[1][2] The act was meant to fill funding gaps in the airport and airway system, which had become inadequate due to the rapid growth of aviation.

"[2] The fund was authorized to pay for these improvements using $280-million-a-year grants over a five-year period.

[2] It is believed that this user fee system would be advantageous compared to a flat tax, because it provided a predictable level of funding, allowed for the trust to plan far ahead, and assured fees meant for aviation related improvements would not be divided amongst unrelated fields.

The 1976 legislation was signed into law by President Gerald Ford in order to "make possible the continuing modernization of our airways, airports, and related facilities in communities throughout the 50 States.

"[3] Ford stated these amendments would combat inflation and referred to the system as creating a "'pay-as-you-fly' program".