NATA News

The provision highlighting the aviation service language follows:

Require Board of Directors' Adoption of Company Policy Relating to Approval of Luxury Expenditures: The boards of directors of companies receiving exceptional assistance from the government must adopt a company-wide policy on any expenditures related to aviation services, office and facility renovations, entertainment and holiday parties, and conferences and events. This policy is not intended to cover reasonable expenditures for sales conferences, staff development, reasonable performance incentives and other measures tied to a company's normal business operations. These new rules go beyond current guidelines, and would require certification by chief executive officers for expenditures that could be viewed as excessive or luxury items. Companies should also now post the text of the expenditures policy on their web sites.

To view the complete press release on the new executive compensation guidelines, please click here.

To view Garvey's op-ed, please click here.

The rules published in December 5, 2008, included several items listed below that may affect aviation.

• A new definition of "facility."
• A new definition of "loading/unloading racks."
• A new streamlined approach for smaller facilities.
• Amendment to the facility diagram requirement.
• Amendment to the integrity testing requirement.

NATA published a complete analysis of the December 2008 rules that is available on the NATA SPCC Issue Page by clicking here.

Included in this new analysis will be the implementation date of November 20, 2009. This is currently the date by which the new parts of the regulations must be integrated into a facility's SPCC Plan and physical requirements must be installed. The aviation industry will have to wait to see if this date remains in place or if the EPA will make further changes. Changes to the December 2008 rules are also possible.

NATA will continue to provide detailed information to its members regarding new EPA rules and regulations. Questions and comments can be directed to Eric Byer.

Download a PDF copy of this Regulatory Report.

Over the coming weeks, NATA will develop and submit comments to the NFPA. NATA will then present this petition during the next meeting of the NFPA Standards Council on April 21-22, 2009, in Seattle, WA.

The association will also submit a membership application this week requesting membership on the NFPA Technical Committee, representing FBOs across the country that have aircraft hangars.

NATA has established a new NFPA 409 Issue Resource Page for the latest developments that members may view by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Eric Byer.

TSA Headquarters staff state that the intent for utilizing "Playbook" security measures is to enable local TSA and FBO officials to coordinate a time where both entities can prepare and execute enhanced security measures. Incidents at Nashville and other locations have unfolded otherwise. TSA HQ staff have indicated that additional guidance will be provided to local TSA officials to be certain that "Playbook" security measures involve more coordination with FBOs to ensure that business is not interrupted. Part of the purpose of these enhanced security measures is to allow input from FBO personnel to local TSA officials to identify the best ways to improve security for GA operations.

The association has expressed concern over the use of "Playbook" security measures and has strongly encouraged TSA HQ to encourage local TSA officials to work in conjunction with FBO personnel to ensure minimal disruptions to business operations.

Association members are strongly urged to contact NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric Byer to report this type of activity at any airport in the U.S. as soon as possible. Byer may also be reached directly at (703) 575-2043.

Platinum Jet Management was the company that was found to have illegally operated the Challenger 600 that crashed in 2005 while attempting takeoff at Teterboro airport. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and crossed a major highway before crashing into a warehouse.

Named in the indictment were the owner/founders of Platinum Jet Management and four other individuals who were associated with the company.

According to a Department of Justice press release, the indictment alleges a conspiracy to commit continuous willful violations of regulatory requirements for the operation of commercial charter aircraft. The indictment also accuses the defendants of routinely undertaking and concealing dangerous fueling and weight distribution practices which existed on the Platinum-operated jet that failed to lift off at Teterboro on Feb. 2, 2005.

The FAA and Department of Transportation took administrative actions against Platinum Jet, Darby Aviation (the Part 135 operator that listed the accident aircraft on its certificate) and Blue Star Jets (the broker that chartered the flight). Significant changes to FAA's air carrier operational control guidance and increased enforcement were a direct result of this accident.

The DOJ Press Release gives detailed information on the specific allegations against the six men who were indicted.

NTSB Board Member Robert Sumwalt chaired the hearing. "In the last six years, we have seen 85 HEMS accidents, resulting in 77 fatalities," said Sumwalt. "The recent accident record is alarming and it is unacceptable," noted Sumwalt.

Approximately 40 witnesses testified on issues, such as, EMS operational structures and models, flight operations, aircraft safety equipment, training, and oversight. Witnesses included EMS operators, pilots, medical personnel, managers, aircraft manufacturers, training companies and the FAA.

A video archive of the hearing, exhibit items that were presented, and the entire public docket are available on the NTSB Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/Hearing-HEMS/default.htm.

NATA established the hotline in 2008 under an FAA grant. Anyone who suspects that illegal charter is being conducted can report, anonymously if desired, to the following toll-free number: 1-888-SKY-FLT1 (1-888-759-3581). All reports will be assigned a case-code for follow up. Reports are then forwarded to the FAA for investigation and action, if appropriate.

The NATA announcement of the hotline is available by clicking here.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, in Loudon County, Virginia, was considering raising the tax rate on aircraft to increase revenue for the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. Loudoun County Supervisor Kelly Burk advised the aviation community about the potential tax increase out of concern for the effect it would have on Leesburg Executive Airport as well as Dulles International Airport, both located in Loudoun County. The proposed rate increase was $4.20 per $100. The current tax rate, which will now remain in place, is $.01 per $100.

After learning of this proposal from Supervisor Burk, NATA launched a grassroots campaign encouraging all aircraft owners in Loudoun County, VA, to oppose the proposed tax increase.

"We greatly appreciate Supervisor Burk's support in opposing this tax rate increase," NATA President James K. Coyne stated. "We also appreciate all those aircraft owners in Loudoun County who weighed in via our Action Call released on November 19, 2008."

