenance etc.,..... and so the costs mount up. Av charges for these places are $14.70 x deemed MTOW (or per tonne). Some companies pay an annual fixed rate but the revenue received does not cover costs. GA is heavily crossed subsidised!
And, No, transiting aircraft are not charged a fee. There is no provision on
current ATC movement strips or traffic sheets to include transiting aircraft for the purpose of Avcharges.