The Inspector General of the DOT says that as long as Congress continues to mandate funding the FAA out of general tax funds, aviation taxes can fully pay for ATC modernization efforts. AOPA believes this position is “verification from the federal government” of its financial analysis of the FAA’s current funding structure. “The analysis determined that the current system could provide some $20 billion over the next five years to pay for the next-generation ATC system,” AOPA said. “There is no need to shift to a system that starts us down the road toward privatizing an inherently governmental function.” The association is referring to the FAA’s proposed user fee plan. AOPA added, “Airlines will pay fees to talk to ATC; general aviation will pay to access ’congested airspace’; airframe manufacturers will pay higher fees to certify their aircraft; and all pilots will pay much more for medical and pilot certificates.”