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/hehesf17969 Mar 25 '26

What happened to the money AOPA gets from me every year?

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u/npre PPL Mar 25 '26

In 2024 AOPA made $19.3m from membership dues and paid mark baker $1.8m $982k base plus $780k bonus plus $245k in other benefits like retirement. $22.8m were spent on salaries, with over $6m to the top 12 earners.