NATA News

The NFPA is widely recognized as the authority for the development and implementation of building fire codes. For the general aviation industry, NFPA 409 provides building fire codes for all aircraft hangars in most jurisdictions throughout the United States. Specifically, general aviation entities adhere to fire code requirements for Group II hangars (hangars that are over 12,000 square feet with hangar doors 28 feet high or less) and Group III hangars (hangars that are less than 12,000 square feet) under NFPA 409.

To view the Report on Proposals for NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars, please click here.

To learn more about NFPA 409: Standards on Aircraft Hangars, please click here.

NFPA 409 currently mandates that aircraft hangar owners incorporate foam fire suppression systems that require an enormous amount of water in addition to foam in the development of new aircraft hangars and that water be collected in a cistern or other safe containment device. These two requirements already place a huge financial burden on aircraft owners, equaling the cost of the aircraft hangar itself by some estimates. New technical changes to this mandate make these requirements even more onerous to small businesses that have aircraft hangars. The NFPA 409 code is also incredibly complicated according to experts and is interpreted differently throughout the country.

NATA quickly launched an aggressive grassroots campaign requesting that the NFPA extend the comment deadline (March 6, 2009) for these new technical changes so the general aviation industry would have ample time to review, prepare and submit its concerns.

Shortly after launching this grassroots campaign, NATA received confirmation from the NFPA that it has agreed to work with association staff to learn more about the petition development process. After this meeting, NATA will work with its members and industry partners to develop a comprehensive petition requesting that a new building fire code for general aviation aircraft hangars be developed. Many of those members who have contacted the association or sent letters requesting an extension may be contacted for their input and expertise in the development of this petition. 

Once a petition has been developed, the association will submit it to the NFPA. NATA member companies will then be asked to contact NFPA in support of the petition.

At this time, no meeting will take place at NFPA Headquarters in Quincy, MA, as most of the discussions can be conducted on the phone. NATA greatly appreciates the outpouring of support on this issue, including offers to participate in a meeting at NFPA Headquarters. The association will continue to update its members regularly on this important issue.

Members who have questions on NFPA 409 may contact Eric Byer.

Many NATA members have contacted association staff asking the status of the Large Aircraft Security Program because of this new memorandum. In talking with Transportation Security Administration officials, NATA has learned that the January 28 public meeting and the February 27 comment deadline remain unaffected by this memorandum. NATA will continue to monitor this situation and alert members to the latest developments.

NATA members are still strongly encouraged to submit comments on the LASP by the February 27 deadline utilizing the association's LASP Membership Tool, which is available for download from the association's LASP Issue Page.

Members having questions about this new policy should contact Eric Byer.

In the NPRM, the TSA states that all reliever airports and a number of other airports that "regularly serve scheduled or public charter operations in large aircraft" would be required to implement the newly proposed airport "partial program." The TSA did not specifically define how these airports would be identified nor list the airports they believe met the regularly served standard, which left many airport managers wondering whether their airport was affected.

Last week, the TSA posted on its Web site a listing of all airports it contends would need the new airport security program.

NATA is concerned that the TSA has still not stated what objective criteria were used to determine which airports fall into the "regularly served" category. The association believes that in order for airports to provide meaningful comment on the application of this security program it is necessary to know what specific, objective criteria the TSA intends to use to define an airport as being regularly served by scheduled or public charter operations.

Download the TSA list of airports impacted by the LASP NPRM.

NATA members are encouraged to learn more about the LASP and submit comments, if appropriate. Numerous resources are available on the LASP Resource Page.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations passed its version of the economic stimulus package out of committee this week despite concerns raised by Republicans about whether the measure will quickly jump-start the economy. Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) said the government must "use all means available to address the economic crisis because of the increase in job losses. Failure to act could lead to much greater deficits and economic problems for our nation for years to come." The Appropriations portion of the stimulus consists of $365 billion in discretionary spending under the committee's jurisdiction, which is $7 billion more than the House package. In addition, $1.1 billion is included for AIP which provides 100% federal funding, waiving the local match requirement. President Obama has stated he wants the bill to reach his desk my mid-February. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the legislation in the next two weeks.

