| Topics in this Volume
 Debt Discussions Lead To Discussion Of Potential New GA User Fee Tax |
Daily discussions between congressional lawmakers and President Obama ended on an angry note last Wednesday night over a disagreement on the term of the proposed debt-ceiling increase. U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Cantor had been urging a short-term extension that would require Congress to vote a second time on the unpopular measure before the 2012 election. Cantor indicated that the amount of agreed-upon savings has actually dropped since last week, from $1.7 trillion to less than $1.4 trillion, resulting from spending add-ons by Democrats. Cantor said new numbers on unemployment insurance and an additional $80 billion in health care spending suddenly emerged.
This week, the House is scheduled to vote on a balanced budget amendment that would require supermajorities in both chambers to run a deficit, raise the debt ceiling, raise taxes and spend no more than 18% of GDP.
During these discussions, a number of different potential funding proposals have been raised, including a “user fee” tax on general aviation operations. While it remains unclear as to how this new user fee would be implemented, it is clear that a new bureaucracy would likely have to be created to administer this new tax. NATA Members are strongly encouraged to contact their Members of Congress TODAY to ensure that no new user taxes are included within the debt-ceiling agreement between Capitol Hill and the White House.
Please click here to utilize NATA’s Legislative Action Center to contact your U.S. House and Senate members on this important subject. The process takes five minutes and could have a lasting impact!
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| Congress Prepares 21st Short-Term FAA Reauthorization |
The U.S. House of Representatives cancelled this week’s recess to continue negotiations on the debt ceiling. Although they are in session, a short-term extension on the long-stalled legislation to reauthorize the FAA is likely before the current extension deadline expires on July 22. It is unknown at this time what the duration of the 21st extension will be as the August congressional recess is upon us and in September Congress will be spending time on the end of the fiscal year 2011 budget.
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| Mayors Respond To President Obama’s Recent Comments About General Aviation |
On July 11, 2011, several mayors from Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, South Dakota and Washington sent a joint letter to President Obama regarding recent comments he made about general aviation and the potential tax burdens that may affect the people, businesses and groups that make up and rely on the industry. As first reported by the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), the goal of the letter is to highlight the negative repercussions of the President’s comments on an industry that represents an important part of the economy.
NATA is working closely with AAAA and other industry stakeholders to educate the President and political leaders on the consequences of such negative comments and the potential impacts on general aviation.
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| General Aviation Caucus Surpasses Membership Goal |
The General Aviation Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives John Barrow (D-GA) and Sam Graves (R-MO) in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) in the U.S. Senate, has reached its membership goal and is continuing to grow. Currently, there are 131 members in the U.S. House of Representatives General Aviation Caucus and 28 members in the U.S. Senate General Aviation Caucus.
A strong membership base in each caucus will provide a loud voice in Congress as it aims to highlight important issues facing the general aviation industry, so it is important that you urge your Member of Congress in the House and the Senate to join the General Aviation Caucus.
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| Industry Stakeholders Weigh In On Authorization Of TSA |
On July 12, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security heard testimony from executives representing the railroad, trucking, mass transit, oil pipeline, and aviation industries on the ongoing challenges in securing transportation systems and what improvements could be made in 2012 and 2013. This hearing is a follow-up to a previous discussion in which Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole discussed his priorities for the future initiatives of the administration.
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) stated that throughout this year the subcommittee plans to develop a TSA Authorization Bill that is intended to enhance and streamline the agency’s transportation security program. “TSA plays a critical role in keeping America’s travelers safe; however, its success hinges on the cooperation and support of its public and private sector partners.” He emphasized that the TSA must work with those partners that the agency relies on as it continues to develop a bill to protect America’s transportation systems.
Within the aviation industry, those that testified included Mark Van Tine, chief executive officer of Jeppesen, Nick Calio, president and chief executive officer of the Air Transport Association (ATA), Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association (CAA), and Christopher Witkowski, director of air safety, health and security for the Association of Flight Attendants.
To view a list of witnesses, read their statements and listen to the chairman’s remarks, click here.
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| DASSP Operators Urged To Review Procedures |
NATA is asking all DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) operators to review their processes to ensure that all program requirements are met for any DASSP program flights.
The reminder is prompted by recent events involving a DASSP operator’s flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Although required screening did occur, there were at least three mandatory program requirements that were not followed by the operator according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
As a result, the TSA notified NATA that the flight in question was diverted and not allowed to land at DCA.
NATA believes that this is an isolated error, but nonetheless encourages all DASSP operators to review their internal compliance procedures to ensure they are followed for any flights conducted under the program.
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Annual Part 135 Survey Is Underway
Your help needed to provide accurate information on aviation activity |
The 33rd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2010 has begun.
Your participation is important!
- Responses from everyone who received a survey are necessary to prepare accurate statistics on aviation activity. The GA Survey is a scientific sample of aircraft from the Civil Aviation Registry. Your responses are important because they represent many other aircraft like yours.
