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April 27, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 17
 NATA Aviation Business Conference Highlight – Charter Compliance
Paul A. Lange of The Law Offices of Paul A. Lange and Lindsey McFarren of McFarren Aviation Consulting will lead a session titled “Charter Compliance Checkup” at NATA’s Aviation Business Conference in June. This session will cover compliance concerns for Part 135 on-demand charter operators, potential ramifications of non-compliance and possible solutions for operators. Trending topics for Part 135 include, pilot training and evaluations, drug and alcohol testing requirements and Pilot Records Improvement Act requirements. Join us June 15th-18th for the main event of the year for all aviation businesses.
NATA Offers Senators Views on FAA Reform
Today, NATA provided the Senate Aviation Subcommittee with its views on the upcoming FAA reauthorization in advance of Tuesday’s hearing entitled, “FAA Reauthorization: Aviation Safety and General Aviation.” NATA President Tom Hendricks covered a number of aviation business-related issues including the FAA’s organizational structure, regulatory consistency, aviation tax policy, and areas where agency operations might be streamlined. Hendricks discussed the importance of timely action on a multi-year bill noting, “As a result of the last FAA reauthorization bill, NATA member companies have been able to confidently proceed with their own investment plans, but that confidence to invest will be undermined by a protracted reauthorization process.”
NATA and Safety 1st Represented at EBACE
NATA’s Tom Hendricks and Michael France will join NATA Compliance Services to promote global initiatives, services and Safety 1st products. EBACE takes place May 19-21, 2015 in Geneva. Visit booth P115 or contact NATA ahead of time (202-774-1535) to schedule a time to talk to our representatives.
Senate Aviation Subcommittee Reviews Importance of Certification Reform
Last week, the Senate Aviation Subcommittee heard from government officials and industry stakeholders on the importance of certification reform and the need for improvements to the current agency process. Representatives from the FAA and GAO assured the subcommittee that progress is being made to improve the efficiency of the certification process through Aviation Rulemaking Committees and collaboration with industry, but it is too soon to determine whether FAA’s planned actions adequately address the recommendations. The GAO believes metrics need to be developed to assess the overall effectiveness of the actions and whether they are leading to improvements. Click here for more information.
Senate Aviation Subcommittee Focuses on Airport Infrastructure Funding
In its second hearing in a series of discussions on reauthorizing the FAA, the Senate Aviation Subcommittee focused on funding needs at airports and examined airport investment programs including AIP funding and the Contract Tower Program. Government and industry representatives are supportive of the Contract Tower Program agreeing that it provides cost-effective and safe air traffic control services, operates at a lower cost than federally funded towers and connects communities and businesses across the nation. The panel also discussed industry and government support of funding models that put economic benefits back into airport infrastructure, but differed on where to increase fees to account for investments. Click here for more information.
Seven FAA Unions Sent Letter to House Opposing Major Changes to FAA Structure
Members from seven FAA unions sent a letter to House leadership responsible for aviation issues urging them to oppose major changes to FAA’s current structure, including the privatization of air traffic control. The groups “urge lawmakers to develop a plan that addresses the FAA’s need for a stable funding free of the threat of sequestration” and did not agree "that a massive change to the FAA’s structure is the solution to the funding problem." Earlier in the week the President of NATCA, Paul Rinaldi, told the Aero Club of Washington that NATCA would oppose any for-profit structure for providing air traffic control services and that the top priority of the upcoming FAA bill must be to "provide a predictable, stable funding stream."
NATA Participates in ADS-B Equip 2020 Plenary and Working Group Meeting
NATA’s regulatory affairs staff attended the monthly Equip 2020 Plenary and Working Group Meeting last week with industry and FAA representatives. NATA continues to participate in the “General Aviation Equipage Working Group,” which focuses on monitoring the equipage of ADS-B Out in the GA community as well as confronting issues relevant to availability of equipment and its installation. The next Equip 2020 Plenary and Working Group Meeting is scheduled for mid-June. For more information, please contact Megan Eisenstein, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs (meisenstein@nata.aero).
Best Practices for MROs
NATA’s Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee published several Best Practices on RVSM maintenance, performing a pre-purchase evaluation, maintenance human factors training programs and more. Click here to access the Best Practices and other information developed by the Committee.
Cutter Aviation Appoints Mark Niehaus as Vice President of Technical Services
Cutter Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Niehaus as Vice President of Technical Services for Cutter Aviation. He is responsible for all aspects of the MRO business in the Cutter network including technical, sales, financial and compliance. Read more.
Signature Flight Support Opens $1.3M Upgraded Facility at Detroit Metro Airport
Fixed-based operator Signature Flight Support has opened its $1.3 million renovated facility at Detroit Metro Airport to provide fueling, ground handling, and maintenance services to private and commercial aircraft operators. Read further.
2015 Aviation Business Conference - Housing Reservations Deadline is May 22nd!
The Air Charter Summit + Aviation Business & Legislative Conference
NATA is combining the best of the Air Charter Summit with the best of the Aviation Business & Legislative Conference into one industry-wide event – the NATA 2015 Aviation Business Conference. NATA’s new conference provides important advice, access and information to give your aviation business a competitive edge and to provide insights into what is happening in Washington that could impact your bottom line. One event also means more opportunities to catch up with your business associates. Register by clicking here. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Elizabeth Nicholson at enicholson@nata.aero.
Second Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop Takes Place in Teterboro
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Teterboro, NJ on May 12-13, 2015. The Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to make your line service team succeed and become new leaders within your company. Register now! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available at http://www.nata.aero/events.
ACSF’s Russ Lawton will speak on “Using ASAP to Enhance Your SMS and Build a Positive Safety Culture” at the 2015 Business Aviation Safety Summit in Weston, FL on May 14th. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF news.
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