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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.
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Environmental Compliance Seminar - Windsor Locks, CT - May 11, 2009
Line Service Supervisor Training - Windsor Locks, CT - May 12, 2009
2009 NATA Day On The Hill - Dulles, VA - May 13, 2009
How To Build A More Successful FBO - Windsor Locks, CT - May 14, 2009
Air Charter Summit - Washington - Dulles - June 8, 2009
FBO Leadership Conference - Washington - Dulles - June 9, 2009
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Professional Line Service Training
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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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| NATA Members Encouraged To Take Action On TSA Security Directive |
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| In December 2008, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Security Directive (SD) to the directors of airports serving commercial air carriers. The SD mandated changes to the issuance of airport identification media and expanded the base of individuals who would be required to obtain airport identifications. Federal regulations give the TSA power to issue SDs in response to threats against civil aviation. SDs prescribe specific procedural or policy changes designed to address the specific nature of the threat and differ from typical federal rulemaking in that they can be issued with no public notice, comment or cost-benefit analysis.
NATA is concerned that the TSA has chosen to use an SD to promulgate regulations affecting a broad category of previously unregulated individuals and believes it is imperative that the TSA approach the issue of securing the AOA of commercial airports by issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). By following the federal rulemaking process, the TSA will allow those affected by the proposed rule to voice their concerns and offer suggestions on the best methods for securing the AOA. Contact your Members of Congress right away and request they write a letter to the TSA asking that the agency issue an NPRM.
To view NATA’s Action Call on the Security Directive, please click here.
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| Coyne Addresses NFPA Panel To Discuss Foam Fire Suppression System Requirements |
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| NATA President James K. Coyne appeared before the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Committee on Airport Facilities on April 21 to discuss the impact that changes to NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, could have on the general aviation industry. The Committee is considering changes to NFPA 409 that would require the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in all new hangars of less than 12,000 square feet.
Coyne addressed the detrimental effect these changes would have on the development and construction of new hangars. In a recent NATA survey, over 77% of responding members stated that the costs associated with implementation of these changes would prevent their construction of new hangars. Coyne also expressed concern over the current requirement for foam fire suppression systems in all hangars over 12,000 square feet.
NATA member Mercer Dye of Dye Aviation Facilities also appeared before the committee and provided additional comments and data supporting NATA’s opposition to the proposed rule changes.
At the conclusion of the presentations, the Technical Committee on Airport Facilities was provided a tour of Galvin Flying Services at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. This tour allowed the committee the opportunity to observe the differences in operations between a general aviation facility and larger airline and military facilities. Galvin’s Director of Line Services, Doug Wilson, was also available to answer the committee members’ questions on specific operational issues.
As the Technical Committee on Airport Facilities continues their meeting this week, they will consider the proposed rule changes and develop a report on comments that will be released to the public in the coming month. NATA will continue to monitor the committee’s actions and will apprise our members of any changes.
A complete copy of Coyne’s statement is available by clicking here.
For more information, please contact Mike France.
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| Be Part of the NATA Stimulus Plan |
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Last week, NATA President James K. Coyne encouraged members to participate during the association’s annual Day on the Hill event that will take place on May 13, 2009. An excerpt from Coyne’s letter to the members follows:
Dear NATA Member,
For nearly 70 years, NATA has worked with Congress to build programs to support aviation, or to seek relief from destructive, delusional, or simply dumb federal decisions. This is what America's Founding Fathers expected when they enshrined in the First Amendment the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. But these days it takes more than a petition -- it takes personal face-to-face contact with Congress!
And yes, there are plenty of grievances to deal with: a leaderless FAA, the stalled FAA reauthorization bill, chaos and confusion in FAA regions, a lack of standardized rules, backdoor rulemaking, threats of new taxes and user fees (again!), impractical and impossible new security regulations, more limits to airspace access, confusion and delays in the NextGen modernization program, draconian new environmental proposals, and the spectacle of government hypocrites condemning private aviation as an excessive luxury even as they depend on it more and more for their own travel.
That's why we need you to join us at NATA's "Day on the Hill" on May 13th.
Click here to read Coyne’s letter to NATA members.
To view the Day on the Hill agenda and register, please click here.
The 2009 NATA Day on the Hill is open to all members of the general aviation industry. So register today!!!
