STOP LANDING FEES at Falcon Field (FFZ)

Protect Our Airport. Protect Our History. Protect Our Future.

To: City of Mesa, Falcon Field Administration, and Elected Officials

We, the aviation community and residents of the surrounding Mesa area, stand united in strong opposition to the proposed landing fees at Falcon Field Airport (FFZ).

Falcon Field is more than just an airport — it is a federally funded, tax-supported public-use airport built on the foundation of American aviation history. Since its creation in 1941, Falcon Field has served as a vital training center for military and civilian pilots. Originally built to train pilots for World War II, Falcon Field continues that mission today by educating and preparing aviators who go on to serve our nation, our airlines, our aerospace companies, and our communities.

Why This Matters

Falcon Field is a cornerstone of Mesa’s identity. It provides:
    •    Hundreds of local jobs in aviation, maintenance, education, hospitality, and supporting industries providing a good tax base for the City.
    •    Economic growth through its flight schools, businesses, charter operations, and aviation organizations
    •    Generational pathways for young people, aviation enthusiasts, and future pilots
    •    Global impact, with students and pilots coming from around the world to train here
    •    A home for general aviation, including local family-owned flight schools, veteran aviators, EAA members, warbird operators, non-profit youth aviation organizations, and the diverse pilots who make Falcon Field thrive

The City of Mesa’s proposal to implement landing fees is a direct threat to the accessibility and affordability of this historic airport. Landing fees do NOT improve the community — they limit it. They would:
    •    Push away aviation businesses and economic opportunities
    •    Discourage general aviation use
    •    Burden those who already pay taxes that support this airport
    •    Create long-term harm to the general aviation community to an airport that has thrived without landing fees for over 80 years

A Public Airport Should Remain Publicly Accessible

Falcon Field is federally funded and taxpayer supported. Implementing landing fees is harmful and counterproductive to the airport’s mission. It places financial pressure on the very people who keep this airport alive: students, instructors, aviation families, local businesses, and visiting pilots.

Our Goal

We, the signers of this petition, demand that Falcon Field Airport and the City of Mesa reject the implementation of landing fees and preserve the accessibility, economic vitality, and historical significance of this airport.

Falcon Field has been training pilots for more than 80 years. Let’s ensure it continues training pilots for 80 more.

SIGN THIS PETITION to protect Falcon Field (FFZ) and stand with the aviation community.

Our Call to Action

We are urging the City of Mesa to immediately halt the proposed February 9 implementation of landing fees at Falcon Field. These fees threaten the foundation of our aviation community and place an unnecessary financial burden on the students, pilots, businesses, and operators who keep this airport thriving.

Before any new fees are pushed forward, the City must hire an independent, third-party economic impact firm to conduct a comprehensive study. Falcon Field contributes millions of dollars in economic activity to Mesa and the surrounding region. This impact should be measured professionally, transparently, and without bias. Only then can the community and its leaders fully understand how essential Falcon Field is to local commerce, aviation training, technical jobs, youth programs, tourism, and long-term economic development.

We are calling on the City of Mesa to begin reinvesting a portion of Falcon Field’s proven economic impact back into the airport itself, rather than placing additional financial pressure on the very users who create that impact. The pilots, flight schools, mechanics, tenants, visiting aircraft, and businesses at Falcon Field already serve as the economic engine that drives growth for the surrounding neighborhoods and the broader community.

General aviation has always lifted Mesa’s economy—it should not be punished for it.

By signing this petition, you are standing with us to protect Falcon Field, support aviation education and careers, and ensure that decisions about our airport are made responsibly, transparently, and with the full community in mind.

History depends on us. The future depends on us. The community depends on us.