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NATA News
 NATA News

##Date##                                                                                                Volume 8 Issue 47

 

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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Upcoming Events

2010 FBO Leadership Conference - San Antonio, TX - 01/25/2010

FBO Success Seminar -Las Vegas, NV - 03/15/2010

Environmental Compliance Seminar -Las Vegas, NV - 03/15/2010

Line Service Supervisor Training -Las Vegas, NV - 03/15/2010

NATA Safety 1st Trainer -Las Vegas, NV - 03/15/2010

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Professional Line Service Training 

 

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.  continued

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139 Fire Safety Training Online

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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Topics in this Volume:
 
Ø
Ø NATA Releases Second Video Briefing: “Attack Back”
Ø NATA Asks EPA To Reconsider Decision Not To Extend Comment Deadline On De-ice ELG
Ø Bob Hope Airport Officials Respond To FAA’s Denial Of A Nighttime Curfew
Ø TSA Issues Repair Station Security Rule
Ø House Committee Holds Hearing To Assess Security At Foreign Repair Stations
Ø Hudson River Airspace Changes Finalized By FAA
Ø FAA Issues NPRM Proposing Limits On Companies Hiring FAA Inspectors
Ø Byer’s Blog -- FAA Reauthorization: The Slow Grind
Ø Aviation Leaders Unite At 2010 FBO Leadership Conference
Ø 2010 ACSF Air Charter Safety Symposium Registration Available
Ø NATA’s FBO Success Seminar At Spring Training
Ø Past Poll Results Available
Ø NATA Weekly Survey
Ø Environmental Fact Of The Week

 

NATA Participates In House Aviation Subcommittee Roundtable On Economic Outlook Of Aviation
NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation on November 17, 2009, to discuss emergency measures that Congress can take to assist the struggling aviation industry.

The roundtable discussion was convened by Republican leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Aviation Subcommittee, Representatives John L. Mica (R-FL) and Tom Petri (R-WI). Industry representatives from commercial, regional and cargo airlines, general aviation, airports, aviation businesses, and repair stations, as well as aviation financial analysts, were present for a critical examination of the state of the industry and potential congressional initiatives to address the problems.

NATA advocated for positive reinforcement for our nation’s public-use airports, general aviation businesses, aircraft and pilots. Byer highlighted some of the things Congress has done lately to boost aviation manufacturing and jobs, such as the recently introduced legislation by Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), H.R. 3844, that would extend bonus depreciation for noncommercial aircraft but stated much more can be done.

To read NATA’s Press Release on the roundtable, please click here.

To read Byer’s full testimony, please click here.

 

 
NATA Releases Second Video Briefing: “Attack Back”
NATA has issued the second release in the “Coyne’s Video Briefings” series titled “Attack Back.” In this video, NATA President James K. Coyne comments on the current political climate one year after the Big 3 automaker executives flew into Washington Dulles International Airport asking for a government bailout. “Attack Back” highlights the year’s economic and political troubles and encourages NATA members to fight back by demonstrating how important the general aviation industry is to the American and global economy.

A new video will be released every few weeks and will focus on “hot topics” and important current events affecting the association’s membership and the general aviation industry at-large.

“These video briefings allow me to speak directly to our members on current political and financial issues affecting their companies,” Coyne stated. “I will also be able to provide some candid perspective as to how these issues impact the bottom line of aviation businesses and what actions our members can take to ensure that their companies are protected from new taxes and unnecessary regulations.”  

To view “Attack Back,” please click here.

To view the catalog of Coyne’s Video Briefings, please click here.

 

 
NATA Asks EPA To Reconsider Decision Not To Extend Comment Deadline On De-ice ELG.
Last week, NATA joined with the Air Transport Association (ATA), Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Regional Airline Association (RAA) in asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider its decision not to extend the public comment period for the proposed de-icing Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) beyond December 28, 2009. The de-icing ELG would require certain commercial service airports to use technological solutions to ensure the collection and disposal of a certain percentage of sprayed de-ice fluid.

The original request to extend the comment period was denied by the EPA on the grounds that sufficient opportunity for comment was being provided. This request provided the EPA with more detail on the specific reasons why the original 120-day comment period is insufficient, including:

  • The effect on the comment process of the comment period’s conclusion occurring during the peak of de-icing season
  • The effect of the EPA’s recent addition of substantial documentation to the ELG docket
  • The effect of the sheer size of the rulemaking and supporting documentation on the comment process (currently over 1200 supporting document entries in the docket)
  • Specific operational and safety issues that require more time to analyze fully

The current comment period on the proposed de-icing ELG ends December 28, 2009. A copy of the request that the EPA reconsider its denial of an extension of the comment period can be viewed here.