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| Updates For May Committee Meetings |
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| The NATA Committee Meetings, to be held at the Westin Alexandria, Courthouse Square, are two weeks away. The NATA room block cut-off at the Westin Alexandria was this past Monday, and currently the hotel is sold out of all guest rooms. For your convenience, NATA provides the following information on a hotel nearby:
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
1767 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia
Tel: (703) 837-0440
This hotel is located on King Street and Diagonal Road, a 5- to 10-minute cab ride or a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Westin Alexandria. Rates begin at $299. Please contact the Hilton directly for rates and to make your reservation.
The dress code for all committee meetings is business casual. Suggested dress for the Day on The Hill congressional visits is business attire.
A package of valuable talking-points and a schedule of appointments will be provided by May 11 via email to those attending the Day on The Hill congressional visits.
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| NATA Joins Industry Groups In Establishing A General Aviation Caucus On Capitol Hill |
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| Representatives Allen Boyd (D-FL) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) are working with general aviation industry groups including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Business Aviation Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and NATA to establish a General Aviation Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Boyd will serve as the Chairman and Representative Ehlers as the Co-Chairman of the caucus, which will be open to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives despite party affiliation and committee assignments.
The purpose of a congressional caucus is to bring Members of Congress and their staff together to support the general aviation industry by holding regular meetings on issues affecting the industry. Regular briefings will be held on issues such as the Large Aircraft Security Program and FAA Reauthorization legislation, among others. NATA will provide an update on the list of members who join the caucus as well as the upcoming schedule of events.
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| House Energy And Commerce Committee Begins Series Of Hearings On Clean Energy Legislation |
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| On March 31, 2009, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) released a discussion draft of clean energy legislation titled the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). ACES is a committee draft of legislation addressing a comprehensive energy and climate change strategy. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce began a series of hearings last week to discuss the proposed legislation in efforts to move toward a comprehensive bill.
Last week, the committee held hearings on four consecutive days to debate many components of the proposed bill. The first day was devoted entirely to opening statements from Chairman Waxman and other committee members. Day two consisted of a panel including Secretary of the Department of Energy Steven Chu, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that focused on the issues of jobs, allowances, energy costs, and American leadership in the world as it related to climate change.
Proponents of the bill including Administrator Jackson, Secretary Chu, and Secretary LaHood said they believed that the bill would create jobs, “especially green jobs." Secretary Chu agreed that the bill would create millions of jobs and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.
Contentious debate centered on cap-and-trade allowances and whether they should be given away or auctioned. Administrator Jackson stated for the record that the Obama Administration supported the idea that 100 percent of the allowances should be auctioned. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) stated that there are multiple approaches to addressing the problem through EPA regulations and a cap passed by Congress.
Energy company representatives who testified were not as eager to embrace a 100% auction. They discussed the possibility of at least some free allowances, while various scientists and economists stated that a cap-and-trade with an auction should be the only option. Members argued the point and stated that there is a lot of work ahead to reach a point where there can be in agreement on whether there should be a cap-and-trade, let alone whether it should be a 100% auction of allowances.
Concern over the two largest carbon emitters in the world, India and China, was discussed and how best to handle reducing their emission levels. Secretary Chu stated that he felt that the United States should take a leadership role on this issue by leading by example.
On the fourth and final day of last week’s hearings, Former Vice President Al Gore and Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich testified before the committee. Gore described the bill as “one of the most important pieces of legislation ever introduced to Congress,” calling its passage a moral imperative. Gore cited recent research showing dangerous changes in climate due to man-made global warming including melting arctic ice, increased carbon in water, and extreme weather events.
Former Speaker Gingrich called the bill a huge mistake, explained that the bill imposes an energy tax, and stated, “If you use electricity, it punishes you; if you use heating oil, it punishes you; if you use gasoline, it punishes you. This bill will increase your cost of living.” Gingrich worries that the U.S. will not be able to compete in a global economy if no other countries tax carbon.
To view NATA’s Legislative Report on the Clean Energy Bill, please click here.
To view the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Web site, please click here.
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| TSA Announces New Flight Student Fees |
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| The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a new $70 fee for foreign students seeking recurrent flight training. Recurrent training is referred to by the agency as Category 4 Training, and includes any periodic training required for pilots under 14 CFR Parts 61, 91(K), 121, 125 or 135. It does not include training for a new certificate or type rating. Category 4 also does not include a flight review, proficiency check or any check to demonstrate existing skill in an aircraft with a maximum take off weight of 12,500 pounds or less.
