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NATA News
 NATA News

##Date##                                                                                                Volume 8 Issue 3

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.

 

 
 
 

 
Upcoming Events

Environmental Compliance Seminar - January 20

Line Service Supervisor Training - January 20/21

NATA Safety 1st Trainer - January 22

Line Service Supervisor Training – February 17

 

NATA Safety 1st Management System (SMS) Workshop – March 2, 2009

 

 

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.   
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139 Fire Safety Training Online

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This training not only meets and exceeds the requirements of 14 CFR 139.321 but also allows you to interact with other students in a group learning environment, receive the very latest NFPA news, watch live training presentations and much more.

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Pre-Employment Screening Exam

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NATA is offering the first pre-employment screening exam specifically for line service technicians and FBO customer service specialists.

With predecessor exams already in use at more than 900 companies worldwide, NATA has adapted the most cost effective and revealing pre-employment testing and post employment testing available for FBO use.

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Safety 1st
 
 
 

 

Topics in this Volume:
 
Ø
Ø Congress To Start Considering Economic Stimulus Bill This Week; NATA President Urges 535 Members Of Congress To Support Aviation Infrastructure
Ø NATA Announces 2009 Legislative Priorities
Ø Association Releases Comprehensive LASP Comment Tool
Ø Inauguration-Related Airspace Restrictions Begin January 18
Ø DASSP Operators Ok’d For Super Bowl
Ø NATA Joins Aviation Industry Organization In Support Of NextGen Funding
Ø NATA Air Charter Operators Encouraged To Attend Safety Symposium
Ø NATA Delivers Opportunities To Help You Keep Your 2009 Education And Training Resolutions
Ø NATA Weekly Survey
Ø Aviation's Effect On The Environment - Did You Know?
Ø NATA Offices Closed In Observance of MLK Day and Obama Inauguration

 

Senate Votes To Release Remaining Funds Of The Financial Bailout

The U.S. Senate voted last week to release the second half of the $700 billion that in October Congress authorized the U.S. Department of the Treasury to disburse to stabilize the U.S. financial system. The vote gives President-elect Barack Obama the authority to spend $350 billion to revive credit markets and help millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure. Obama said he will devote at least $50 billion to foreclosure relief, while providing greater transparency for the program and restraining executive pay and dividends for firms participating in the program.

Prior to the Senate vote, the U.S. House of Representatives worked on a resolution on which they were expected to vote but did not. The resolution would have placed various conditions on the financial bailout funds. Specifically, Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) of the House Committee on Financial Services had included a provision prohibiting any financial institution or corporation receiving those funds from owning or leasing aircraft.  The General Aviation Manufacturers Association, NATA and other general aviation groups led the charge to convince House members on the Committee on Financial Services to persuade Chairman Frank to remove the language.

Specifically, the association sent letters to Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the Kansas Congressional Delegation to encourage Chairman Frank from removing the damaging provision.

Under the bailout legislation approved by Congress in October, unless Congress passes a joint resolution rejecting the release of funds within 15 days, Department of the Treasury can begin using the funds. Obama has vowed to veto any resolution denying him the funds. 

Congress To Start Considering Economic Stimulus Bill This Week; NATA President Urges 535 Members Of Congress To Support Aviation Infrastructure
President-elect Barack Obama and Congress continue to work on a second economic stimulus package that could exceed $775 billion over two years, including nearly $300 billion in business and individual tax cuts. While it is widely known that transportation infrastructure is going to be a part of this package, NATA is fighting to ensure that aviation infrastructure is a part of the deal. 

NATA President James K. Coyne sent a letter to all 535 Members of Congress requesting support for aviation infrastructure funding in the economic stimulus package.

“The delay of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 has halted critical infrastructure projects that are essential to our airports’ ability to generate economic benefits and essential to safety and security at our nation’s airports. The most critical investment is modernization of the air traffic control system (NextGen), vitally important to the U.S. economy. NextGen addresses the impact of air traffic growth by increasing the capacity of the national airspace system by improving efficiencies, increasing safety, and reducing the environmental impact of emissions,” Coyne stated.  

NATA’s efforts on aviation infrastructure were recently picked up in USA Today. To view this article, please click here.

The association strongly encourages its members to contact their Members of Congress in support of aviation infrastructure funding. To learn how, click here to view the Action Call.