Osmus has been the FAA's assistant administrator for security and hazardous materials since July 2003. Osmus has been with the FAA since 1979. She was appointed to be the deputy associate administrator of the FAA's Civil Aviation Security Program just three months prior to the 9/11 attacks and then led the FAA's transition of the security programs to the Transportation Security Administration.

Since November 2008, Osmus has also been the "transition executive" for the Obama Transition team. This position reunited Osmus with former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, whom she served as Chief of Staff.

A bio on Osmus can be viewed by clicking here.

During the confirmation hearing, Senators asked LaHood numerous questions related to his position on earmarks and his view on transportation policy for the future such as how the department will distinguish itself from its predecessors. He also said he would select an FAA administrator who will resolve a stalemate between the agency and the air traffic controllers union over labor costs.

NATA President James K. Coyne congratulated Secretary LaHood last week and is eager to meet with the secretary on the critical issues facing general aviation.

To view NATA's press release, please click here.

A complete biography on Congressman LaHood can be viewed by clicking here.

Elected in 2002 and then re-elected in 2006 as governor of Arizona, Napolitano was nominated by President Obama on December 1, 2008, to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after serving on the Obama-Biden Transition Project. Napolitano has an impressive resume, serving as U.S. Attorney, state attorney general and governor in immediate succession.

Commenting on Secretary Napolitano's confirmation, Coyne stated, "I congratulate Secretary Napolitano on being confirmed by the Senate and look forward to working with her on critical issues facing general and commercial aviation, including the Large Aircraft Security Program, the Certified Cargo Screening Program and other aviation security matters."

"NATA's members play a critical role in this nation's air transportation system," Coyne concluded. "We welcome the opportunity to work with the new Secretary and her staff in developing security protocol that are appropriate and risk-based while ensuring that the economic impact on the aviation businesses implementing these changes is balanced."

One of Secretary Napolitano's first acts was to issue five action directives that essentially require a department-wide review of all its activities. Below is an excerpt of what is required of the Transportation Security Administration:

• Transportation security. TSA is directed to provide a review to the Secretary of the current strategies, plans and programs for security of the air, surface, and maritime transportation sector, to include a side by side comparison of the threat environment, resources and personnel devoted to each transportation sector. TSA shall coordinate, as necessary, with all pertinent components and offices in DHS, as well as with all relevant outside bodies and advisory councils. An oral report is due Jan. 28.

To view all five action directives issued by Secretary Napolitano, please click here.

In addition, NATA President James K. Coyne and senior legislative staff will be meeting with approximately 200 Members of Congress over the next four months to discuss legislative issues facing our members.

Click here to view NATA's 2009 Legislative Priorities.

The ASAC's mission is to examine areas of civil aviation security as tasked by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration with the aim of developing recommendations for the improvement of civil aviation security methods, equipment and procedures.

For more information on the ASAC, please click here.

The product of the joint effort is an issue paper outlining the many benefits that would result from NextGen funding, such as reducing FAA operating costs and enhancing safety and security capabilities. The issue paper discusses in detail the economic and environmental impacts, as well as the key enabling technologies. The issue paper also proposes language to be included in legislation to make grants for the direct cost of purchasing and installing NextGen equipment to retrofit general aviation and commercial aircraft.

Click here to view the issue paper.

Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of five of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations.

These awards cover five categories:

The Airport Executive Partnership Award recognizes an airport manager for outstanding efforts to nurture the relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.

The Aviation Journalism Award identifies a journalist, writer, or publication that excels in consumer education or editorial support that is beneficial to the general aviation industry.

The Excellence In Pilot Training Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in the field of pilot training.

The FAA Customer Service Excellence Award recognizes a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility or facility staff member who represents the highest degree of customer service and elevates the quality of interaction between the FAA and aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, Part 135 certificate holders, airport service organizations, and flight schools.

