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NATA News
 NATA News

##Date##                                                                            Volume 9 Issue 22

 

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.

 
Upcoming Events

2010 Air Charter Summit - Chantilly, VA - 6/7/2010

2010 Commercial Operators Tax Seminar - Indianapolis, IN - 8/17/2010

Summer E-learn Webinar Series

 


 

  
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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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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TSA Notifies TFSSP Operators Of New Webboard
Following the recent mandate from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that all operators subject to the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) revalidate access for all users of the program’s Webboard, the agency has now announced it will launch a new system for distributing passenger watchlists to TFSSP operators.

In a message sent to all TFSSP operators, the agency explains that the re-validation process for access to the secure Webboards is on-going and that once complete all watchlists will be placed in a new separate Webboard. Essentially, operators will have access to the general TFSSP Webboard as it currently exists and they will access a separate Webboard to obtain the latest watchlist information.

The TSA expects this new system to launch on June 21, 2010. Any operator with the TFSSP program who has questions should review the information found on the current Webboard and contact their PSI if necessary.

 

 
Members Of Congress Seek Support On Repair Station Provision
Sixty-five members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter authored by Representatives John Barrow (D-GA) and Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) and Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL) as well as Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL) and Ranking Member Thomas Petri (R-WI) urging their support for inclusion of the Senate provision on foreign repair station oversight as they proceed with negotiations on a final conference bill reauthorizing the FAA.

While the Senate provision is much like the House bill, which requires at least two annual inspections of FAA certified foreign repair stations and drug and alcohol testing of foreign repair station workers, the Senate bill includes language to preserve the United States – European Union Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, a critical element for both aviation safety and jobs in the U.S.

Timing is critical as Chairman Oberstar recently stated that he expects a multi-year bill on FAA reauthorization to be signed into law by July 4, 2010.

 

 
SAFO Emphasizes Training For Night Operations At Uncontrolled Airports
The FAA has published a safety alert for operators (SAFO) reminding operators to ensure that flight crews are trained on proper procedures for night operations at uncontrolled airports.

SAFO 10008, Ground Operations During the Hours of Darkness at Uncontrolled Airports, explains that there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving aircraft operating (taxi, take-off and landing) at night where flight crews have failed to activate the airport pilot controlled lighting system (PCL).

The FAA asks that operators ensure that the content of this SAFO is provided to pilots during ground training and reinforced in flight training and during supervised operating experience, line checks and proficiency checks.

 

 
NTSB Recommendations From Hudson River Ditching Issued
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its formal recommendations related to the ditching last year of an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River. Among the 26 individual recommendations, several are directed specifically at commercial and fractional aircraft operations.

The NTSB is asking the FAA to require more detailed briefings and demonstrations for installed flotation devices. Additionally, the NTSB believes that all aircraft operated under Part 121, 135 or 91K should be equipped with flotation seat cushions and life vests for each occupant, regardless of the planned flight route. The recommendation for flotation seat cushions is particularly concerning to NATA because the association is unaware of any aircraft currently in use under Part 135 or 91K that are so equipped. To comply with that recommendation would require a complete retrofit of the interiors of the entire fleet.

The NTSB has also recommended new checklists, as well as training and guidance, for low-altitude dual-engine failure and training on water landing techniques.

The complete recommendation letter to the FAA is available for review. The FAA has not provided any indication as to how it might respond to the recommendations.

 
Congressional Recess Is Approaching - Host A Congressional Tour Of Your Facility
The United States Congress is gearing up for their week-long Memorial Day recess, a time during which they spend an entire week in their congressional district. With advance notice, Members of Congress welcome the opportunity to visit constituents and local businesses in their community. NATA encourages its members to host a congressional tour to showcase your business, airport or facility to educate your Members of Congress and their staff about the importance of your aviation business to the community and to our nation’s economy.

For more information on hosting a congressional tour, please click here to view NATA’s Congressional Tour Webpage.

 

 
NATA Launches E-learn Webinars This Summer
Delivering Thought Leaders To Your Location
NATA’s new E-learn webinars are designed to enhance your education from the convenience of your site. E-learn webinars launch in June and include several sessions specially priced at $49.95 as well as free policy and event preview webinars – a continuation of the member benefit webinars that NATA has offered since fall 2009. The registration rate for the five scheduled webinars includes participation for one site (one computer/connection) in the live webinar, a pdf copy of the PowerPoint presentations and pdf files of any additional materials. These 60-minute webinars complement NATA’s networking summit, conference and seminars by bringing experts on the hottest topics to you throughout the year.

Upcoming Webinars:

  • “Strategies for Negotiating with Airport Authorities: Utilizing the Sponsor Assurance to Ensure Fair Treatment Among FBOs” – June 17, $49.95
  • “Success with Social Media” – July 13, $49.95
  • “New or Amended Minimum Standards: How to Ensure that Minimum Standards Help Not Hinder Your Business” – July 21, $49.95
  • “Hiring & Screening In Today’s Market” – August 10, $49.95
  • Social Media Strategies: Tools & Tactics for Success” – August 17, $49.95

Plus, Free June Webinar:
“Health Care Reform Compliance” – June 23, FREE

Click here to see the webinar details and to register. Please send suggestions for future webinar topics to lpylant@nata.aero and forward this article to anyone in your office who will benefit from any of these educational opportunities. NATA also offers Professional Line Service Training Online, Flight Crew Briefings and SMS webcasts as a part of E-learn – NATA’s online learning programs.

