In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding proposed landing fees at DeLand Municipal Airport, with multiple stakeholders arguing that the fees could disproportionately impact flight training and aviation education.

Several speakers, including flight instructors and airport users, expressed their apprehension that the fees would act as a tax on students and hinder the growth of aviation interest in the community. Michael Galluzzi, an advanced air mobility researcher, emphasized the lack of empirical data justifying the fee structure and suggested that the commission delay the vote to allow for further community input. He pointed out that a similar initiative at New Smyrna Beach was deemed unfeasible due to high collection costs and potential negative impacts on airport operations.

Sean Clavey, a local pilot, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the fees would deter students from pursuing flight training, as the costs could escalate significantly with multiple landings required during lessons. He also highlighted that many users were unaware of the proposed fees, suggesting a lack of transparency in the process.

Joseph Clark, a long-time flight instructor, warned that imposing such fees could lead to a decline in aviation interest, exacerbating the existing pilot shortage. He recalled a previous instance where a similar fee structure led to federal intervention, resulting in the loss of grant funding for the airport.

Eric Effinger raised concerns about the resolution's compliance with FAA policies, noting that the proposed fee structure lacked clarity on how the funds would be utilized and could potentially discriminate against certain user groups, particularly flight schools. He argued that the exemptions outlined in the proposal seemed to target outside training activities while favoring based aircraft.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between the need for airport revenue and the potential consequences of imposing fees that could stifle local aviation activities. Stakeholders urged the commission to reconsider the proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessibility for aspiring pilots and the broader aviation community.