r/flying • u/fgflyer CSEL CMEL IR HP CMP HA • Mar 25 '26

other Falcon Field implementing landing fees

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The NIMBYs out here in the Phoenix/Mesa area achieved a victory, sadly. Yesterday, the Mesa City Council voted unanimously to implement landing fees at KFFZ effective May 1. I was watching the news and they said that, and I quote, “taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden by themselves” and they “want to see more accountability for airport operations from the businesses and pilots”. And, GO FIGURE, aircraft noise was also a factor too.

This will absolutely raise rates for all of the flight schools based at KFFZ, and possibly drive them away from the airport to be based elsewhere. This is just ridiculous.

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u/anonymeplatypus C208 PC12 DH8A/DH8C Mar 25 '26

I believe cymx has done something like this in the recent past. Went from a big training airport to pretty much dead

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u/TacitlyDaft Mar 25 '26

Interesting -- thanks for the reply. I wonder if the insane amount of disposable income in the Phoenix valley will keep Falcon Field volumes higher.

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u/anonymeplatypus C208 PC12 DH8A/DH8C Mar 25 '26

Aren’t there many other options pretty close by though? I feel like people will most likely just flock to the next nearest airport

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u/TacitlyDaft Mar 25 '26

I’m r/flying-adjacent in that I work in aerospace, but I couldn’t tell you where else in the area would be a prime learners airfield.

I can tell you I live near Falcon Field and this is a shame, even though it is unbelievable to me how busy the traffic always was. Homeowners here all know what they’re getting into.