The Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) and NBAA galvanized a broad coalition of stakeholders – including other allied associations, local business owners and representatives from across the business aviation community – to make our united voices heard and win repeal of an unduly burdensome tax on most general aviation aircraft in Washington state.
The repealed measure, SB 5801, which was enacted last year and set to take effect April 1, would have established an onerous 10% tax on the purchase of new and existing aircraft valued at more than $500,000.
The new law, House Bill 2711, signed March 31, replaces that tax with a 7-cent per gallon increase to the state’s aviation fuel tax and a moderate increase to aircraft registration fees.
“The success in halting the original aircraft tax is a win for job creation, local investment and economic opportunity.”
Phil Derner NBAA Regional Director
“The success in halting the original aircraft tax is a win for job creation, local investment and economic opportunity,” said NBAA Regional Director Phil Derner. “The measure represents the views of a wide range of stakeholders and ensures our seat at the table as a crucial industry partner in the state of Washington.”
General aviation plays a critical role in serving citizens, companies and communities in the Evergreen State. Of the 140 airports in Washington, only a handful have regular airline service; the remainder are primarily used by general aviation aircraft for business transportation, civic services, humanitarian missions and other essential flight operations.
Those and other activities directly benefit the state’s economy. According to a 2020 Washington Aviation Economic Impact Study, aviation supports more than 407,000 jobs and a payroll exceeding $26.8 billion, generating more than $107 billion in annual business revenue.
“The original tax would have punished the ownership and use of a valuable asset,” said Dr. Ed Schweitzer, founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) headquartered in Pullman, WA. “Many aircraft owners, operators, airports and businesses met with legislators to explain the impact, and we are relieved that legislators fully considered the impact of the tax and repealed it.”
While the repeal of SB 5801 was the coalition’s initial goal, Derner emphasized the group will continue to monitor other legislative proposals in Washington that could have implications for general aviation.
Finally, Derner stressed that NBAA’s regional groups will continue to keep the aviation community informed and engaged to ensure that this essential American industry can thrive in every state across the country.
Review NBAA information on regional groups and issues at nbaa.org/regional.
GBAA Scores Advocacy Win at Georgia State Capitol
Advocacy is essential in supporting NBAA’s network of local and regional groups and influencing key policies that help the industry. When stakeholders bring their voices directly to lawmakers, they leverage their real-world experience to inform decisions before they’re made.
In January, the Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) successfully demonstrated this by hosting an advocacy day at the Georgia State Capitol. “The single most important thing you can do to help have a successful day at the capitol is to build your team properly,” said GBAA Board Member Chandler Brown. “Having the right people on your team will be the key to success.”
Majority Caucus Whip, State Representative House District 176 James Burchett attended the event. “While airports and airlines have long had a voice at the Capitol, business aviation has distinct challenges, and this year’s Georgia Business Aviation Day at the Capitol helped to ensure those issues were heard and they can begin to be understood,” Burchett said.
“These events are critical for connecting regional group members with lawmakers so they can learn more about the immensely positive impact of business aviation,” said NBAA Regional Director Kristi Ivey.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.