COPA Rallies Fee Opposition

Although it might seem that most smaller aircraft don’t often depart from those busy airports anyway, COPA warns that it is the first step on a slippery slope. “It is clear from other countries where pay-as-you-go is in place that the impact on private aviation is severe and largely responsible for its decline,” COPA said in a statement last week. “COPA is committed to not let that happen here.” COPA says the new proposal would violate laws that mandate fees must not discourage pilots from flying safely and that charges for recreational and private aircraft must not be unreasonable. COPA says that rather than rate hikes, Nav Canada should be reducing the annual fee, considering the cuts in service that have already been made. Even more such cuts in service are coming, such as replacing contract weather services with AWOS. COPA said it is continuing to negotiate with Nav Canada to change the proposal, and is soliciting support from the pilot community. Pilots in Canada can send comments to Nav Canada until Feb. 10.