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NATA News - Government Shutdown Continues
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View HTML Version of Newsletter   January 14, 2019 — Volume 18, Issue 2 
   This Week's Top Stories 


Government Shutdown Continues – FY2019 Transportation Funding Passes House

As the ongoing government shutdown approaches its fourth week, Congress and President Trump are at an impasse over funding for border security, halting progress for FY2019 funding for numerous departments, including the Department of Transportation (DOT). On January 10th, the House passed legislation (H.R. 267) to fund the DOT for the fiscal year, providing $17.7 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration through September 30th. The bill, which also includes funding for the Departments of Agriculture and Housing/ Urban Development, now heads to the Senate—where leadership has suggested it will not receive floor time. President Trump has also threatened to veto any appropriations bills that come to his desk until he receives funding for the border wall. Stay up to date on the status of the government shutdown and FY2019 DOT funding by following NATA on our social media accounts.

 


NATA Urges President and Congress to End Government Shutdown

Last week, NATA and numerous aviation groups sent a joint letter to President Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the negative effects of the ongoing government shutdown on the industry, FAA and Department of Homeland Security. “This shutdown is hampering our ability to function effectively” the groups note, highlighting many setbacks including staffing issues, a delay of Air Traffic Control services, no new aircraft certification or NextGen testing technologies, no new pilot or mechanic testing and no processing of FAA mandated pilot background checks. In addition, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection personnel are working without pay. NATA legislative and regulatory staff are on hand to answer any questions you have during the shutdown and provide assistance where necessary—click here or call (800) 808-6282 to contact a member of the government affairs staff.

     


Wicker Selected as Chairman of Senate Commerce Committee

As the 116th Congress begins, Senate leadership has selected Roger Wicker (R-MS) to succeed John Thune (R-SD) as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. In a press release, Thune—who now acts as Majority Whip for the upper chamber—congratulated Senator Wicker on his election and noted his longstanding membership on the Committee. In his new role, Wicker will be responsible for leading the Committee towards guiding a long-term, bipartisan infrastructure package to Senate passage and overseeing the six subcommittees of jurisdiction, including the newly-created Subcommittee on Security. Wicker will work alongside Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and the Committee “to build on the Committee’s successes and continue moving our economy forward,” according to a statement.

    
 


FAA to Hold Meeting to Discuss Proposed Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airspace Changes

On February 27th, the FAA will host an informal public meeting, where stakeholders can voice their concerns, recommendations and comments on a proposed plan to modify the Miami, FL, Class B Airspace, and the Fort Lauderdale, FL, Class C Airspace areas. All comments will assist the FAA in drafting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the agency notes all comments received will be considered prior to any revision or issuance of an NPRM. NATA suggests all operators who frequent the south Florida airspace to consider attending and/or submit any comments you may have.

 

The meeting will be held from 3:00pm-5:30pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Broward College South Campus Building 69, Room 133, 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. Please click here  to submit comments. Comments are due on or before March 29, 2019.
 


 
   Industry News
 


Jorge Castro Joins New Law Firm in the District

 

Jorge Castro recently joined the Washington, D.C. law firm of Miller & Chevalier. Jorge has advised NATA and our members on federal tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service and Congress, including the air transportation excise tax. Jorge founded Castro Strategies in 2015 and will resume his tax practice at Miller & Chevalier, where he will continue to work with NATA on tax policy and regulatory matters. Jorge’s new email is jcastro@milchev.com and you can find his full contact information here.
 
 
   Association Highlights
 


This Week NATA Executives to Visit California Members to Discuss GA Issues, Charter Challenges and Environmental Sustainability | Attendance Is Free, RSVP Now

 

Today, NATA hosted its first Air Charter Forum of the year in San Jose, CA. On January 15th, the Association will also visit with NATA members and others from the air charter community. These events will allow attendees to discuss issues impacting the regional Part 135 community, including illegal charter, federal excise taxes, the pilot shortage, FSDO relationships and more. On January 16th, NATA will host its first 2019 Industry Town Hall in Van Nuys, CA. The town hall will provide aviation business leaders from around the Los Angeles area the opportunity to sit down together and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities within our industry.


On January 17th, NATA and a coalition of international industry organizations behind the Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF) Initiative and the associated Business Aviation Guide will host an event at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Los Angeles, CA. The Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability event will mark the business aviation industry’s undertaking to reduce emissions through the development and adoption of SAJF with the goal of a carbon-neutral future for the industry.


