Newsletters


Return to list
NATA News - NATA Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee Supports the Draft Advisory Circulars (AC)
[SUBJECT]

  

 
 
Share this week's
edition of
NATA News
 
View HTML Version of Newsletter   April 1, 2019 — Volume 18, Issue 13 
   This Week's Top Stories 


NATA Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee Supports the Draft AC

The Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee reviewed the proposed draft Advisory Circular 65.30B and provided comments ahead of the April 4th deadline. The FAA’s revised draft AC 65.30B, Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession, provides information to prospective Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and other professionals interested in an aviation maintenance career. It contains general information on the requirements to become a certificated or noncertificated aviation maintenance professional.


NATA supports this revision, especially at this critical time of technician shortages the industry faces.


 
 


Singapore Announces Implementation of an Airport Alcohol Testing Program (AATP) for Pilots

Beginning March 31, 2019, Singapore will conduct random testing of foreign and local pilots at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Seletar Airport (XSP) in an effort to “deter and prevent” pilots from operating aircraft while under the influence. Under the AATP, testing will be conducted in a non-public area, after the pilot commences duty, and will include an initial test using a portable breathalyzer with a pass/fail indication. If the initial test produces a positive result, the pilot must perform a confirmatory test using a forensic-standard breathalyzer that provides the breath alcohol content.

 
 


NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards Program Nomination Deadline Extended to April 3rd

Wednesday, April 3rd, is the last day to submit nominations for NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards Program. Each year, NATA presents awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of the following awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations:

   -  Airport Executive Partnership Award
   -  ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award 
   -  Excellence In Pilot Training Award 
   -  Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional Award 

   -  New! - FBO CSR Award

   -  New! - Future Leader Award

 

The Industry Excellence Awards, along with the AMT Employer Awards, will be presented at a luncheon held during NATA's Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference in June 2019. For more information, please click here. To submit a nomination, click here.


 
 


Government Shutdown Bill Outcome Update 

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced a bill last Wednesday to protect the FAA from the effects of future government shutdowns like the one that occurred earlier this year. The Aviation Funding Stability Act, H.R. 1108, would protect FAA programs and personnel – and the U.S. aviation industry as a whole – from future shutdowns of the federal government by allowing the agency to spend any unobligated money in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue all ongoing FAA programs, projects, and activities at the same annualized rate that they were receiving during the most recent appropriations that had lapsed.

 

While the Trust Fund receives a modest contribution from the U.S. Treasury’s general fund, the FAA is almost entirely a self-funded agency. The Trust Fund currently has a balance sufficient to cover last year’s general fund share of the FAA, plus the ongoing Trust Fund share, in the unlikely event of a prolonged lapse of appropriations lasting several years. Read more.


 

 
   Industry News
 


FAA Updates Industry on ADS-B

 

NATA representatives attended the latest meeting of Equip 2020, the government-industry group working issues surrounding the FAA’s January 1, 2020 requirement for aircraft to be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) to access certain airspace. The full requirements for ADS-B are found in FAR 91.225. The group has been engaged for several years in identifying potential roadblocks to meeting the mandate and ways to address those problems. Among the items discussed was the fact that the FAA rebate program to incentivize GA equipage is still available to owners of fixed wing, single engine piston aircraft until October 11, 2019. Details can be found here. In addition, FAA advised NATA of a policy letter, formally published today, that will be effective Jan 2, 2020. That policy reiterates the requirement for aircraft to be ADS-B Out equipped to operate in the relevant airspace on or after January 1, 2020. It also outlines FAA’s position on granting authorization for operations in the airspace to those aircraft not suitably equipped. Such a special authorization is addressed in the regulation but FAA cautions that authorization will not be automatic, nor will it be allowed simply to permit routine operations for an operator who chooses not to comply.

 
 
    
 


GA Security Update – Insights from the TSA

 

NATA representatives attended the regular meeting of the GA subcommittee of TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). TSA advised the industry that they are reorganizing several divisions within TSA. This is a work in progress and TSA will provide us with an updated organization chart and relevant points of contact for security issues later. TSA offered an update on ongoing concerns from operators about restrictions at PBI due to Presidential movements. TSA has and will continue to provide the best possible information on requirements for pre-screening and security clearances when the TFR is active, but also noted that Secret Service ultimately controls things like road closures around the airport, which may not always be compatible with a specific screening time. TSA advised NATA that it is their understanding that FAA is returning the airspace promptly when vacated and that problems to date have been relatively few. TSA also briefed the group on developments in the current requirements for pilots of charter flights to validate passengers’ identification and on efforts to adjust the takeoff gross weight cutoff point for aircraft falling under the Twelve Five Standard Security Program rather than the Private Charter Standard Security Program.  TSA is aware of industry concerns on both issues and is continuing to work with NATA and other associations toward solutions.


