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June 6, 2012   null   Volume 11 Issue 23
NATA NEWS
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Events 

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nullRegister Today For Popular NATA Air Charter Summit—Starts Next Monday, June 11

Session Spotlight:  International Operations – Questions and Resources
 
There are many issues facing international carriers – EU ETS, UK passenger duty, and the Italian Luxury Tax to name a few. How can you keep on top of emerging issues and provide top notch service? What are the resources you need to have in place for successful operations? Find out the answers to these questions and more at NATA’s Air Charter Summit. The summit will be held June 11-13 in Chantilly, Virginia, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles.

The Air Charter Summit addresses concerns familiar to all Part 135 on-demand charter businesses:

  • Adapting to New FAA Guidance for New Hire Pilot Training
  • IRS Efforts to Expand Taxes to Charter Management Agreement Fees
  • New Training Offerings from NATA
  • Is it Legal? Addressing Common Operator Legal Quandaries
  • Understanding How Credit Card Fees Impact Your Bottom Line - And What to Do About It
  • FAA Regulatory Review
  • Tuesday Night's Program Includes a BBQ with a Raffle to Support the Veterans Airlift Command

You don't want to miss this opportunity to get information from top FAA and Transportation Security Administration officials on the issues that directly affect your business. A one-day pass is available for Tuesday or Wednesday. For more information, or to register, click here.  

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nullLetter To Highway Bill Conferees Rejects Park Service Authority Over Air Tour Operations

On May 30, members of the General Aviation Caucus sent a letter to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and U.S. Representative John Mica (R-FL), chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, both members of the House and Senate Surface Transportation Authorization Conference Committee, asking them to reject a section in Senate Bill 1813: Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act

Under Section 100301 of the bill, the National Park Service (NPS) is given unprecedented authority over air tour operations and the airspace over national parks and tribal lands, weakening the appropriate balance of protection for our national parks and ensuring a safe and viable air tour industry set forth in legislation enacted by Congress. According to signers of the letter, this section would effectively eliminate the air tour industry and result in jobs lost for pilots, drivers, tour guides, support staff and local businesses. It would also unfavorably impact the helicopter manufacturing, maintenance and parts industries. The signers agree that despite the struggles in coordination between the FAA and NPS it is necessary to regulate the air tour industry, but state that “marginalizing the role of the FAA in air tour operations because they occur over park and tribal airspace is a mistake.” It is important to understand the role FAA plays in air tour operations, regardless of where they operate. NATA will monitor the status of the section and the bill as the House considers the companion bill, H.R. 4348.

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nullU.S. House Aviation Subcommittee Hearing Focuses On FAA Consolidation Plan

On May 31, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing to examine the efforts of the FAA to consolidate air traffic control facilities and provide long-term cost savings to help the aviation industry transition to the NextGen air traffic control system.

Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI) based the hearing on an investigation of FAA facilities that took place in 2005, where a witness testified that in order for NextGen transformation within the FAA to be implemented facility consolidation would have to occur. Without such action, the FAA would be forced to maintain outdated facilities, technology and radar boundaries. The recent enactment of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 contains a provision in which the FAA must develop a report showing how it plans to transition to NextGen through facility consolidation and to reduce maintenance, administrative and operating costs to the agency without affecting safety.

The chairman noted that the subcommittee is looking for ”a clear description of the FAA’s implementation timeline and cost estimates, how the FAA is working with labor groups and industry stakeholders, and the agreed upon metrics for determining progress.”

To read the chairman’s remarks and witness testimonies, click here.

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nullGovernment Report Highlights Competitiveness Of The Global Business Jet Industry

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) recently published a report, as requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, examining the “global business jet industry” and its worldwide competitiveness and structure  over a five-year period, from 2006-2011. 

The report, titled “Business Jet Aircraft Industry: Structures and Factors Affecting Competitiveness,” reviewed the industry’s characteristics, structure and deliveries, workforce in the U.S., global market impact, financial record, research and development, business innovation, certification, and future competitiveness. The results of the study show that the U.S. is still the world leader in the business jet industry, both in size and market. However, the U.S. share of global production and market declined during the five-year period as a result of the economic downturn. As the U.S. and international economies recover, more opportunities will be made for increased profitability and purchasing opportunities of small and medium-sized business enterprises.

NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne welcomed the report and its findings. “The report conducted by USITC highlights the importance of business and general aviation and its impact on the industry’s economic development, competitiveness, efficiency and productivity in the global market,” he said. “In order to further the integrity of this first-rate industry, we must work with Congress and government agencies to promote, protect and defend against unnecessary procedures.” 

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nullMay 2012 Is Aviation Appreciation Month In New York

On May 29, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a proclamation declaring May 2012 as “Aviation Appreciation Month” in the empire state. New York becomes the 40th state to recognize the importance of aviation to the economy, business and job growth, and connectivity throughout the state and country. The declaration comes amid the passage of a resolution adopted by both chambers of the state assembly, introduced by Senator William Larkin (R-39th District) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-126th District), co-chairs of the New York Legislative Aviation Caucus.

New York’s aviation industry accounts for more than $50 billion of economic activity annually and employs more than 394,500 residents throughout the state. General aviation contributes more than $1 billion in economic impact yearly in New York, and supports 8,600 jobs.

NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne commended the governor’s actions in a press release, stating that in addition to the industry’s vast economic contribution general aviation aircraft “support the efforts of police, firefighters, emergency medical responders, search and rescue teams, non-profit organizations and natural disaster relief crews which help to ensure public safety.” Coyne and NATA applaud Governor Cuomo for highlighting the importance of this critical lifeline.