 

 
Bob Hope Airport Officials Respond To FAA’s Denial Of A Nighttime Curfew
Officials with Bob Hope Airport have finally responded publicly to FAA’s recent denial of their Part 161 request to institute a nighttime curfew. In both a press release from the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and an article in the Burbank Leader officials seemed to indicate that they would be taking a new course on addressing nighttime noise. According to the official press release, the authority would:
  • Explore convening a forum of stakeholders, including lawmakers, to consider obtaining a curfew either through federal legislation and/or a negotiated settlement involving impacted constituents.
  • Commission a new Part 150 Study to validate its commitment to the airport’s ongoing acoustical treatment program, as well as to identify and pursue other noise abatement and mitigation measures.

“All of us on the Authority Commission were deeply disappointed by the FAA’s decision, but the steps outlined today do hold potential for further progress, and we believe this course of action is the best way to move ahead,” added Authority President Joyce Streator.”

In the Burbank Leader article, airport authority officials took a much harsher tone.

Airport Commissioner Don Brown said. “[The FAA] is going to really have to batter us and badger us if they think we’re going to stop. We’re going to do what we have to do.”

In regards to the FAA decision, airport Commissioner Charles Lombardo said:

“We spent nine years and $7 million on this effort — real time and money — and really [the FAA] just said no. The FAA said we don’t have a nighttime noise problem. Well, if you ask the people around the airport, I think they would give you a different answer.”

In its decision, the FAA determined that there was a noise problem at Bob Hope Airport but denied the airport authority’s request as unreasonable. NATA submitted comments to the FAA opposing the airport authority’s request for a curfew and hopes the authority chooses a path that involves all stakeholders in a process aimed at finding workable solutions that do not harshly restrict airport access.

 

 
TSA Issues Repair Station Security Rule
Last week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Aircraft Repair Station Security. The TSA was tasked by Congress, in the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, with creating regulations aimed at security of FAA-certificated Part 145 repair stations.

This NPRM would require any repair station, foreign or domestic, certificated under 14 CFR Part 145 to carry out a standard security program (SSP) consisting of:

  • Access controls for the facility, aircraft and/or aircraft components
  • Measures for identifying individuals with access to the facility, aircraft and/or aircraft components
  • Procedures for challenging unauthorized individuals
  • Security awareness training for employees
  • The name of the facility’s designated security coordinator
  • A contingency plan
  • The means to verify employee background information

The NPRM does seem to offer some flexibility in security requirements depending on whether a repair station is located on or off the airport and the type and size of aircraft the station services.

NATA has produced an initial regulatory report on the proposed rule, available here, and will fully analyze the NPRM and provide the TSA with comments. The NPRM is available here and is open for public comment until January 19, 2010.

 

 
House Committee Holds Hearing To Assess Security At Foreign Repair Stations
On November 18, members of the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection heard testimony from various government and union groups on the security of foreign and domestic repair stations and how the federal government will carry out an inspection program that will protect the flying public.

This hearing comes after the Transportation Security Transportation (TSA) released its anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) highlighting repair station security. If finalized, the NPRM would establish a new Part 1554, “Aircraft Repair Station Security,” that would require any foreign or domestic repair station certificated under 14 CFR 145 to carry out a standard security program (SPP) including worker access and identity, maintenance, and contingency plans.

However, concerns arose over the communication gaps between the FAA and the TSA. “While this relationship between FAA and TSA forms the crux of an effective security oversight program, the NPRM is unclear in describing how the agencies will work together to implement these processes,” stated Subcommittee Chairwoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) agreed, stating that a clarification of communication between the agencies is needed to ensure that the NPRM is effective, “particularly in the case of TSA identifying security discrepancies that may impact FAA’s certification of a foreign repair facility.”

To view witness testimony or recorded video of the hearing, please click here.

