This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:50 pm

Interesting, thoughtful debate so far.

But, just a hunch, I bet the Airline CEOs don’t care anything about the funding of Foreign Policy.

unity

Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:58 pm

Maybe we can all get together at OSH and watch The Defender video. We seem to have unity on that, if nothing else.

Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:05 pm

If you guys would have me, I would love to join you all at OSH to see te Defender. It was one of the most interesting things I have ever seen.

Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:46 pm

Okay, I'll try to put a perspective on this; as best as a dumb ex-gyrene can.
What's the #1 most profitable area of a commercial airport's with scheduled airline operations? The parking garage and storage areas

#2 Second biggest moneymaker? leases paid by federal customers like the Air National Guard, Coast Guard, etc. You would be shocked how many commercial airports began as military bases, were eventually given to the nearest city by the Federal govt. and now the fed govt. is leasing space back at inflated rates.
#3 Next most profitable, taxation of jet fuel and avgas levied by the governing agency. Typically this also applies to a lucrative Guard or Reserve base contract on the field as well as everyone else.
#4 Property management- leases. Everything from the hangars and FBO's to the vendors, and off airport leases of property. Very few FBO's own their own buildings anymore.
#5 Shipping- You know that UPS or FEDEX terminal on the edge of the airport? ABout 80% of their activity isn't related to aviation in any way, they just got a sweetheart deal to entice the "BIG Name" to move their processing center on airport property.
#6 Land Redevelopment, FAR Part 77, land that 20 years ago had subdivisions has since been purchased(with federal AIP money) as incompatible for residential use. However it is okay for commercial use, like warehouses, car dealerships and hotels.
Somewhere way down the list , are the gate leases and other charges to the airlines and FBO's. The airlines get free deals in many cities to entice them to use their gates and add stops in their cities, particularly in the secondary markets.
Most airport authorities don't need them and would prefer to not have them so as to keep their "numbers up" for government funding eligibility.
I worked for a govt. contractor in aviation for about 10 years .

Re: S

Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:04 am

Bill Greenwood wrote:However, if people think it is fine for the govt to get young men and women killed and maimed in Iraq, but not for the govt to cure cancer, then I guess we are so far apart in our basic values, that it is hard to discuss.
The constitution specifically authorizes congress to declare war and to provide for the national defense. Whether or not the current altercation in Iraq qualifies is debatable naturally. The constitution does not however authorize spending to cure cancer or any other social schemes. Of course the constitution never stopped a politician from squandering money. The voters are the real check and balance but the majority has either gone AWOL or are on the dole.

Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:07 pm

The Constitution 1787
"provide for the common defense.. promote the general welfare"

The Constitution 2007
"Promote the common defense... provide general welfare"

Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:47 pm

oscardeuce wrote:The Constitution 1787
"provide for the common defense.. promote the general welfare"

The Constitution 2007
"Promote the common defense... provide general welfare"


Ummm...one could make the argument that Iraq is now the supreme welfare state. And guess who's footin the bill? That's right...the American taxpayer! :roll:

John

Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:57 pm

jpeters wrote:And guess who's footin the bill? That's right...the American taxpayer! :roll:
As if there are many of those left! :cry:

Now "they" want to increase the minimum wage, but then give tax breaks to businesses. Isn't that the same as the government giving money directly to the wage earners????? I think that is a ploy though. I'll bet the minimum wage increase passes but the tax break doesn't.

Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:03 pm

Don't worry Gov't health care is right around the corner. We all know how good that will be.
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