|
|
NATA is the National Air Transportation Association
Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members’ prosperity. |
|
|
Professional Line Service Training |
|
PLST Online provides the most up-to-date training available for line service specialists – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line service supervisors can conduct the new PLST Online training anytime and from anywhere there is access to the Web. continued |
Visit Website
Back to top |
|
|
|
| Unprecedented Challenges, Crucial Information, Smart Solutions |
| June Summit and Leadership Conference to Address All Three |
| "We have faced economic recessions, but this one is different. In addition to the economic downturn, the industry has to overcome the rhetoric of a populist president, fearful fundamental business changes that will impact our future, stigmatized customers and people fearful of aircraft ownership. We will recover, but business will not be the same. Who will our customers be? Will they buy products the same way? What will our industry look like?" Dick Van Gemert, Senior Vice President, Jet Aviation
"We've experienced hits from the economy up and down. The industry will survive. Business aviation is efficient. The smart people will get through." Steve Loyd, CEO, Loyd's Flying Service
"So few people understand aviation as we do - general aviation means jobs and is a valuable part of the economy and the greater national transportation system. Plus, the Obama administration does not understand the effect of its proposed policies. We need to create a framework of support for our industry within the communities and rebuild customer confidence and pride." Craig Fuller, President & CEO, AOPA
"I'll be there!"
Robert A. Seidel, Senior Vice President & GM, Jet Aviation Business Jets, Inc.
NATA's Air Charter Summit and FBO Leadership Conference provide focused business forums for Part 135 and FBO professionals to:
- Interact with top officials from FAA and TSA, industry leaders and business experts.
- Get their questions answered.
- Discover fresh ideas to address new business challenges.
- Find out what they can do to create positive buzz about their industry and operation.
- Learn how to challenge their staff to provide service that exceeds their customers' expectations.
- Gain knowledge to advance their success.
Join some of the best minds in the business to explore the current industry landscape and gain perspective on what the future of our market, our customers and our businesses may look like. Help pave the road to recovery by participating in one or both of these important events. Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc to register or learn more about the FBO Leadership Conference and www.nata.aero/acs for the Air Charter Summit. | |
|
| Coyne Applauds House On Long-Term FAA Reauthorization Bill |
| Expresses Concerns On Foreign Repair Station Provision |
| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised the United States House of Representatives for approving H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill is nearly identical to H.R. 2881, introduced in 2007, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The bill expired in 2008 at the end of the 110th Congress. Although the FAA's previous authorization was set to expire at the end of September 2007, the agency's taxing and operating authority has been preserved through a series of extensions since that time. The current extension expires on September 30, 2009.
"I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for approving a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that is void of user fees and that provides a fair jet fuel tax increase and the required funding to implement NextGen," stated Coyne. "I especially want to thank Chairmen Oberstar and Costello, as well as Ranking Members Mica and Petri, for their outstanding leadership in shepherding this bill through the legislative process in the House."
"The only concern I share on H.R. 915 is the provision requiring two annual inspections of foreign Part 145 certificated repair facilities by FAA representatives," Coyne concluded. "NATA believes that this provision jeopardizes the bilateral aviation safety agreement with Europe and could limit the competitive advantage U.S. repair facilities have in performing maintenance on foreign-registered aircraft."
To view NATA's Legislative Report on H.R. 915, please click here. | |
|
| Coyne Looks Forward To Working With Newly Senate-Confirmed FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt |
|
| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised the United States Senate for confirming Randy Babbitt as the next FAA administrator. Babbitt is slated to serve a five-year term and takes over immediately for acting FAA Administrator Lynn Osmus.
Babbitt, former president and chief executive officer of the Air Line Pilots Association, has more than 40 years of aviation experience. Last year, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters named Babbitt to the independent review team tasked with evaluating and crafting recommendations to improve the FAA's implementation of the aviation safety system and its culture of safety.