The TSA also increased the information submission requirements for Category 4 students to include passport-related information. The fee and information will be collected through the TSA’s Alien Flight School Program Web site at https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov.
The $70 fee and additional information requirements become effective on May 13, 2009. All flight training providers who conduct this type of training are encouraged to review NATA’s Regulatory Report for more details.
Click here for the Regulatory Report.
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| FAA InFO Addresses Pilot Training For Deicing Boots |
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| Last week, the FAA published Information Document (InFO) 09005, Pilot Training and Checking for Operations of Airplanes Equipped with Pneumatic Deicing Boots in Icing Conditions.
The InFO recommends that operators of airplanes equipped with pneumatic deicing boots evaluate their pilot training and checking programs to ensure pilots have a proper understanding of, and receive training on, the proper operation of those systems and the need to maintain proper airspeed in icing conditions.
The guidance specifically responds to recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued following a fatal accident wherein a Cessna Citation 560 crashed on approach while in icing conditions. The NTSB found that the flightcrew failed to maintain airspeed and did not comply with procedures for activation of the deicing boots.
All operators of airplanes equipped with pneumatic deicing boots are encouraged to review the InFO and apply the recommended actions as appropriate.
Download InFO 09005.
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| CA Large Spark Ignition Equipment Regulatory Update |
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| In May of 2007 the California Environmental Protection Agency released new rules, via the California Air Resources Board (CARB), governing emissions from off-road large spark ignition (LSI) equipment. These rules require operators of certain fleets of LSI equipment, including on-airport ground service equipment, to determine their Fleet Average Emission Level (FAEL) and then sets decreasing limits on FAEL beginning in 2009.
Many operators of equipment with engines having a displacement greater than three liters have had difficulty in meeting the 2009 requirements of the LSI regulations. On April 16 the CARB released Advisory 08-03 to provide relief to these operators. The advisory will exempt certain types of equipment from FAEL calculation for a period of time to allow for the development of new equipment or retrofit kits that allow operators to meet the regulatory standard.
Click here to view NATA’s Regulatory Update on CA’s LSI regulations.
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| Get A First-Ever Glimpse Of NATA’s How To Build A More Successful FBO And Environmental Compliance Seminars |
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| Today, FBO managers need more – more success and more information. NATA, in collaboration with several leading industry experts, is committed to providing powerful educational programs and opportunities proven to give you an advantage and your business a boost.
On April 30, we will make exclusive footage from our How to Build A More Successful FBO and Environmental Compliance for Aviation Facilities Seminars available to you.
Get a bird’s eye view of some of the most compelling material - crucial to your business success - in 15-minute increments throughout the day. Seminar speakers will also be available in a chat room format to answer your questions. Drop in for one or view them all to get useful tips on improving your FBO’s success as well as to gain more information on these highly-regarded seminars. Our How To Build A More Successful FBO Seminars will be held May 14/15 in Windsor Locks and October 23/24 on an exciting cruise departing Baja, Mexico. Our Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities will be held, for the last time in 2009, on May 11 in Windsor Locks.
Visit www.nata.aero/live on April 30 at the scheduled times below to receive information that will help you make the right training decisions for your company.
10 AM
Operating Your FBO Business In Tough Times
In a down economy, operating a successful FBO business is extremely challenging. We’ll discuss various tools and techniques and explore new business models to help you get through the tough times.
11 AM
Selecting And Developing Top Employees
Raise the hiring bar higher. Top performing employees are essential to your success. Discover tips for hiring the right people for the jobs, while reducing costly turnover.
1 PM
Building Long-term Profitable Customer Relationships
Part I: Making the customer your best friend.
Building long-term profitable customer relationships is the lifeblood of an FBO. We’ll show you ways to add value without lowering fuel prices.
2 PM
Round Table Discussion: Best Practices
Valued FBO best practices will be shared in a lively round table discussion. Take away tips and techniques to help energize your operation.
3PM
Environmental Compliance Seminar For Aviation Facilities
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 mounting pressure 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.
Please click here to be added to a reminder list for this unprecedented opportunity.