The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.
Last year's winners were:

•Airport Executive Partnership Award - Ray Bishop, airport director, Jackson Hole Airport
•Aviation Journalism Award - Matt Thurber, senior editor, Aviation International News
•Excellence In Pilot Training Award - Susan Parson, special assistant, General Aviation and Commercial Division, FAA
•FAA Customer Service Excellence Award - Portland, Maine Flight Standards District
•ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award - Greg Coile, avionics technician, Business Jet Access

All nominations for these five awards must be received by NATA no later than April 1, 2009. The complete nomination package is available by clicking here. Members may also obtain a nomination package by calling the NATA headquarters at 800-808-6282 or by e-mailing Celeste Clark.

The awards will be distributed during the 2009 NATA Air Charter Summit to be held in the Washington, DC area this June.

The association will host a variety of seminars and workshops to provide each attendee multiple learning opportunities during NATA's Education Week. These educational offerings will be led by nationally known industry experts who will share the latest intelligence tactics and strategies to boost employee performance, ensure safety, increase customer service satisfaction and, ultimately, improve your company's bottom line.

The Aviation Industry Expo, the only trade show focused on ground support, FBO/aviation services and aircraft maintenance, will bring together over 400 exhibitors to display the most relevant products and services for your business needs. Take time between seminars to access the latest technology products and services, experience hands-on equipment demonstrations and attend networking opportunities on the AIE show floor.

Stephen Hopson will deliver an inspirational keynote address on overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of success. Hear how he persevered to become the first instrument-rated deaf pilot and went on to encourage others to realize their dreams and achieve success despite overwhelming odds.

Click here to view a clip of Stephen Hopson.

NATA's Education Week Opportunities:

• Aviation Legal Compliance Workshop
• Environmental Compliance Seminar
• Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar
• Keynote Address by First Deaf Instrument-Rated Pilot, Mr. Stephen Hopson
• Aviation Management - Innovation Through Technology
• Service Excellence Customer Satisfaction Workshop
• Financial Management Tools and Techniques for Aviation Service Businesses
• NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar
• Safety and Health Training for Ground Operations and Risk Management

Visit the events calendar at www.nata.aero for schedule and registration information.

Sun Air Jets' $20 million, 20,000 square foot executive terminal and total of 78,000 square foot hangar complex was opened in 2002 and has quickly become the FBO of choice, servicing approximately 85% of the jet traffic arriving at Camarillo Airport.

Sun Air Jets' beginnings, however, were far more modest than the sprawling, state of the art facility that exists today. Purchased by the present ownership as Sun Air Aviation in 1999, the company was initially a primary flight school and helicopter service housed in old military alert hangars surplused from the days when Camarillo Airport was Oxnard Air Force Base. Capitalizing on Camarillo's position directly in the path of southern California's growth pattern between Van Nuys and Santa Barbara, the first phase of Sun Air Jets' construction project, consisting of the executive terminal and first 28,000 square foot hangar, was completed and opened in January 2002. Subsequent construction has expanded Sun Air Jets to its present size on a ten-acre campus. However, Sun Air Jets has not finished growing. An additional 44,000 square feet of hangar space and 4,000 square feet of office space are scheduled for ground breaking in 2009.

Sun Air Jets is not only a textbook example of the "build it and they will come" philosophy, but a testament to the viability of Camarillo Airport. Jet fuel sales at the airport are double what they were when Sun Air Jets opened its facility seven years ago. While over the course of the last several months, due to increased fuel prices and a slowing economy, the total number of flight operations at Camarillo Airport has decreased, jet aircraft operations have actually increased. That growth reflects the airport's ease of access, reduced cost of use to corporate operators, and easy access to the northern Los Angeles metropolitan area relative to the complexities of other southern California airports. While Sun Air Jets is capable and happy to service all aircraft, the company's focus is to provide superior service to turbine aircraft. As an ExxonMobil Avitat facility, all line personnel complete both NATA's Safety 1st and ExxonMobil's PremierCare training programs. Sun Air Jets has received ExxonMobil's prestigious Gold Award six of the last seven years. This award is bestowed upon only the best of ExxonMobil's FBOs.

Though a cooling economy and continuing unpredictable fuel costs will be factors that all FBOs will contend with in the months to come, southern California business aviation will continue to grow and expand. Sun Air Jets' prime location in Camarillo and demonstrated service will always make it a consistent resource in southern California.