 

 
Register Now For Next Week’s Air Charter Summit
Update - John Sammon Added to Summit Agenda
On June 7-9, the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA, will again play host to NATA’s Air Charter Summit. The Summit has quickly become a must-attend event for the on-demand air charter industry with its wide array of business, regulatory and legislative topics on issues affecting the aviation community at-large. And the agenda for this year’s Summit stands to make this event another resounding success.

New this year, the Summit speakers will delve deeply into the complex area of taxes, both at the federal and state level. Sessions will also include the popular FAA Regulatory Review where attendees will learn the latest developments confronting the charter community from the FAA’s John Hickey, James J. Ballough and Joe Conte. (For those who did not attend our first two Summit events, Conte has provided some interesting commentary on wet leases and empty legs, among other topics!) NATA is also pleased to announce that TSA Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management John Sammon will be joining us along with TSA General Manager for General Aviation Brian Delauter during the Summit’s TSA Update session. And, of course, our entertainment for this event will be Olympian and pilot Bruce Jenner.

NATA’s room block for reservations has now been filled. If you have not already booked your room, please contact NATA Director of Meetings & Conventions Diane Gleason today for assistance.

Register today to attend the Part 135 industry’s most important event!

 

 
RA Check Display At Air Charter Summit
Hear about what is in store for Version 2.0
NATA's RA Check – online Risk Assessment Tool – was launched at the Air Charter Safety Symposium this March and has been widely received with close to 100 company registrations. Find out more about the upcoming 2.0 Version at the RA Check table-top display during the NATA Air Charter Summit on June 7-9. Click here to learn more about the NATA Air Charter Summit.  

About RA Check
RA Check combines a highly comprehensive FAA-endorsed risk assessment tool with the automation necessary to make its use quick, easy, and accurate. RA Check is based on the work of FAA officials, respected aircraft operators, and other industry representatives. The Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), published in FAA InFO: Flight Risk Assessment Tool is the most comprehensive risk assessment available.

RA Check is the most efficient and effective tool to measure and assess flight risks with:
-FAA-endorsed Flight Risk Assessment
-Full integration with CTA FOS
-Web-based with Smartphone support
-Automated weather from NOAA ADDS
-Speed, ease and accuracy
-30-day free trial

Sign up now for your FREE 30-day trial of RA Check!

 

Tax Seminar Offers Clarity For Charter Operators
Popular Seminar Is August 17-18 In Indianapolis
Part 135 air charter operators are subject to numerous federal and state taxes related to their aircraft and operations. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar will provide answers to some of the most common and confusing tax questions.

NATA and Conklin & de Decker are once again teaming up to present a two-day comprehensive seminar covering the entire range of key tax issues for air charter operators. From federal excise taxes to state taxes and international fees and from FARs to IRS regulations, you will find the information and answers you need.

Why Attend?

  • Learn the tax implications of charter brokering
  • Understand how changes to the federal excise taxes will impact you
  • Discover common tax errors and how to avoid them
  • Anticipate state tax problems before they become your problems
  • Expand your understanding of international user fees
  • Save time and money by knowing your rights

The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar occurs on August 17-18, 2010, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Your registration includes all seminar materials, continental breakfasts, breaks and lunches as well as a special networking reception.

This seminar is offered only once this year, so reserve your space today.

For more information or to register, visit NATA's Commercial Operators Tax Seminar Web page.

 

 
Have You Checked Out NATA’s Workers’ Compensation Plan? 
The NATA Workers’ Compensation Plan was created in April 1975, with three specific goals in mind:
  • Provide NATA members with a dependable long-term market for Workers’ Comp insurance;
  • Structure the plan in such a way that if the overall loss experience of the participating members is favorable, participants would share in the return of a portion of the premium at the end of the policy year (Good Experience Return); and
  • Make joining the plan as easy as possible.

The NATA plan is underwritten by USAIG (United States Aircraft Insurance Group), the nation’s largest aviation insurance organization and a division of Berkshire-Hathaway. They have provided the coverage since the plan’s inception.

NATA’s Workers’ Compensation Plan is available to any member who meets USAIG's underwriting requirements for participating in the plan. NATA membership notwithstanding, USAIG can underwrite Workers' Comp Insurance only for individuals or firms directly involved in the operation, servicing, maintenance, storage, repair or sale of aircraft. While the NATA plan is available in most states, it cannot be written in Ohio, North Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Its availability in other states may vary due to rating and tax considerations.

For complete details, have your agent/broker check with USAIG at (212) 859-3988 or visit www.nata.aero.

 

 
Byer’s Weekly Blog
This week, NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer discusses NATA’s new E-Learn Summer Series and the value it provides to member companies.

To read Byer’s blog, please click here.

 

 
General Aviation Fact Of The Week
Earlier this month, the General Aviation Manufactures Association (GAMA) released its report on first quarter 2010 general aviation aircraft sales. The report indicated that 390 units were shipped in the first quarter of 2010, which represents a 15 percent decline from first quarter 2009 numbers. However, the decline seen in early 2010 is not as great as the decline seen in first quarter 2009 shipments when compared to 2008 numbers.

“These numbers are being released on the heels of Europe’s premier business aviation show, the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, where many of our manufacturers noted that the market seems to be stabilizing,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “Reported flight activity from the FAA and EUROCONTROL is on an upward trend and the used aircraft inventory is slowly decreasing. However, these first quarter figures reveal that our industry is far from a recovery.”  

New general aviation aircraft sales can often serve as an indicator for the overall health of the general aviation industry. As GAMA’s report indicates, the economic picture for the general aviation industry is beginning to show some signs of improvement. The full GAMA release is available here.

 

Visit us anytime at www.nata.aero


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

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