A heated debate unfolded during the Montana Senate Highway and Transportation Committee meeting on March 28, 2025, as lawmakers discussed House Bill 731, which aims to eliminate landing fees for small aircraft weighing under 9,000 pounds. Proponents, including pilots and members of the Montana Pilots Association, argued that the bill is essential to protect local aviators from monopolistic fees imposed by Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at airports.

Tim Robertson, a pilot and president of the Montana Pilots Association, emphasized that while airports may not charge landing fees, FBOs often impose hefty fees for services like fuel and ramp access, which can reach up to $325 in places like Bozeman. He argued that these fees effectively shut out small aircraft operators, forcing them to pay tolls to access their own airports. "This bill is about making sure local Montanans... are not subject to monopolistic fees," Robertson stated, highlighting the bill's intent to restore fair access to public airports.

Opponents of the bill, including airport managers and representatives from the Montana Airport Managers Association, voiced strong concerns. They argued that the bill undermines the financial sustainability of airports, which rely on user fees to operate and maintain infrastructure. Ross Marty, assistant director of the Helena Airport, pointed out that airports are funded primarily through federal grants and user fees, and restricting their ability to charge fees could lead to significant revenue shortfalls. "This bill would create concessions for one group at the cost of every other aviation group using our airports," he warned.

The discussion revealed a deep divide between the interests of small aircraft operators and the operational realities of airport management. While proponents of the bill see it as a necessary measure to protect local pilots, opponents argue it could jeopardize the financial health of airports across Montana. As the committee deliberates, the outcome of House Bill 731 could reshape the landscape of aviation fees in the state, with implications for both small aircraft operators and airport funding.