NATA Announces 2009 Legislative Priorities
Members Encouraged to Act on Items in Legislative Action Center

As you know, the 111th Congress has convened and is getting ready for the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States this week. While passing legislation to aid our nation’s economy is the first priority of Congress, there are many more issues such as completing FAA Reauthorization legislation that need to be addressed. NATA has compiled its primary legislative objectives for the year for members to review.

In addition, NATA President James K. Coyne and senior legislative staff will be meeting with approximately 250 Members of Congress over the next four months to discuss legislative issues facing our members. 

Click here to view NATA’s 2009 Legislative Priorities.

Association Releases Comprehensive LASP Comment Tool
Recently, the NATA released its new Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) Membership Comment Tool that members can use to draft and submit their comments on the proposed rule. Comments are due no later than February 27, 2009. 

“Commenting on federal regulations can be complicated and time consuming to say the very least,” stated NATA President James K. Coyne. “By providing this document, we are giving our members specific topical guidance that will eliminate confusion and help them submit detailed comments on this proposal.”

Stating that the association will provide its own comprehensive set of comments in February, Coyne underscored the importance of member input on a rule that continues to worry many in the general aviation industry.

“The LASP proposed rule continues to concern our members on many fronts,” concluded Coyne. “It is important that our members review our LASP Membership Comment Tool so that we identify for the Transportation Security Administration specific issues with the proposed rule and, just as important, possible resolutions, thereby forcing the TSA to address those concerns.”

NATA members can also use the LASP Membership Comment Tool as a discussion aid during one of the five remaining TSA-hosted public meetings regarding the rulemaking.

The remaining LASP public meetings are:

  • 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

A copy of the NATA LASP Membership Comment Tool is available for members to download from the association’s LASP Issue Page.

Inauguration-Related Airspace Restrictions Begin January 18

The FAA has published a NOTAM and Flight Advisory detailing the flight restrictions planned for the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2009.

 

The Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) surrounding Washington, DC will be modified to impose additional restrictions beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time through 6:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, January 20.

The restrictions are detailed in these documents:


Flight Advisory for January 20
NOTAM for January 20

General aviation operations will be significantly impacted by these restrictions. All operators planning to be in the vicinity of Washington, DC on, or during the time leading up to, Inauguration Day should carefully review current NOTAMs and advisories and ensure compliance with all requirements. NOTAMS are subject to change at any time. Operators are reminded to make sure that the most recent information is obtained prior to flight.

DASSP Operators Ok’d For Super Bowl
The FAA has published a series of NOTAMS for the National Football League’s upcoming Super Bowl on February 1, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.

For the first time, operators holding the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) are eligible to apply for access to restricted airspace during the event.

Any DASSP operator wishing to arrive or depart during the restricted period is required to apply for a waiver at least 96 hours in advance by using the electronic waiver system at https://waiver.c3.faa.gov. Operators will be required to comply with all elements of the DASSP, including departure from an approved gateway airport, for all waiver-approved operations.

More information is available in the FAA NOTAMS.

Currently, three Super Bowl-related NOTAMs are available:

9/0355  Tampa, FL, Sunday, February 01, 2009, through Monday, February 02, 2009 UTC

9/0354  Tampa, FL, Sunday, February 01, 2009, through Monday, February 02, 2009 UTC

9/0347  Tampa, FL, Sunday, February 01, 2009, Local

NATA Joins Aviation Industry Organization In Support Of NextGen Funding
In an effort to convince lawmakers of the growing need for aviation infrastructure funding, NATA joined forces with aviation groups to support the FAA‘s plan for upgrading our nation’s air traffic control system, known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), in the upcoming economic stimulus legislation. The FAA’s current plan for NextGen implementation does not achieve an alignment of air and ground infrastructure, therefore delaying the aviation transportation system return on investment until 2025. A total of $4 billion was requested to begin equipping aircraft with the technology that will transition aviation for NextGen. NextGen funding is critical to advancing the schedule outlined by the FAA, while creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions due to efficiencies in air traffic.

The product of the joint effort is an issue paper outlining the many benefits that would result from NextGen funding, such as reducing FAA operating costs and enhancing safety and security capabilities. The issue paper, to be delivered to Members of Congress, discusses in detail the economic and environmental impacts, as well as the key enabling technologies. The issue paper also proposes language to be included in legislation to make grants for the direct cost of purchasing and installing NextGen equipment to retrofit general aviation and commercial aircraft. 

Click here to view the issue paper.

