Story ID: 
Mesa Ponders Adding Falcon Field Landing Fees
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Measure is positioned as a means of airport self sufficiency
Word Count: 212
Stakeholders at Arizona’s Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ) in Mesa are up in arms about the airport’s proposal to implement landing fees for the first time, as well as hike costs for hangar space. The measure—which will come up for a vote by the Mesa city council on February 9—is being introduced as a means to ensure KFFZ’s self-sustainability through revenues collected by airport tenants. According to the council, city general funds may not be used to operate, maintain, or improve the airport. 
Under the newly-released schedule, based aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds would be charged nearly $30 per landing (with five free per month), while those of more than 6,000 pounds would be assessed $5.50 per 1,000 pounds per landing (also with five free landings per month). For small transient aircraft, landings would cost $33.95 per landing, while those weighing more than 6,000 pounds. would be charged $6.50 per 1,000 pounds.
Monthly hangar rental fees would also see a rise, along with hangar security deposits. Airport management believes the fees combined would generate approximately $3.5 million in additional revenue to offset increased operating costs. The airport is in the midst of a series of virtual information sessions on the measure, with the last sessions scheduled for January 7, 8, 12, and 14.