Peter Duniho wrote:

I don't see why user fees are a foregone conclusion. There's a strong
argument that the aviation infrastructure is simply part of the national
transportation system, just as public roads are, and should be primarily
funded from the public tax base.


A large chunk of the aviation infrastructure is already funded by user
fees, aka ticket taxes. The airlines' argument is their customers pay
this user fee, but private and corporate jets do not. These private
jets compete with the airliners for space in the jetways.

I don't think the airlines really give a hoot about piston aircraft, since
we are fairly well segregated from the airliners. They care most about
the private jets that directly compete with the airliners for slots
on the jetways and airport approaches and departures.