ATC
AOPA Objects to Possible Florida Airport Landing Fees
The automated fees could start appearing next month
Florida's Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Florida's Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) is one of a dozen in the state that are considering the implementation of automated landing fee billing technology, according to AOPA.

AOPA is warning general aviation aircraft operators of the prospect of new landing fees in Florida that could take effect as early as next month. Earlier this year, the state contracted with Virtower to collect aircraft movement data at airports throughout the state using ADS-B. Virtower has partnered with Vector Air Systems, a company that can use the Virtower data to provide automated invoicing—a capability it is actively marketing to airports in the state.

ADS-B was mandated in 2020 but it was never intended as a tool for collecting fees, according to AOPA. The group is considering legislative action against Vector's proposal, which is under consideration by several popular airports at a fee of $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight. AOPA questions the need for the fees to be collected at the public-use airports that already receive federal funds.

Loading…