"I applaud the Senate leadership for approving Randy Babbitt's confirmation as the next FAA administrator," stated Coyne. "Administrator Babbitt has a lengthy priority list to tackle over the next five years, including modernizing our nation's air traffic control system, and NATA and its members stand ready to work with him and his staff."
Commenting on the importance for the new FAA administrator to work immediately with Congress to approve a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, Coyne stated, "It is clear that as the House approves its bill there is now momentum to pass FAA reauthorization legislation finally. I am hopeful that Administrator Babbitt's confirmation will carry us over the hump towards passage of a bill that modernizes our air traffic control system, rejects user fees, and invests in airport infrastructure." | |
|
| NATA Joins Industry Letter To Napolitano On Badging Security Directive |
| Members Strongly Encouraged To Act Today By Contacting Their Members Of Congress!!! |
| Last week, NATA, along with other general aviation industry groups, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Security Directive 1542-04-08F.
An excerpt from this letter follows:
General aviation operations such as private flights by individuals, air charter operations and business aviation flights do not occur on a regular schedule and often involve last-minute itinerary changes. Since many of these operations may occur during hours when airport or airport tenant staff is unavailable to act as escorts, operators may be unable to access their aircraft. To overcome this obstacle created by the requirements promulgated by SD 08F, aircraft operations would be required to apply for and receive airport identification media from every 40 CFR 1542 regulated airport that they may ever need to visit. Even if an operator only anticipated ever needing to visit half of those facilities, the administrative burden would overwhelm operators needing to apply for and receive airport-issued media for the operator's entire flight staff.
To view the letter in its entirety, please click here.
Recently, NATA issued an action call to its membership requesting they write Members of Congress concerning this SD. To view NATA's Action Call, please click here.
Please contact Mike France, mfrance@nata.aero, or Kristen Moore, kmoore@nata.aero, for more information. | |
|
| Coyne Welcomes New House General Aviation Caucus |
|
| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised members of the U.S. House of Representatives for creating its new General Aviation Caucus. The General Aviation Caucus, sponsored by NATA, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association, held its first briefing May 21. The General Aviation Caucus was created to educate Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on issues important to the general aviation industry and build consensus of the important role the general aviation industry plays in the American economy. Since its creation a little more than a month ago, the General Aviation Caucus has attracted more than 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
"The creation of the General Aviation Caucus is an important milestone for our industry," stated Coyne. "With the recession crippling our industry financially and public perception issues abounding, having the support of these House members as Congress looks to approve an FAA reauthorization bill, in addition to a TSA authorization measure and new clean energy legislation, is absolutely critical."
"I also want to thank Congressmen Allen Boyd (D-FL) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) for leading this effort as co-chairs of the General Aviation Caucus," concluded Coyne. "NATA greatly appreciates their support and efforts highlighting the importance of the general aviation industry to Congress."
The association has provided its membership with a means by which they can encourage their U.S. House members to become members of the General Aviation Caucus. NATA's grassroots action call on the House General Aviation Caucus can be viewed by clicking here.
To view the current list of General Aviation Caucus members, please click here. | |
|
| NATA President James K. Coyne Addresses Issues At Falcon Field (KFFZ) |
|
| Falcon Field Airport, located in Mesa, AZ, has come under increasing fire over the last several months from local residents concerned about the safety of flight training operations, noise and pollution. Many of the resident's issues stem from the additional traffic created at FFZ by a single flight training facility that began operations at the airport in 2007. Local aeronautical service providers fear that the airport sponsor, the city of Mesa, will try to alleviate the concerns of residents by placing severe restrictions on flight training facilities or other aeronautical service providers.