 

 
Hudson River Airspace Changes Finalized By FAA

Last week, the FAA published a final rule, available here, that modifies the airspace surrounding the Hudson River and East River Class B Exclusions. The modification included creating a uniform floor for the Class B airspace above the Hudson River Exclusion and the creation of a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) that includes specific requirements for operations in the Hudson River and East River Exclusions. The SFRA requirements include:

  • Operations in either the East River or Hudson River Exclusion
    • Indicated airspeed must not exceed 140 knots
    • Anti-collision lights and aircraft position/navigation lights shall be on, if equipped. The use of landing lights is recommended.
    • Pilots must self announce their position on the appropriate radio frequency for the East River or Hudson River as depicted on the New York VFR Terminal Area Chart (TAC) and/or the New York Helicopter Route Chart.
    • Pilots must have a current New York TAC chart and/or New York Helicopter Route Chart in the aircraft and be familiar with the information contained therein.
  • When operating in the Hudson River Exclusion, the following additional requirements apply
    • Pilots must self announce, at the charted mandatory reporting points, the following information: aircraft type, current position, direction of flight and altitude
    • Southbound aircraft must fly along the west shoreline of the Hudson River and northbound aircraft must fly along the east shoreline of the river.
    • Aircraft transiting the entire length of the Hudson River Class B Exclusion must remain at or above 1000 feet MSL but below the floor of the overlying Class B airspace
  • When operating in the East River Exclusion, the following additional requirements apply
    • No person may operate an airplane in the East River Exclusion extending from the southwestern tip of Governors Island to the north tip of Roosevelt Island except: seaplane taking off or landing in the river or aircraft authorized by air traffic control

This final rule became effective November 19. NATA’s regulatory report on the final rule is available here.

 

 
FAA Issues NPRM Proposing Limits On Companies Hiring FAA Inspectors
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comments on a proposal to put limits on airlines and other operators hiring FAA safety inspectors and their managers for two years after those employees leave the agency was released by the FAA last week.
The proposed rule would prohibit air carriers, flight schools, repair stations and other certificated organizations from employing or contracting with former FAA inspectors and managers to represent them in agency matters if the former employee had any direct oversight of the certificate holder in the preceding two years. This rule also would apply to anyone who owns or manages a fractional ownership program aircraft.

Current law basically forbids former federal employees (including those at the FAA) to represent an entity before the government on matters in which they were involved. It also places a two-year restriction on those same former employees from representing anyone in matters in which the employee was directly responsible. The new proposal goes a step further by placing inspector hiring restrictions on FAA-certificated companies and fractional ownership operations themselves.

FAA policy already provides for a two-year cooling off period for newly employed aviation safety inspectors, prohibiting them from having certificate management responsibilities over their former aviation employer.

The rule would not keep operators from hiring former inspectors to serve in other positions (e.g. aircraft dispatcher, flight attendant, maintenance technician, pilot, or training instructor) as long as they do not represent the operator in FAA matters.

The deadline for submitting comments is February 19, 2009.  NATA encourages its members to review the NPRM and submit comments.

 

 
Byer’s Blog -- FAA Reauthorization: The Slow Grind
As Congress looks to approve its eighth extension in order for the FAA to continue operating, the window could be open for user fee advocates to modify long-term reauthorization legislation. Read Eric Byer’s latest blog on what the future of FAA reauthorization legislation could be in the wake of the President unveiling his FY 2011 budget.

NATA’s Director, Legislative Affairs Kristen Moore and Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs Eric Byer recently held a Reauthorization Policy Webinar. Click here to view the PowerPoint and here for the recording.

 

 
Aviation Leaders Unite At 2010 FBO Leadership Conference
Preceding NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Antonio
Over the past year, the spirit of cooperation among aviation leaders has been strong, and the outlook remains so for 2010. These leaders have joined together to spread the word to Capitol Hill and the public at-large about the immense importance of general aviation to job creation and the American economy. And on several occasions, these leaders have served as a "single voice" to update the industry on the current state of the economy and provide a glimpse of what they expect in the coming year.

Join NATA's Jim Coyne, NBAA's Ed Bolen, GAMA's Pete Bunce and AOPA's Craig Fuller on Tuesday morning at NATA's FBO Leadership Conference for a breakfast and the first industry briefing of 2010.

The 2010 FBO Leadership Conference sessions focus on change and relationships. The event itself has undergone a few major changes in the date and location. In an effort to provide our members added value and convenience, NATA is partnering with NBAA to hold the 2010 FBO Leadership Conference (January 25-26) immediately preceding NBAA’s Schedulers And Dispatchers Conference (January 26-29) in San Antonio, TX. 

We will continually update the 2010 FBO Leadership Conference events page as more details are available. For more information or to register, please visit www.nata.aero/fbolc. Click here to register for NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference.

 

 
2010 ACSF Air Charter Safety Symposium Registration Available
Sponsorship Opportunities Announced
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) will hold its 2010 Air Charter Safety Symposium on March 2-3, 2010, at the Marriott Westfields in Chantilly, Virginia.