 
   Association Highlights
 


This Week NATA Team to Meet with Members and Industry at Air Charter Forum and Town Hall Meeting

 

Today, NATA is hosting an Air Charter Forum at the Boca Raton Airport in Florida. Attendees will be joined by NATA President Gary Dempsey and Vice President Ryan Waguespack, where they will discuss issues impacting the Part 135 community, including illegal charter, federal excise taxes, the pilot shortage, FSDO relationships, and more. Thank you to GoGo Business Aviation for sponsoring this year's Air Charter Forums!


On Wednesday, April 3, Vice President Ryan Waguespack and Director of Member Services Jake Legere will be onsite for NATA's Industry Town Hall at Meridian Aviation in Teterboro, NJ. Town halls provide aviation business leaders from across the region the opportunity to sit down together and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities within our industry—including regional matters and a legislative and regulatory update.


Limited space is still open for the April 3rd Industry Town Hall and a complimentary lunch will be provided, RSVP today. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available, please contact events@nata.aero for more information on supporting these industry events. Follow NATA’s social media channels for photos.


     
    Events
 


Early Bird Pricing Ends Next Week for 2019 NATA Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference

 

NATA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference (ABC) takes place June 17-19 at the Grand Hyatt Washington, DC. The conference kicks off with a reception Monday evening and concludes Wednesday afternoon. Early bird registration ends next Friday, April 12, 2019—register now and save $95!


The 2019 ABC agenda will address illegal charter, cybersecurity and connectivity, GA workforce successes, and more! Other conference highlights include: NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards Presentation and Luncheon, Capitol Hill meetings for interested attendees, a special exclusive NATA Political Action Committee event, and other interactive networking activities.


Sponsorship opportunities are also available starting at $250. For more information, please visit www.nata.aero/abc.


 
 
 
   
 

Develop Your Line Service, Fueling and Safety Management Teams | NATA Safety 1st In Person Spring Training


Next month, the Certified QC Inspector Workshop will provide attendees with a comprehensive advanced education in fuel handling topics. On April 23-24 (Ft. Worth, TX), attendees will enhance their knowledge on fuel characteristics, filtration, sampling and testing, maintenance, and setting up a conformant inspection program. Additionally, this course will cover the importance of QC record keeping and documentation, along with how to prepare for a QC audit. NATA will offer this workshop again on September 10-11 in Van Nuys, CA.

 

On May 7-9, NATA will hold its Certified FBO Safety Manager Workshop in Chicago, IL. The workshop will help attendees learn the fundamentals of safety management in a ground handling environment, as well as practical knowledge on the development and implementation of an IS-BAH conformant safety management system (SMS). 


For more information or to register, please visit www.nata.aero/events.

 
   Membership Spotlight
 

Sheltair Executive Honored by NYAMA for Leadership Role


During last week’s New York Aviation Management Association’s (NYAMA) spring conference, Warren Kroeppel, Chief Operating Officer of Sheltair Aviation was honored with the coveted “William F. Shea Award,” recognizing his leadership and significant contributions to New York State’s aviation community. NYAMA President Christina R. Callahan, Deputy General Manager at LaGuardia Airport, stated, “In an era of turbulent change throughout the aviation community, Warren’s steady leadership, strategic vision and sustained accomplishments made him the obvious choice for this award.” Read more.


 
 
 


Duncan Aviation Introduces New Online Pricing Calculator

 

Duncan Aviation has introduced an FBO services calculator on its website that will enable transient customers to easily see their complete service charges and fees before visiting each location. According to Duncan, the initiative comes in response to customer requests and the "Know Before You Go" campaign launched by industry organizations - including NATA and AOPA - seeking more transparency in FBO pricing. “We agree that transparency in pricing is important in FBO services,” said Troy Hyberger, the company’s FBO services manager. “We have listed our fuel prices and potential ramp fees on the internet for some time. This app takes that even further by allowing operators to calculate their exact invoice when they stop at a Duncan aviation facility for line service.” Read more.


 
 
   


Jet Aviation Group Appoints New President Dave Paddock

 

Jet Aviation has announced that Dave Paddock has been appointed as the new President of the Jet Aviation Group, effective July 1, 2019. Paddock succeeds Rob Smith, who has served the company in this role since 2014. Smith is leaving Jet Aviation to join General Dynamics’ Marine Systems business unit. “As regional lead for the Americas and a valued member of the Jet leadership team, Dave has overseen the company’s Dulles and Avjet acquisitions, as well the facility expansions in Bedford, Palm Beach, Van Nuys and Teterboro,” said Smith. “I have every confidence that Dave will continue to do great things for our customers, our shareholders and our employees moving forward. I wish him and the leadership team every continued success.” Read more.

 
     
 
 
 
 


Q4 2018 Issue


Stay Informed:

  Facebook
                         Twitter 
    LinkedIn

Other Communication
  

Policy Playbook

 

Safety Net

NATA Now



     
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. 
About NATA  |  Membership  |  Committees  |  Products & Services  |  Events  |  News  |  Safety 1st  |  Government Affairs
Sitemap | Press Room | Media Gallery | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.
NATA News is a weekly e-newsletter offering top industry, legislative, regulatory and association news.
To subscribe to NATA News, please Click Here. To unsubscribe from NATA News, please Click Here.
##TrackImpression##