Last week, NATA President James K Coyne sent a letter to City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Coyne expressed his understanding of the local residents concerns, but asked the Mayor to remember also the city's obligation, as the sponsor of a public-use airport, to airport tenants and users. Coyne suggested a course of action that would both protect airport users' rights and address the issues raised by residents:
"I believe the city would benefit from a dialogue with the individuals in the regional FAA Airports Office. This communication would give the city of Mesa the resources and information to address the concerns of local residents without generating apprehension of how the FAA may react. Involving the FAA airports office at this stage would also allow the citizens of Mesa to direct their questions and concerns to the federal agency that is directly tasked with ensuring safety at the nation's airports. NATA has extensive experience working with the FAA airports office, and I would like to extend an offer of assistance in setting up meetings that you feel would benefit the city of Mesa, its residents and Falcon Field businesses."
NATA staff have been given regular briefings about the situation at Falcon Field and will continue to work with local members and their representatives to help ensure that a solution that addresses the concerns of the local community and protects the rights of airport users is found.
NATA members may view the full text of Mr. Coyne's letter here. | |
|
| NATA's 13th Annual 'Day On The Hill' A Resounding Success |
|
| Last week, NATA held its 13th annual Day on the Hill event that included nearly 75 association members meeting with over 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and their staff.
"Our Day on the Hill event is an invaluable opportunity for our members to visit with their federal legislators to discuss aviation business issues of national and local importance," NATA President James K. Coyne explained. "The potential for a user fee proposal for the general aviation industry and release of a new Transportation Security Administration security directive on badging, the Large Aircraft Security Program and the new Clean Energy bill were just a few of the critical issues that our members addressed with their Members of Congress."
"Our members have once again demonstrated to key policy makers on Capitol Hill the important role they each play in our national air transportation system and the global economy," Coyne concluded.
To view NATA's 2009 Legislative Agenda, please click here.
For more information, please contact Kristen Moore. | |
|
| AOPA Expands General Aviation Serves America Campaign Outreach |
| NATA President James K. Coyne to Chair Advisory Council |
| The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) on Thursday announced the formation of a special advisory council to the General Aviation Serves America campaign. NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne has agreed to chair the council, helping to ensure that opinion leaders, policy- and lawmakers, and the public at large understand the full breadth and scope of general aviation.
"Jim Coyne and NATA represent vital segments of general aviation - the fixed base operators who provide essential airport services, charter air service providers, and flight schools," said AOPA President Craig L. Fuller. "His experience as a pilot and a leader in the aviation industry, as well as his time on Capitol Hill, will provide valuable insight as we stand up to the significant challenges general aviation faces today."
AOPA launched the General Aviation Serves America campaign last month to combat the economic, regulatory, and legislative difficulties besetting general aviation. The campaign's premise is that widespread misconceptions about general aviation are at the root of these challenges.
"I truly don't believe that regulators and legislators are 'out to get' a $150 billion industry," said Fuller. "They and their constituents just don't understand what general aviation is and all that it contributes to the economic and social fabric of the nation. All of us in GA must stand together and define ourselves, showing the importance of the vital link we provide in the transportation system - because if we do not others whose priorities do not include general aviation will."
"NATA, along with our Board of Directors and members, is pleased to support this fantastic initiative," stated Coyne. "Through General Aviation Serves America, we will dispel the myths about our community and promote the significant, meaningful contributions we make to our nation's economy, supply chain, and, in some regions of the country, even the standard of living. As chairman of the GA Serves America Advisory Council, I pledge to help generate the momentum we need to tell the real story of general aviation to the public, policy makers and opinion leaders."
Through targeted broadcast, print, and online advertising, General Aviation Serves America is telling general aviation's story in a way that many in the non-flying public have never heard before. The campaign is funded by AOPA, its members, and those, like NATA and its members, who are interested in seeing this vital sector of the American economy survive and thrive.
Visit General Aviation Serves America at www.gaservesamerica.com. | |
|
| Transportation And Aviation Security Provision Highlighted In New Legislative Report |
|
| Last week, President Obama issued the funding details for each federal agency and program in a budget proposal for fiscal year 2010 (FY10), one week after Congress approved a $3.4 trillion budget. The budget contains $17 billion in funding cuts across approximately 120 federal programs, which accounts for a savings of less than 1% that Obama claims will help reduce the deficit during his term as president.
