A Dallas-based pilots association is assembling a general aviation landing fee task force with the hopes of becoming engaged in the process of setting fees at Dallas Love Field (DAL) in Texas. That group, the Love Field Pilots Association, asked the city to confirm it would hold off on the planned landing fees at the airport until the task force has the opportunity to provide consultation.

The city of Dallas in late April authorized the assessment of general aviation landing fees at DAL, citing a need to raise additional funds for maintenance of the airfield, as well as a need for general aviation to "pay its fair share." As originally conceived, the initial fees could go into effect at the beginning of July at a rate of $5.80 per 1,000 pounds, more than twice the $2.20 rate paid by airliners. These fees would be in addition to fuel taxes.

But the Love Field Pilots Association protested the imposition of the GA landing fees, saying they were devised in consultation with airlines but not general aviation itself and the result was “flawed and unfair.” After discussing the fees with the GA community, city officials were willing to delay implementation until they could provide more clarity.

The Love Field Pilots Association expressed a willingness to participate in consultation, telling city officials it planned a 10- to 15-member task force representing a range of GA stakeholders at the airport. It cited benefits of being able to tap into the expertise of the group in a “fair and balanced manner” adding,“assuming the department utilized that input and the parties can arrive a structure that is in fact fair and balanced to the GA community, the task force can then become a voice of assurance to our community that their concerns were heard and actually utilized by the department.”

At the same time, the organization asked city and airport officials in a recent letter to confirm that the original proposed landing fees will not be implemented until the consultation process can take place.