For more information on this topic, please click here.

William Kelly, NetJets Europe CEO said: "We are in a unique position to invest in airfield improvements without needing to increase flight movement capacity. Unlike most airport operators, the NetJets business model is not dependent on increasing traffic numbers. The proposed acquisition demonstrates our willingness to invest for the benefit of our fractional owners while providing a service for other business aviation customers seeking to do business in the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region. We are committed to being a good neighbor and local partner to Egelsbach and the surrounding communities. We are actively engaging in extensive consultation with local business, civic and environmental leaders to ensure that local concerns are addressed."

The City of Egelsbach is anticipated to vote on the NetJets Europe bid by March.

Click here to view NATA's Congressional Tour Memo.

A political action committee, or PAC, is, as the name indicates, a political committee organized to aid candidates running for government office who are supportive of issues important to that political committee. Trade associations, corporations, unions, and other entities organize PACs as a way to generate funds from their members or employees enabling them to contribute to these candidates' campaigns. NATA's PAC, known as NATAPAC, was established to contribute to candidates running for public office who are supportive of the general aviation industry and the issues it faces.

NATAPAC Chairman Greg Arnold has issued a letter to NATA members highlighting how NATAPAC will be instrumental in achieving NATA's legislative agenda this year.

To view the 2009 NATAPAC letter, click here.

It is important to note that federal law requires all PAC donations to be personal contributions only. Company/corporate contributions are prohibited; therefore, company or corporate checks cannot be accepted.

To join NATAPAC, please fill out the 2009-2011 authorization form by clicking here.

To visit the NATAPAC Web site, click here.

The 2009 Air Charter Safety Symposium is March 3-4, 2009, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA.

On Tuesday, March 3, the Air Charter Safety Symposium begins with an in-depth analysis of one company's efforts to implement an FAA-approved Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and the resulting successful outcomes when these voluntary safety reporting systems are utilized.

Also on March 3, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Members will educate attendees by providing insight from their unique perspective. NTSB Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt will emphasize the importance of Safety Management Systems and give proven tips for how aviation department leaders can persuade corporate leadership to embrace the adoption of SMS in their business. Member Deborah Hersman will join the Symposium to provide a briefing on the industry's overall safety record and offer her views on the safety challenges that will be faced in the future.

The second day of the Symposium will focus on the ACSF's Top 10 Safety Action Items. The Top 10 Safety Action Items are those areas that the Foundation believes require immediate action or intervention by the industry to counter negative trends and improve the safety of operations.

A detailed program schedule and registration information are available at www.acsf.aero/symposium. Special early registration rates are available through February 20, 2009.

• Highly skilled and well trained staff
• Proven tools and techniques for understanding and properly managing your company's finances
• Safe and secure operation - free from insurance and lawsuit risk and claims
• Understanding of what lies ahead for our industry
• Contact with leading industry experts and regulatory officials
• Opportunities to connect with your business associates and customers
• New ideas and sometimes even a return to basics for marketing and business plans

NATA provides three opportunities guaranteed to guide you through these challenging times and help you emerge victorious.

NATA's Education Week at the Aviation Industry Expo
March 9-12
Las Vegas

NATA is partnering with the Aviation Industry Expo to bring you an information-packed week of workshops, training seminars, product and service displays, networking opportunities and motivational events designed specifically to improve the performance and profitability of your aviation business.

Education Week offers hands-on opportunities for service personnel, supervisors and managers to gain knowledge and skills on aviation legal compliance issues, environmental compliance issues, line service supervision, excellent customer service, Safety 1st training, financial management, and OSHA requirements and training.

Air Charter Summit
(Held Back-to-Back with the FBO Leadership Conference)
June 8-10
Chantilly, VA

Chief pilots, directors and company executives of Part 135 operations are invited to receive an exclusive FAA regulatory briefing by the agency's highest-ranking officials. Charter providers will gain a clear market edge by meeting face-to-face with the DOT's and FAA's top regulatory officials and learn about key market drivers affecting their economic future from industry experts. As a representative of one of the most heavily regulated industries in the U.S., you must stay one step ahead of the regulatory and business conditions on the horizon.

The Summit's agenda includes sessions on certificate revocation, your rights in responding to enforcement actions, planning for Safety Management Systems, and the latest developments on the Large Aircraft Security Program.

The second day of the Summit overlaps the first day of the FBO Leadership Conference and offers several early sessions vital to every aviation business including: a panel on the future of general aviation manufacturing, marketing to a Ritz Carlton standard and clientele, and rebutting the public and media blitz against business aviation. NATA's Industry Excellence Awards will be presented in a morning ceremony.

FBO Leadership Conference
(Held Back-to-Back with the Air Charter Summit)
June 9-11
Chantilly, VA

Managers and senior-level executives of fixed base operations and vendors are invited to attend top-notch sessions, including courting your customers for repeat business, working with your airport for mutual success, using the economic stimulus package as a source of long-term growth instead of just a short-term solution, plus the panel on the future of aviation manufacturing, high-end customer service and rebutting the media blitz sessions.

You will also receive knowledge on the economic front, broaden your scope of new business, and exchange best practices with industry peers. The 2009 FBO Leadership Conference is the best opportunity for you to explore new and better ways to manage your FBO, maximize your business success and win in a tightening market.

Participate in survey.

Fact:
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental and Public Works, last week announced her "Principles for Global Warming Legislation." Boxer anticipates introducing this new legislation in the coming weeks.

To view Boxer's "Principles for Global Warming Legislation," please click here.