To view NATA's Legislative Report on President Obama's FY10 budget proposal, please click here. | |
|
| FAA And Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals Rule Against The City Of Santa Monica |
|
| In late 2007, the city of Santa Monica instituted a ban on category C and D aircraft at Santa Monica Municipal Airport because it believed those aircraft presented a threat to safety. In 2008, the FAA issued a cease-and-desist order to prevent the city's ban from going into effect until the agency had time to conduct an administrative review. After the city did not respond to the order, the FAA was granted a temporary restraining order by U.S. District Court Judge George Wu that prevented the ban from being implemented. The city appealed the decision and last week the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the order issued by Judge Wu.
Recently, the FAA issued its decision from the March 2009 hearing that resulted from the agency's administrative review of the Santa Monica category C and D aircraft ban. The FAA's hearing officer found that the ban violated the city's obligation to prevent unjust discrimination against airport users. This obligation is the result of the city receiving federal funds from the FAA's airport improvement program. Santa Monica may now appeal the hearing officer's decision to the FAA associate administrator for policy.
NATA applauds both the FAA and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for their decisions to uphold the protections of federal law designed to prevent localities from unreasonably restricting access to the National Airspace System. NATA will continue to monitor this situation and will provide its members with details when Santa Monica decides on its next course of action. | |
|
| NATA Airports Committee |
|
NATA’s Airports Committee met in Alexandria, VA, on May 14.The committee's purpose is to promote the interests of the association's members relative to airport occupancy, airport security, competition, and environmental issues. The committee's agenda included:
- A briefing from Randall S. Fiertz, director, Airport Compliance & Field Operations, FAA Airports Office and Kevin Willis, airports compliance specialist, on current activities within the FAA Airports office
- A briefing from John Sammon, assistant administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management, TSA on the current state of the Large Aircraft Security Program & Security Directive 08F
- A briefing from NATA staff on the association's recent meeting with the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Technical Committee on Airport Facilities regarding NFPA 409.
The committee also received an update from NATA Vice President for Industry and Government Affairs Eric R. Byer on various legislative and regulatory issues affecting airport operations. Committee members also expressed their concerns and suggestions on a variety of issues the industry is currently facing.
The May 14 Airport Committee Minutes are available here.
For additional information on this meeting, please contact Mike France on the NATA staff. | |
|
| Los Angeles World Airports Considers Increased Fees And Noise Restrictions At Van Nuys |
|
| In an attempt to close budget gaps that have persisted at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which owns and operates the four airports in southern California, has proposed increasing airport fees. Van Nuys airport has suffered from budget gaps that have ranged between ½ and 9 million dollars over the past 17 years. Until now the gaps have been filled with surplus funds from Los Angles International, a practice that was deemed reasonable by many airlines because lower prices at VNY attracted many smaller aircraft away from LAX. LAWA has recently increased its concession fee on aviation fuel sold at VNY from 3 cents/gallon to 11 cents/gallon. In addition LAWA is considering developing better administrative practices to collect landing fees that were instated in the early 1990s. Some estimates say that enforcement and collection of landing fees could raise as much as $4 million per year. Many VNY tenants and aircraft operators question the idea of raising the cost of doing business at VNY in the middle of a recession that has already cost some operators 30-40 percent of their revenue.
In addition to increased fees, LAWA Board of Directors voted on May 4 to recommend that the Los Angeles City Council approve a phase-out program that would ban all aircraft that emit more than 77 dBa on departure by 2016. This ban on aircraft would be implemented without an FAA-approved Part 161 study. LAWA claims it is able to do this because the program was first considered in 1990 prior to the adoption of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act.