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| Esler, Winton, Carr, Bunce And Lombardo Added To The Summit Agenda |
| 2009 Air Charter Summit Update |
The NATA 2009 Air Charter Summit will take place June 8-10 at the Westfields Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. Part 135 on-demand air charter leaders are invited to meet with top government and industry officials to discuss current topics affecting the future success of their business, including:
- FAA regulatory issues with Dennis Pratte, manager, Part 135 Air Carrier Operations Branch, FAA, Don Arendt, manager, Flight Standards SMS Office, FAA and Hooper Harris, acting director, Office of Accident Investigation, FAA, and James K. Coyne, president, NATA.
- General aviation security initiatives with John Sammon, assistant administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management, TSA.
- Protecting your crews and executives from criminal liability with David Rimmer, sr. vice president, Excel Aire Service, David Esler, contributor, Business & Commercial Aviation and Kent Jackson, partner, Jackson & Wade, L.L.C.
- Curbing the media and public attack on business aviation with William Garvey, editor, Business & Commercial Aviation, and Lisa Stark, correspondent, ABC News.
- Your rights in responding to enforcement actions with Gregory S. Winton, Esq. Aviation Law Experts, Dana Carr, director of operations, Air Trek Inc., and Paul Lange, Esq., Lange & Associates.
- Future of GA manufacturing, sales and delivery with a panel of the world’s top general aviation manufacturing executives including Peter Bunce, president and CEO, GAMA and Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream Aerospace.
- Preparing for success in the new economy with Richard Van Gemert, senior vice president, Jet Aviation, William Haberstock, president & CEO, Million Air – Salt Lake City, James C. Christiansen, president, NetJets, and James K. Coyne, president, NATA.
Visit www.nata.aero/acs for descriptions of these sessions, housing information and registration details.
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| Bunce, Lombardo, Dye And Showalter Join FBO Conference Program |
| Latest 2009 FBO Leadership Conference Lineup |
| Managers and senior-level executives of fixed base operations are invited to receive the latest intelligence, tactics, and strategies at the NATA 2009 FBO Leadership Conference on June 9-11 at the Westfields Marriott in Dulles, Virginia.
The following topics will be covered:
- Ritz-Carlton caliber customer service and marketing with Brian Grubb, corporate director, The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center.
- FAA airports issues with Catherine M. Lang, acting associate administrator for Airports, FAA.
- TSA aviation security directives with Douglas Hofsass, general manager, Commercial Aviation & Airports, TSA.
- How to be an aviation ambassador – GA Serves America Campaign – with Craig Fuller, president, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.
- Future of GA manufacturing, sales and delivery with a panel of the world’s top general aviation manufacturing executives including, Peter Bunce, president and CEO, GAMA and Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream Aerospace.
- Curbing the media and public attack on business aviation with William Garvey, editor, Business & Commercial Aviation, and Lisa Stark, correspondent, ABC News.
- Impact of NFPA 409 building codes on your business with James Doctorman, chairman, NFPA Airports Facilities Committee, The Boeing Company, Mercer Dye, Dye Aviation Facilities Inc., Bob Showalter, chairman, Showalter Flying Service, and James K. Coyne, president, NATA.
Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc for descriptions of these sessions, housing information and registration details.
The 2009 Air Charter Summit and 2009 FBO Leadership Conference will be held back-to-back this year to give you more options. Come for one event, stay for both or send a team to divide and conquer. Volume and combo event discounts are available. Contact Diane Gleason at dgleason@nata.aero or (703) 575-2050 for help with questions or to register multiple attendees from the same company at the volume discount rate.
Click here to find out how you can reach your target audience and demonstrate your commitment to higher learning by sponsoring a session.
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| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| Many on-demand operators are surprised when states that they have flown into attempt to impose taxes on the aircraft or even a portion of the entire air charter business. Has this happened to you?
Participate in survey.
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| Environmental Fact of the Week |
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| 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 the initiatives the industry has taken to reduce global warming.
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce held hearings on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009 draft. The ACES draft is a multipart draft bill that if enacted would impose a carbon emission “cap & trade” program for certain industries.
With the renewed focus on environmental issues by government and the media, now is the time to be certain that your business is compliant with applicable environmental regulations. NATA is holding its Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities May 11 in Windsor Locks, CT. By attending this seminar, you will:
- Increase your 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
This will be the final environmental compliance seminar for 2009, so be sure not miss it!
For more information or to register, visit: www.nata.aero.
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