- Responses are needed, even if a particular aircraft didn’t fly during 2010, it was sold, or the plane was damaged. These aircraft are just as important to calculate accurate statistics.
- The GA Survey is the FAA’s primary source of information about the size and activity of the general aviation and on-demand Part 135 fleet.
A wide range of aircraft, aircraft operations, and types of ownership are included in this survey. If you receive a survey, please complete it so that accurate data is collected on…
- all types of aircraft: rotorcraft, fixed-wing piston, turboprops, turbojets, gliders, hot air balloons, amateur-built, light-sport aircraft, experimental and non-experimental aircraft.
- many different aircraft operations, including:
- General operating and flight rules (Part 91);
- On-demand Part 135 (air taxi, air tours, and non-scheduled commuter); and
- Agricultural aircraft operations (Part 137).
- aircraft owned/operated by individuals and by companies as well as:
- Flying clubs, flight schools, fractional ownership programs;
- Government agencies (federal, state, local); and
- N-Numbered military aircraft used for civilian purposes.
Please be assured…
- Your responses are confidential. The information will be used only for statistical purposes and will not be released in any form that would reveal an individual participant. Tetra Tech is an independent research firm that conducts the GA Survey on behalf of the FAA.
- A short form is available for owners/operators who receive three or more surveys.
- You can contact Tetra Tech with questions toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.
Thank you for your participation in this important survey.
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| FAA SAFO Addresses CRJ Surface Magnetic Anomalies |
The FAA has recently published a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) addressing the issue of heading deviations occurring in Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ).
Reports suggest that interference caused by Surface Magnetic Anomalies can result in adverse effects such as false wind direction indications. The FAA has proposed recommendations concerning CRJs equipped with Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) without Inertial Reference System (IRS) to follow the procedures outlined in the CRJ Flightcrew Operations Manual.
Recommendations include an increased emphasis on awareness and communication regarding Surface Magnetic Anomalies. This includes the emphasis on the crews’ ability to understand the causes and indications of these anomalies. Dispatchers should also be responsible for alerting the flightcrew prior to departure. However, operators are advised to maintain a list of areas with common anomalies.
Procedures have also been proposed for flightcrews in dealing with both areas of known and suspected anomalies. Attention should be focused when reviewing these procedures as they are different than those included in the Flightcrew Operations Manual. As with any incident, the crew is encouraged to report any encountered anomaly to Air Traffic Control. Click here to download the FAA SAFO.
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| Inside Washington Blog |
NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer’s latest blog addresses a recent "Open Letter" issued by Joe Moeggenberg from ARGUS about his perspective on the one industry audit standard for Part 135.
To read Byer’s blog, please click here.
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| NATA’s Safety 1st Safety And Health Training – Now Online |
Last week, NATA Safety 1st launched 18 new online safety and health training modules. These modules were developed using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards and regulations and are specifically designed to train employees at aviation businesses.
NATA’s 18 modules include back safety, bloodborne pathogens, cold stress, ergonomics, fall protection, fire extinguishers, forklift safety, hazard communication, hearing conservation, heat stress, ladder safety, lockout tagout, machine guarding, office safety, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection. Companies can buy only those modules applicable to their job. From office workers to maintenance technicians, line service personnel, pilots and more, the modules allow the user to create a curriculum that best meets their job requirements. Each module averages 30 to 45 minutes in length and all 18 modules can be completed in approximately 10 hours.
“The best news about this online training is that it is available any time your employees want to train, and it can be accessed using existing Safety 1st online training credentials,” said NATA Director of Safety and Training Amy Koranda. “With 18 modules to choose from, employees can take their time going through training concepts and, once complete, run through a quick exam to confirm their training.”
NATA’s Safety 1st Safety and Health Training for Aviation Facilities Online Training features…
- Anytime, anywhere availability
- The latest best practices and industry standards
- Lessons illustrated with high-quality photos and diagrams
- Electronic reporting of student progress
- Universal login for PLST Online participants
Online Training Allows You To…
- Put safety first
- Instruct to one standard
- Improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Ensure safe employees and service
- Track student progress automatically; eliminate tedious training paperwork
- Stay current with the latest regulations
- Minimize time away from work
Additional information can be found here.
“With the range of NATA Safety 1st online educational modules now available, NATA members are realizing the convenience and financial benefits of adding Web-based training to their safety programs,” said NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne.
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| Losses Happening At Aviation Businesses – Free Webinar Series will Enlighten NATA Members |
On July 27, 2011, at 1:00 PM EDT, NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance program partner USAIG will host the first in a series of webinars addressing the types of Workers’ Compensation Insurance losses that participating members are experiencing. This webinar series follows on the heels of a study that USAIG conducted of ten years of Workers' Compensation Insurance-related accident data. USAIG is utilizing this data to address workers’ injuries and recommend training to assist in the reduction of future workplace accidents.