The combined effect of limiting aircraft access and increasing fees on airport users during an already painful recession has the potential to drive aircraft to other southern California airports. NATA is currently reviewing the situation at VNY and will be providing its members with more details in the near future. | |
Back to Top
| NATA Joins Aviation Industry In Joint Letter Supporting Contract Tower Funding |
|
| NATA joined aviation industry groups including the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, American Association of Airport Executives, Regional Airline Association, Cargo Airline Association, Air Traffic Control Association and others in support of federal funding for the FAA Contract Tower Program. In a letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI), $117.5 million was requested for the FAA Contract Tower Program, as well as $9.5 million for continuation of the contract tower cost-sharing program.
The letter highlights the need for full-funding of the Contract Tower Program to ensure the continuation of the safety program that allows additional non-towered airports to receive vital safety benefits. The letter states that "as a result of a 27-year government/industry partnership, the FAA Contract Tower Program: 1) enhances aviation safety at smaller airports that in many cases would not have a tower; (2) helps small airports with retaining and developing commercial air service and general aviation; (3) promotes economic development and creates jobs locally; and (4) consistently receives high marks for customer service from aviation users and pilots." Absent this highly successful federal program, many local communities and smaller airports would not receive the significant safety benefits of air traffic control services.
To view a copy of the FAA Contract Tower Program support letter, please click here. | |
|
| Airport Spotlight – Anoka County-Blaine Airport |
|
| The Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) is located in the northern suburbs of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and is a vital component of the community’s economy. Owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), it is one of six reliever airports supporting the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Serving one of the most rapidly growing portions of the metro area, the ANE is the largest of the six reliever airports by land area, and serves the most diverse aircraft mix in the system. It is located about 15 minutes from the business districts of Minneapolis and 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul, making it the closest airport to downtown Minneapolis of all of the airports in the area. Corporate jet aircraft operators, recreational pilots, and many antique aircraft owners call ANE home, yielding a based aircraft population of over 400.
To accommodate the activity and growth, ANE maintains two active runways. Runway 9/27 was recently extended to 5,000 feet in length and widened to 100 feet, as well as gaining a Category I ILS with MALSR and PAPIs. MAC also extended, widened and lighted the full parallel taxiway to this runway. The second runway, Runway 18/36, is 4,885 feet in length and provides a non-precision approach. The airport has a contract air traffic control tower, and supports more than 150,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
ANE served as one of the primary airports during the 2008 Republican National Convention, as other relievers were within the restricted airspace of the convention center. It is also the host airport for the 3M Championship, a Champions Tour event held annually in July. The TPC Twin Cities golf course is only 2 miles from the airport. In addition, the airport lies next to the National Sports Center, the world’s largest amateur sports and meeting facility. The complex has over 50 soccer fields, a velodrome, residence hall, stadium and sports hall. Other features of the complex include the Schwan Super Rink, National Youth Golf Center, and the Schwan Center. Since opening its doors in 1990, the National Sports Center has hosted approximately 28 million visitors.
From a business standpoint, ANE is served by two FBOs: Cirrus Flight Operations and Key Air. Cirrus has been on the Airport for a number of years, and is located within the southwest quadrant of the field. This area also includes a number of smaller and older private hangar facilities, including T-hangars and corporate-type structures. The southeast side of the airport is almost fully developed with private hangars. The newest development on the airport is the Key Air FBO within the northwest quadrant of ANE. This 39-acre development includes a first-class, 12,000-square foot terminal building, 80,000 square feet of high bay heated hangar with attached office/shop space, and over 500,000 square feet of ramp/apron. This project reflected an initial investment of over $20 million within Phase 1. Future phases are scheduled to include additional +/-200,000 square feet of hangar space. The facility was completed in 2008.
The vast improvements completed at ANE over the past five years have further positioned the airport to become the premier general aviation airport in the Twin Cities area. The commitment of the MAC to progressing the airport beyond its personal/recreational aviation roots to a more corporate-focused facility, coupled with the investment commitments of its tenant base, is a testament to the future opportunities of this airport. These financial and business commitments are essential to the stabilization and growth of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport, and general aviation in general within the Twin Cities area. | |
| | |