The 2010 Symposium will showcase a number of critical safety issues confronting the Part 135 on-demand air charter and fractional ownership industry. Planned sessions include:

  • Implementation of Risk Assessment Tools
  • Financial Benefits to Safety Assessment
  • NTSB’s Increasing Focus on Part 135
  • Implementing and Evaluating SMS from a Small Operator’s Perspective
  • Security Preparedness for International Operations
  • International Safety Issues
  • Examination of the Conflicts Between Safety Programs and Legal Proceedings

“The Air Charter Safety Symposium has quickly become one of the most popular annual events in the charter community because of the interactive format, outstanding selection of speakers and important issues addressed affecting all on-demand operators and shared aircraft program managers,” stated ACSF President James K. Coyne.

“With the continued scrutiny from Capitol Hill, the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board on safety in our industry, the 2010 Symposium is a must-attend event to learn the latest safety developments and practical techniques for implementation of safety programs,” Coyne explained. 

Special early registration rates are available for ACSF members and non-members.

Please click here to register for the Air Charter Safety Symposium.

The ACSF Symposium is a fantastic event for suppliers, consultants and other industry participants to showcase their business as a sponsor. A variety of sponsorship levels are available.

Please click here to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities for the Air Charter Safety Symposium.

 

 
NATA’s FBO Success Seminar At Spring Training
March 15-17, Las Vegas, Held In Conjunction With AIE
Running and managing a fixed base operation is a very demanding job. It not only requires a strong business sense, it also requires motivated and loyal employees, targeted marketing and creative negotiating skills.

NATA’s FBO Success Seminar has been designed to help you with almost every conceivable situation in the day-to-day business of running a successful FBO, from developing a favorable lease with an airport authority to understanding and working with your fuel supplier; from decreasing credit card interest rate charges to lowering insurance premiums; and from dealing with FAA and EPA issues to building long-term profitable customer relationships.

Seminar Benefits:
• Save money without cutting corners
• Lower your insurance premiums
• Improve operational efficiency
• Foster FBO profitability
• Increase the intrinsic value of your FBO
• Meet your short- and long-term financial goals

Among The Topics To Be Covered:
• Operating your business in tough times
• Decrease credit card interest rates and lower insurance premiums
• Strengthen your fuel supplier relationship
• Optimize operations and prepare for contingencies
• Building long-term profitable customer relationships
• Make fractional aircraft programs your ally

NATA’s Spring Training Week…
NATA is pleased to host our second annual Spring Training Week in conjunction with the Aviation Industry Expo. This year’s Spring Training consists of several major league seminars designed to answer questions about the business climate, advance the skills of FBO owners, general managers, line service specialists and supervisors and enhance the success of their operation in any economic environment:
FBO Success Seminar
NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar (Train The Trainer)
Environmental Compliance Seminar
Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar (LSST)

 

 
Past Poll Results Available
Each week, NATA includes a survey question as part of NATA News. The surveys are available at www.nata.aero. A new question is posted every Monday. The association strongly encourages members to take a few moments to review and complete the online survey in each week’s edition of NATA News.

Past survey questions and results are available by clicking the View Past Poll Results link at the bottom of the poll box.

 
 

 
NATA Weekly Survey
NATA’s weekly surveys are part of an effort to obtain more information from our members to serve their daily needs better. These surveys range from specific policy topics to programs, products and services that the association provides or should provide. The association strongly encourages members to take a few moments to review and complete the online survey in each week’s edition of NATA News.

Question:
Should Congress adjourn for 2009 without passing a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill?

Participate in survey.

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Environmental Fact Of The Week
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.

Did you know that the fluorescent light bulbs used in many FBOs are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as universal waste? Rules promulgated in the early 1990s (40 CFR 273) establish standards for universal waste management, and while most FBOs do not generate enough waste to qualify as large generators, there are still simple rules for the disposal of universal waste that must be followed.

Used florescent bulbs are covered due to their mercury content. Mercury can, when not properly disposed of, concentrate in streams, lakes and rivers and have a disastrous effect on water quality. Universal waste disposal regulations require:

  • Proper storage, including labeling, of used fluorescent bulbs
  • Procedures for handling of broken fluorescent bulbs
  • Transportation and disposal of universal waste.

NATA members have access to NATA’s Used Fluorescent Bulbs Best Practices guide, which provides detailed information on creating a simple program for the handling, storage and disposal of used fluorescent bulbs. NATA’s Used Fluorescent Bulb Best Practices meet all EPA and state standards for the disposal of universal waste for small generators.

NATA’s Used Fluorescent Bulb Best Practices is available here.

 

 

Visit us anytime at www.nata.aero


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Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: (800)808-6282
Fax: (703)845-8176
 

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