The first webinar in the series will focus on back strain, including aviation-related back strain statistics and how they measure up to other industries as well as a real-world case study that reviews accident circumstances, seasonal influences affecting losses and USAIG’s comments on the case study accident. Remedial actions and training resources, including a resource road map for participants, will be reviewed.
These webinars are important to USAIG, NATA and program participants in helping to combat frequently occurring incidents and accidents and make your business a safer place to work.
Click here to sign up for the free webinar.
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Register Today For Popular Commercial Operators Tax Seminar
Find Out What Makes This Seminar So Popular Year After Year |
COTS is the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar. A two-day seminar presented by NATA and Conklin & de Decker, COTS provides operators with detailed information on federal excise taxes (FET), how those taxes intertwine with FAA operational regulations, tips for surviving an FET audit and other key tax issues.
For 2011, COTS is in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on August 23 - 24. Early registration is now available.
All sessions are designed to answer the questions most commonly faced in an on-demand operation and provide attendees with clear, concise guidance to take back to the office.
NATA and Conklin & de Decker know that those involved in the air charter industry often have numerous tax questions. This is why ample question-and-answer time is provided to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have their unique situation addressed.
A free one-hour preview webinar took place on June 22. Speakers and co-hosts Nel Stubbs of Conklin & de Decker and Jacqueline Rosser of NATA provided an overview of the many topics to be covered during the seminar. Click here to view the June 22 preview webinar recording. A special discount price was extended to participants of the live webinar only, but you can still take advantage of the early registration price of $795 if you register by August 1st.
For more information about the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar on August 23-24, including how to register, please visit www.nata.aero/taxseminar.
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| NATA’s E-Learn Summer Fuel QC Webinar Series - 2nd webinar in a series of four featuring Walter Chartrand and Frank Clark |
Every day, millions of gallons of aviation fuel are pumped into a wide range of general aviation aircraft. The fuel quality control chain has many different inspections and procedures that overlap to provide coverage so a failure in one area does not result in poor quality fuel being delivered to an aircraft. It is important to remember that it’s not just the policies and procedures that make the system so successful – it is the people who implement them.
Professionalism, attention to detail and dedication are displayed by the thousands of individuals who, every day, ensure that the aviation fuel delivered to their customers is clean, dry and on-specification. Make sure your professionals join us for our second QC webinar with Walter Chartrand and Frank Clark discussing “if you didn’t write it down, did you actually do it” and “contaminants in fuel and how to detect them.” Walter and Frank will review not only the importance of QC but the crucial steps to detect contaminants and ensure proper record keeping policies.
You may purchase single webinars or receive special pricing on packages to access the entire series.
The Fuel QC webinar series lineup includes:
July 20, 2011, from 1300-1400 Eastern
Contaminants In Fuel And How To Detect Them by Frank Clark with Facet International and If you Didn’t Write It Down, Did You Actually Do It by Walter Chartrand with Air BP Aviation
August 3, 2011, from 1300-1400 Eastern
Filtration And Separation Options by Frank Clark with Facet International and The Straight Scoop On Additives by Carl Hammonds with Hammonds Companies
August 17, 2011, from 1300-1400 Eastern
Filter Equipment Maintenance Procedures: How And Why – What ATA-103 Requires by Frank Clark with Facet International and An Aircraft Operators View Of QC by Trace Talley with Flight Options
Previously held and recorded webinars that may be purchased with this series:
The Basics of Aviation Fuel Filtration And Mandatory Specifications by Frank Clark with Facet International and Fuel Receipt Procedures by Reed Fuller with Ascent Aviation
Visit www.nata.aero/webinars to view individual webinar and package pricing and to register today.
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| Are You Paying Too Much For Uniform Services? |
NATA has negotiated a program with ARAMARK Uniform Services to provide association members access to a discounted uniform rental and leasing solution. This money- and time-saving membership benefit was negotiated to provide added value to your membership.
NATA members may take advantage of these valuable and convenient savings:
• 20% off rental and lease uniform rates
• 20% off facility services (mats, towels, mops, restroom supplies, etc.)
To learn more about ARAMARK and the products and services that are available, please click here.
To set up a meeting with an ARAMARK representative to review your uniform and facility services needs, please call Tania Allaire at (818) 973-3906 or Drew Coffey at (781) 204-9067. You may also send an email to drew.coffey@uniform.aramark.com.
Please mention source code # 197336.
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| Fact Of The Week – Industry News |
A recent article on the Web site of Broadcast Engineering describes a report provided to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) on the extent of interference with existing global positioning system (GPS) implantation, including aviation, which could result if the FCC allows LightSquared, Inc to continue with their plan to utilize an adjacent frequency to provide mobile broadband services.
According to the article, “[The report] recommends LightSquared should not begin service as planned for terrestrial operation in the 1525MHz to 1559MHz Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) band due to harmful interference to GPS operations. According to the report, tests have shown there to be “significant detrimental impacts to all GPS application” looked at for the report.”
Click here to read the full article
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