content: 'private pilots get a free ride'  ...you seem to be using the same confused terminology as our media which do not understand the meaning of the term 'general aviation' and equate it to 'private pilots in small aircraft'....;    Anyway,   if I understand what you are saying,  small aircraft - let's narrow it down to piston aircraft - most definitely  do not enjoy anything like a free ride;  have you paid for avgas recently?.. felt the pain?  this is mostly taxes.