NATA News

The notice states that there will be five meetings, all in the month of January, that will take place at major metropolitan areas. The specific dates, times and locations for these meetings follow:

• January 6, 2009 – Westchester County Airport (HPN), Building 1 Airport Road, White Plains, NY 10604

• January 8, 2009 – Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta Airport, One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354

• January 16, 2009 – Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center, 5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

• January 23, 2009 – Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

• January 28, 2009 – Conference Center, Hilton Houston Hotel—North Greenspoint, 12400 Greenspoint Drive, Houston, TX

All meetings will start at 9:00 a.m. local time with registration commencing at 8:00 a.m.

A complete copy of the Federal Register notice can be viewed by clicking here.

The association appreciates TSA efforts in coordinating these important meetings and strongly encourages all of its members to participate. These meetings will be on a first-come-first-served basis, so members are encouraged to arrive at 8:00 a.m. or earlier to ensure that their voices can be heard.

To view NATA’s Large Aircraft Security Program Issue Web Page, complete with the association’s initial analysis and press release along with a copy of the proposed rule and many other supporting documents, please click here.

For additional information, please contact Eric Byer.

LaHood, a moderate Republican, served as the longtime chief of staff to former House Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-IL) before winning the seat in his own right upon Michel's retirement in 1994. LaHood served on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from 1995 to 2000. While a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, LaHood was an advocate of improving local airports in Illinois by working with the community and local officials to increase air service and secure funds for new construction and expansion of airports. From 2001 to the present, LaHood served on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. LaHood is the second Republican to join the President-elect’s Cabinet.

To view NATA’s press release, please click here.

A complete biography on Congressman LaHood can be viewed by clicking here.

Congress drafted legislation earlier this month to provide loans for the automakers that included language mandating aircraft divestment and prohibiting future aircraft ownership or leasing. The legislation, despite having bipartisan support, was unable to pass the U.S. Senate. However, the terms of the loan released by the U.S. Treasury includes similar language that states, “Each party shall demonstrate that it has taken all reasonable steps to divest itself of aircraft or aircraft interest and shall not acquire or lease any such aircraft or interest in such aircraft.”

The terms of the loans can be viewed here.

The SD states, “The airport operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected. The airport operator must disseminate this information to senior management personnel, authorized airport operator representatives, and supervisory security personnel at affected locations. All airport operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the airport operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination.”

To view a complete copy of the Aviation Security Directive Advisory, please click here.

NATA members with facilities at Part 1542 airports are strongly encouraged to contact their local airport and TSA officials to learn more about this new Security Directive.

For more information, please contact Eric R. Byer.

The ARB was established to work with the public, the business sector and local governments to find solutions to California’s air pollution problems. Specifically, ARB is responsible for maintaining healthy air quality, conducting research into the causes of and solutions to air pollution, and systematically attacking the serious problems caused by motor vehicles, which are the major causes of air pollution in the state.

The ARB has taken measures to reduce emissions from automobiles and trucks in the state and recently announced a stricter focus on off-road vehicles and equipment which includes GSE at airports. This group, referred to as Off-Road Large Spark-Ignition (LSI) Equipment, is intended for gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fueled vehicles and equipment. Diesel-fueled vehicles are also regulated, but under a separate rule. The off-road engines covered under this rule only include engines that are greater than 25 horsepower, but this will likely include almost all GSE.

For more information and how to act, please click here.

Shortly after NATA sent this notice to members, ARB posted a program advisory to the Off-Road LSI Equipment Web site.

The advisory states that ARB will allow operators of airport GSE to exclude gasoline-fueled GSE from the non-forklift fleet average calculation for determining compliance with the January 1, 2009 fleet average emission level standard.

The ARB has also posted a link to the amendments that were adopted at its November 21, 2008 hearing for new LSI engines of one liter or less. These amendments include more stringent exhaust emission standards and evaporative emission standards.

To see the program advisory and amendments, please click here.

The impact of inadequate infrastructure could prove more costly than investment in infrastructure. A significant increase in air traffic congestion is one factor felt by most of the traveling public. In 2007, 1.8 million flights were delayed, the highest number reported by the Department of Transportation. If infrastructure improvements aren’t made by 2014, flight delays will increase by 62% and cost approximately $170 billion.

It is important that NATA members reach out to their Members of Congress in support of aviation infrastructure funding.

To learn how, click here to view the Action Call.

To view a copy of the NATA letter, click here.

• Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations and the new parts that will take effect in 2009
• Storm Water Permitting and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
• Waste Issues (hazardous waste, universal waste, waste oil and waste fuel)
• Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Benefits to participants of the seminar include:

• Increase awareness of all applicable regulations
• Ensure compliance with new environmental mandates
• Avoid costly errors and negative press
• Discuss best management practices
• Review procedures, equipment and requirements
• Receive a training certificate

The seminar presenter is George S. Gamble of 2G Environmental, LLC. Gamble, a professional engineer since 1992, has a wealth of corporate experience in the chemical industry as well as the environmental consulting industry. In January 2004, Gamble formed 2G Environmental, LLC with a focus on the EPA Regulations for Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures.

