Michigan airport drops landing fees for light aircraft, opts for ramp-based charges instead

Manistee County/Blacker Airport in northern Michigan has dropped its recently introduced landing fees for light general aviation aircraft, replacing them with charges tied to ramp parking and landside facility access instead.

The Manistee Blacker Airport Authority approved the change on 12 October, allowing aircraft to land and depart without incurring fees if they do not use ramp or ground facilities. The shift resolves a dispute over how the airport funds its operations and who should bear those costs.

Original fee structure

According to AVweb, the airport's original policy was approved in August 2026. It established weight-based landing fees starting at $10 for aircraft under 6,000 pounds and rising to $30 for aircraft weighing between 6,000 and 12,500 pounds, with larger aircraft incurring higher fees. Annual increases were scheduled through 2031, and fees were initially set to begin on 1 October.

AOPA challenged the original charges and requested information about the airport's cost calculations. The organisation questioned whether the fees appropriately reflected the true expenses associated with lighter aircraft and suggested that charges for ramp or facility use would be more appropriate. Airport officials had defended the fee structure, citing increasing local investment and the need for airport users to contribute to operating costs.

Revised approach

Under the revised schedule, the airport will continue collecting fees from operators who park on its ramp and use landside access. The change distinguishes those operations from aircraft that use the airport for takeoffs and landings without accessing ground facilities. Orchard Beach Aviation provides FBO services at the airport.

Airport Director Miles Weaver said in comments published by AOPA that "the airport authority and staff do want to thank everyone who provided productive feedback and to AOPA for their insight and perspective."

Under FAA policy, federally obligated airports may collect reasonable charges from aeronautical users but must comply with requirements governing fairness and nondiscrimination. It is unclear from available reporting whether Manistee County/Blacker Airport is federally obligated or how the revised fee structure will affect the airport's revenue projections.