NATA Air Charter Operators Encouraged To Attend Safety Symposium
NATA encourages its air charter members to attend the 2009 ACSF Air Charter Safety Symposium. The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is hosting its second annual safety symposium at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Ashburn, VA, just west of Washington, DC on March 3-4, 2009.

The Air Charter Safety Symposium will examine safety trends and provide thoughtful discussion on emerging safety issues confronting the industry. Over the two-day event, registrants will enjoy presentations from experts from the NTSB, Flight Safety Foundation, FAA, and leading air charter and fractional ownership companies.

More information is available in the 2009 Air Charter Safety Symposium program brochure or online at www.acsf.aero/symposium.

NATA Delivers Opportunities To Help You Keep Your 2009 Education And Training Resolutions
Start Off The Year With One Or More of NATA’s January Sessions In Houston, TX
Environmental Compliance Seminar, January 20
The NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities is the only event that focuses solely on environmental compliance issues confronting FBOs and general aviation airports. With pressure mounting from the media, the federal government and the public at large, this seminar is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operations.

Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar, January 20-21
This seminar, specifically designed for Line Service Supervisors, provides the training you need to become more proficient in planning, supervising staff, motivating others, communicating and coaching a team. The program includes guided group debates, role playing, interactive games and various case studies designed to take you to a new level of leadership. You will also take part in self-assessments to explore your strengths and weaknesses and their effect on your management style.

NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar, January 22
NATA's newly updated Safety 1st Trainer Seminar delivers the in-depth instruction necessary to make you a more effective line service supervisor and instructor.

In this seminar, now in a new one-day format, you will learn how to engage an audience, increase student memory retention, effectively present curriculum, and identify verbal and nonverbal cues, as well as learn many other valuable training skills. NATA’s Safety 1st Trainer also includes instruction on the industry's benchmark program for initial and recurrent training of line service specialists – known as PLST or Professional Line Service Training. This new seminar was designed specifically to enhance PLST program training via cutting-edge teaching techniques.

There are other opportunities in February and March

February Training In Durham, NC
NATA will offer its Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar on February 17-18 in Durham, NC. Please make note of the new dates.

NATA’s Education Week At Aviation Industry Expo, Las Vegas, March 9-11
NATA is partnering with the Aviation Industry Expo (AIE) to bring you an information-packed week of workshops, training seminars, product and service displays, networking opportunities and motivational events designed specifically to improve the performance and profitability of your aviation business and decrease expenses.

The association will host a variety of seminars and workshops to provide each attendee multiple learning opportunities during NATA’s Education Week. These educational offerings will be led by nationally known industry experts, who will share the latest intelligence tactics and strategies to boost employee performance, ensure safety, increase customer service satisfaction and, ultimately, improve your company’s bottom line.

The Aviation Industry Expo, the only trade show focused on ground support, FBO/aviation services and aircraft maintenance, will bring together over 400 exhibitors to display the most relevant products and services for your business needs. Take time between seminars to access the latest technology products and services, experience hands-on equipment demonstrations and attend networking opportunities on the AIE show floor.

Stephen Hopson will deliver an inspirational keynote address on overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of success. Hear how he persevered to become the first instrument-rated deaf pilot and then went on to encourage others to realize their dreams and achieve success despite overwhelming odds.

Click here to view a clip of Stephen Hopson.

NATA’s Education Week Opportunities:

Visit the events calendar at www.nata.aero for schedule and registration information.

NATA Weekly Survey
Should the Obama administration conduct an administrative review of the Large Aircraft Security Program proposed rule before the rule goes any further in the rulemaking process?

Participate in survey.

Aviation's Effect On The Environment - Did You Know?
NATA’s quick facts on the aviation industry's effect on the environment are designed to ensure that members take every step necessary to minimize the effect aviation has on the environment while recognizing all those good initiatives the industry has taken to reduce global warming.

Fact #42:
Did you know that the International Civil Aviation Organization has an Aircraft Engine Emissions Web page that describes the process by which aircraft engines produce emissions?

Please click here to view ICAO’s Aircraft Engine Emissions Web page.

NATA Offices Closed In Observance of MLK Day and Obama Inauguration
NATA’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Day and President-elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration. 

Normal office hours resume on Wednesday, January 21.

Visit us anytime at www.nata.aero

 

National Air Transportation Association
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: (800)808-6282
Fax: (703)845-8176
 

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