Gamble has prepared SPCC plans or related projects for over 100 aviation facilities ranging from FBOs to corporate aviation facilities. Other aviation activities include environmental training, environmental due diligence, storm water permitting, Storm Water Pollution Prevention plans, OSHA compliance and recordkeeping, and other environmental consulting.

In addition to his extensive aviation experience, Gamble has also prepared SPCC plans for several trucking/transportation facilities, warehouse facilities, retail facilities, and industrial facilities across the Southeast.

"The NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities is a great opportunity for our members to learn the latest environmental compliance issues affecting their business," stated NATA President James K. Coyne. "When we ask our members about concerns they have with their daily operations, environmental compliance is always an issue that they want to learn more about to ensure that their organization is doing all it can to protect the environment."

Interested parties may obtain more information about the NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities, including how to register, by clicking here.

Keystone Aviation was established in 1985 and began providing aircraft charter service at OXC in 1986 where it continues to provide these services today. In 1989, Key Air was established to expand the company’s aircraft charter services department and grow its aircraft management services department. At the same time, Keystone Aviation began to focus solely on the provision of traditional FBO products, services, and facilities at OXC.

When Keystone Aviation was founded, the company operated from a 12,000 square foot hangar at OXC. Keystone Aviation and Key Air have both grown since inception. Recently, Keystone Aviation completed construction on the largest freestanding corporate aviation hangar facility in the New York Area. Today, the two companies employ more than 115 employees (on a collective basis).

Keystone Aviation’s products and services encompass aircraft fueling, ground handling, passenger and crew services, and real estate at OXC. Fuel and line services are provided to based and transient aircraft. Line services include aircraft ground power, engine start, interior cleaning, washing, lavatory service, loading and unloading, and towing.

Key Air’s products and services include aircraft management (scheduling and/or operational support) and aircraft charter (at all three locations) as well as aircraft maintenance and FBO services at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) and the St. Lucie County International Airport (FRP). Key Air provides aircraft management and charter services to major corporations and private individuals located throughout the United States.

Key Air began maintaining Hawkers and Gulfstreams over 22 years ago. In addition to maintaining managed aircraft, Key Air provides maintenance services to transient aircraft. The company’s maintenance department is well known throughout the industry for its work on Hawker and Gulfstream aircraft. Company personnel were recently qualified to work on the Falcon and Bombardier aircraft lines as well.

Keystone Aviation has over 200,000 square feet of hangar space and 73,000 square feet of offices and shop space at OXC. The company is currently planning to renovate its FBO facilities, including expansion of its executive terminal building and ground service equipment facilities. These renovations are expected to be completed in early 2009. OXC has a single runway (Runway 18/36 which is 5,800 feet by 100 feet wide) and is served by a precision approach.

On March 18, 2008, Key Air announced the development of a new FBO at ANE, which is located in the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metropolitan area. Key Air Twin Cities invested over $20 million in new facilities at this location, including a new executive terminal building and business center and over 80,000 square feet of new hangar space.

It is anticipated that the company’s new FBO at ANE will provide a viable alternative to the general aviation segment of the industry and help relieve congestion at the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP). ANE has two runways (Runway 09/27 which is 5,000 feet long by 100 feet wide and Runway 18/36 which is 4,855 feet long by 100 feet wide) and is served by a precision approach.

Key Air announced the opening of its third FBO on May 23, 2008, at FPR, which is located in Ft. Pierce, Florida. At this location, Key Air Treasure Coast FBO facilities consist of an executive terminal, business center, full service maintenance and repair center, paint and interior facility, and over 90,000 square feet of hangar space. FPR is a designated general aviation reliever airport for the commercial service airports located in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Palm Beach areas. In addition, FPR is designated as a port of entry into the United States and United States Customs and Border Protection is located at the airport. FPR has two runways (Runway 09/27 which is 6,492 feet by 150 feet wide and Runway 14/32 which is 4,755 feet long by 100 feet wide) and is served by a precision approach.

The company’s President and CEO, Brad Kost, who’s a native of Oxford, Connecticut, was hired by the company in 2005. Kost is a “New Englander” at heart and believes the company is well positioned for future success. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1990 and worked for American Beechcraft, Signature Flight Support, and Galaxy Aviation prior to joining Keystone Aviation and Key Air.

Key Air has received many awards including, NATA’s Safety 1st award, the United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Diamond Award, the Wyvern Wingman recommended vendor award, and platinum status with Aviation Research Ground. In June 2007, Keystone Aviation hosted the Porsche Business Aircraft & Jet Preview.

Currently, Key Air has a charter fleet of 14 jet aircraft ranging from a Learjet 45XR to a Gulfstream V. Additionally, Key Air presently manages more than 20 aircraft. Key Air also offers its Key Share program, a shared aircraft ownership program. The Key Share program, which is based upon 20 plus years of aircraft management and maintenance experience, provides a simple, value-based program for aircraft owners.

Keystone Aviation and Key Air have a track record of consistently providing high quality products, services, and facilities (and exceptional customer service) to the general aviation segment of the industry. Based upon the company’s current plans to improve it’s OXC location, the recent completion of the company’s expansion projects at ANE and FPR, and the company’s solid leadership, it is expected the company will continue to serve the general aviation segment of the industry in an exemplary fashion for many years to come.

This article was written for NATA by Aviation Management Consulting Group.