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nullFAA Clarifies Shared Use Of Seatbelts

The FAA published a clarification on an interpretation regarding the shared use of a single restraint by multiple occupants. The clarification states a seatbelt and/or seat may be used by more than one occupant only if the seat usage complies with the limits stated in the approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). If the information is available, the pilot-in-command must also verify whether the seatbelt is approved for such use and that the structural strength of the seat is not exceeded.

The clarification also emphasizes the individual use of seatbelts. The original interpretation was published following a fatal airplane crash that occurred in March 22, 2009, involving a Pilatus PC-12. Thirteen passengers were flown in the airplane with only eight seats available, forcing some passengers to share a seat and seatbelt. Had the impact been less severe, the National Transportation Safety Board predicts that the chance of survival may have been greater for those who did not share a seatbelt.

To read the clarification, click here.

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nullWeekly Regulatory Update

Relevant updates from the FAA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security are compiled each day from the Federal Register. The latest notices, rules and proposed rules can now be found in a single source by clicking here.  

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nullGet Answers To Your Questions On June 28

On June 28, find out the most important question to ask a customer, and get your questions about the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar answered in back-to-back webinars.

The Most Important Question to Ask a Customer
During this webinar, we'll discuss ways to determine your SQ (Service Quotient) score. Similar to what an IQ score reveals about a person, an SQ score can reveal a lot about your FBO and how well you are meeting the needs of your customers. We'll discuss ways to benchmark your customer service efforts and reveal to you the secret question you should always ask a customer.

Speakers: Ron Jackson, The Jackson Group
John Enticknap, Aviation Business Strategies Group
Date/Time: June 28, 2012 at 12:00pm EDT

Click here to register. Registration for this webinar is $49.95 per location and includes a copy of presentation materials and link to a recording of the webinar.

Tax Seminar Preview Webinar - Free
During this webinar, we'll discuss the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar (August 7-8, 2012, at Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona), which covers taxes that commercial operators face every day in their operations, such as federal excise taxes, fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, personal property taxes, income taxes, international fees and more. For a closer look at this popular seminar, NATA's Jacqueline Rosser and Conklin & de Decker's Nel Stubbs will host a preview one-hour webinar on June 28 to go over the benefits and give the audience a chance to ask questions about the agenda and speakers.

Speakers: Jacqueline Rosser, NATA
Nel Stubbs, Conklin & de Decker
Eileen Gleimer, Crowell & Moring, LLP
Date/Time: June 28, 2012 at 1:00pm EDT

Click here to register.

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nullPopular COTS Seminar Takes Place In August, Register For Early Bird Rate

NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. continue to offer the only tax seminar for commercial operators. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar (COTS) deals with taxes that you, the commercial operator, face every day in your operations. Federal excise taxes, fuel taxes, sales & use taxes, personal property taxes, depreciation, international fees and more are covered in this seminar. In addition, a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Regulations and topics that should be included in charter/management and management agreements is included. Ample time will be allowed for questions and answers during each session as well as prior to the conclusion seminar.

Featured Speaker:
Jacqueline Rosser, NATA Director, Regulatory Affairs

Jacqueline (Jacque) Rosser has extensive experience representing the general aviation industry before Congress and the federal agencies. She currently serves as NATA’s director of regulatory affairs and oversees association activities involving on-demand air charter and fractional ownership program operations. She works directly with officials of the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, as well as the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration and other agencies impacting air transportation. In her role as staff liaison for the NATA Air Charter Committee, Rosser works with industry leaders on a regular basis to ensure that their aviation business concerns are addressed and the association is responsive to the industry’s needs. Since joining NATA in 1997, she has been an active participant on several FAA rulemaking projects including committees tackling fractional ownership, air carrier flight, duty and rest regulations, and the Part 135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Rosser is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and holds degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Flight. She is also a commercial pilot and certificated flight instructor.

This year's COTS seminar takes place August 7-8 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. To find out more about this seminar by registering for the June 28 preview webinar, click here. To take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Rate ($100 off per registration), click here.

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nullPurchase Popular 2012 Compensation Report Today

NATA has published the results of its 2012 survey of general aviation service employee compensation. The 2012 Compensation Report includes salaries and benefits for pilots, line-service personnel and maintenance technicians.

Employee compensation is broken down by geographic region of the country, by the company's gross sales, by size of the town or city in which the company is located and by the number of employees in the company. In addition to pilots and maintenance technicians, the report includes compensation for inspectors and line service and customer service representatives, among others.

Association Research Inc., a leading economic research firm based in Rockville, Maryland, conducted the salary study. For privacy reasons, none of the individual responses are provided to NATA.

The 2012 Compensation Report is provided at no cost to NATA members who participated in the study. For non-participating members, the charge is $130 and $310 for non-NATA members.

A copy of the 2012 Compensation Report may be purchased on the NATA Web site under Products and Services by clicking on Publications.

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nullGet More Out Of Your NATA Membership With Valuable Savings

NATA is best known for its advocacy role in Washington, D.C., and throughout the nation; fighting hard to ensure that aviation businesses receive equitable treatment in both the legislative and regulatory arenas. Locally, NATA actively supports a growing airport network so aviation businesses can continue to prosper.

But are you also aware of the many money-saving discounts that NATA members can utilize? NATA has negotiated discount programs for many services and products that your business uses. ARAMARK provides up to a 20% discount off of customized uniform and rug solutions and HD Supply offers up to a 14% discount from its catalog prices. NATA also has rental car discounts with national providers, Avis and Hertz. 

NATA Compliance Services offers a 10% discount to members off their already competitive rates and USAIG provides industry-leading workers’ compensation insurance coverage that provides a good experience return based on unused premiums. 

Make sure you are getting the most out of your membership by seeing which of the many money-saving discounts will work for your company. For more information, please visit the NATA Web site.

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NATA E-Learn Webinars

Click here to view a listing of archived webinar recordings.

 

 

 

 

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.

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

 

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