RSVP is required, and complimentary lunches will be provided for the forums, town hall and Business Jets Fuel Green event. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact kuko@nata.aero for more information on supporting these industry events.
 
 
 
   
 


NATA Attends Sessions of the Safety Analysis Team

 

NATA representatives attended two sessions of the Safety Analysis Team, which is a working group under the FAA’s General Aviation Joint Steering Committee. The general focus of the team is to analyze fatal general aviation accidents and search for common elements that can then be developed into Safety Enhancements. The effort is currently centered on Loss of Control events. Part of the activity was a detailed “deep dive” analysis of several accidents to evaluate the potential applicability of existing Safety Enhancements. The following session involved updates on implementing various Safety Enhancements. Among these are outreach efforts on improving safety culture, including advising pilots of the hazards of flying while taking impairing medications and drugs, improving maintenance event reporting, expanding the use of FAA and manufacturer operating handbooks and potential having a greater use of cameras to provide higher quality weather data to pilots.

     
  
 

NATA P&C Plus Insurance Program | Coverage You Can Count On


NATA launched its P&C Plus Insurance Program exclusively for you.

The Program provides a full suite of insurance coverage for members. This broker-driven program delivers flexible coverage options with a quick and simple enrollment process. 

The NATA P&C Plus Program offers a range of coverages including:

    -   Commercial Property
    -   Inland Marine
    -   Business Auto
    -   Storage Tank Liability - TankSafe® 
    -   Premises Pollution Liability
    -   Cyber Liability
    -   Management Liability – Directors & Officers, Employment Practices, Fiduciary
    -   Crime Coverage
    -   Kidnap Ransom and Extortion
    -   Workplace Violence Expense

Learn more at www.nata.aero/PCPlus.

 
 
 
   Events
 


Interested in Speaking or Recommending a Session Topic for NATA’s 2019 Aviation Business Conference and Annual Meeting? | June 17-19 in DC

 

On June 17-19, 2019, NATA will host its Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference (ABC), which will take place at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC. The event will commence with a reception on Monday evening and will conclude on Wednesday at noon. Attendees will hear from government policymakers, industry experts and other leaders representing various sectors of the general aviation community — including FBOs, airports, air charter operators and MROs. In addition, NATA will schedule meetings for attendees interested in meeting with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill. Along with several opportunities to connect with other attendees, NATA will introduce an innovative structure to next year’s program.


Early bird registration is available until Friday, April 12th, register now to save $95! Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are also available — starting at $250.

 

Check out what previous ABC attendees had to say about their experience. Interested in speaking at the conference or want to share a session topic we should cover, click here?
 
   Member Spotlight
 


Allegheny County Airport Authority to Provides Free Lunches to Federal Workers

 

On January 10th, as a gesture of appreciation to more than 200 federal employees working at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC) without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Allegheny County Airport Authority distributed free lunches to all employees. The Airport Authority joined with Bruegger’s Bagels to provide bagged lunches on all shifts for workers including TSA agents and FAA air traffic controllers who are essential to airport safety and security and to keeping operations running smoothly 24/7 at PIT and AGC in West Mifflin. Read more here.

 
 
 
  
 


Punta Gorda Airport Ends 2018 with Significant Accomplishments

 

On January 9th, the Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) announced the Puta Gorda Airport (PGD) passenger count for 2018 totaled 1,577,164. This is a 21.95 percent increase in passenger traffic for 2018 compared with 1,293,337 total passengers in 2017. “This has been an outstanding year for the Punta Gorda Airport,” said CCAA Board Chair Pam Seay. “Not only have we welcomed more travelers to Charlotte County, we’ve continued strong revenue streams, increased our cash reserves and made great progress on important airport projects.” Read more here.

 
 
   ACSF News


Have You Registered for the 2019 ACSF Safety Symposium?

 

The 2019 Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium brings together the top professionals in the aviation industry and features industry leading professionals. Register now for this can't miss event at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA. The event will take place from March 12-13, 2019. Don't miss out!


View attendee testimonials. | View past event details and topics.

Register at 
www.acsf.aero/symposium or call Bryan Burns at (202) 774-1515 to learn more.

 
     
 
 
 
 


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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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