Virginia bill would lower aircraft maintenance costs
An AOPA-backed bill to exempt parts and supplies used to repair or maintain aircraft from the state’s retail sales and use tax has passed the Virginia House of Delegates and will now be taken up by the state Senate.
Delegates voted 91-5 to approve Virginia House Bill 1738, which seeks to create "an exemption from the retail sales and use tax for parts and supplies used for maintaining, repairing, or reconditioning aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems.”
The advocacy effort helped bring the bill back to active status after it was tabled in a House finance subcommittee—eventually winning Finance Committee backing on the way to the favorable vote of the full House.
AOPA has emphasized in communications with lawmakers that Virginia’s tax structure places its aviation sector at a regional competitive disadvantage, pressing the case for a tax exemption at the Virginia Aviation/Aerospace Legislative Reception on Feb. 1. The association also worked to support aviation on the Capitol grounds with the Virginia Aviation Business Association, and have worked closely throughout the effort with the National Business Aviation Association.
“Passage of this legislation will help level the playing field for many of Virginia’s aviation businesses—especially repair and maintenance organizations," said Collins. “That in turn could support local airports and create jobs, all while saving members up to six percent of maintenance costs. That’s as much as $1,500 on a typical engine overhaul and/or $600 savings on new avionics.”
