The Senate Highway and Transportation Committee convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at addressing parking fees for light aircraft at public airports in Montana. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including pilots and proponents of the bill, who highlighted the challenges faced by private pilots when landing at airports.

The discussion began with a pilot sharing his extensive background in aviation, emphasizing the disparity between stopping for a break while driving a car and the limited options available for pilots flying small aircraft. He illustrated this point by comparing the ease of accessing rest stops on highways to the high fees charged at airports for brief stops. The pilot recounted an incident where a private operator was charged $325 for a quick drop-off at an airport, prompting concerns about the fairness of such fees at publicly funded facilities.

The proposed legislation seeks to allow light aircraft, defined as those weighing 9,000 pounds or less and operating under general aviation rules, to park at public airports for up to one hour without incurring charges. Initially, the bill proposed a three-day grace period, but this was reduced to one hour during discussions. The pilot argued that this timeframe is insufficient for even basic needs, such as purchasing refreshments.

Proponents of the bill, including pilot Jack Galt, echoed these sentiments, sharing personal experiences of being charged exorbitant fees for minimal time spent on airport ramps. Galt pointed out that pilots already contribute to airport funding through taxes and fuel sales, and they should not be subjected to additional landing fees for using publicly funded facilities.

The committee heard arguments emphasizing the need for fair access to airport facilities for private pilots, who contribute to the funding of these airports through taxes. The discussion concluded with a call for further consideration of the bill, as stakeholders expressed the need for a more reasonable approach to parking fees at public airports.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate about the accessibility of airport facilities for private pilots and the financial implications of current fee structures. The committee is expected to continue deliberating on the proposed legislation in future sessions.