Greg Farris wrote:

Not really. If overall costs go up, people fly fewer hours, and are
rustier when they do fly.

mmmmm..... Not so convincing.That would have to be demonstrated.
I do think the intial argument is convincing - if pilots are charged money
for a briefing, then many will launch without it. Same for VFR flight
following. That's a good argument against such a system - however the
solution is just as simple as has been suggested here - charge for it even if
it isn't specifically used!!

Greg, how will they charge for something even if not used? Take my
normal flying. On cross countries I use flight following but no
flight plan. If I don't use flight following how do they charge for
it unless it is landing fee based or similar? Seems that the fuel
tax does the same thing already at perhaps a lower collection cost as
mentioned by others.

Ron Lee