 |
Top News
State Advocacy Network News
Events
Member News
 2012 Air Charter Summit Reaches New Heights |
Last week, NATA hosted one of its most successful Air Charter Summits. Attendance increased over the past two years' events, the Part 135 community found out about new NATA products and programs designed specifically for them, and NATA helped raise funds and awareness for the Veterans Airlift Command.
In the opening ceremony, long-time NATA staff member Jacqueline E. Rosser was presented the NATA President's Award for her many contributions to NATA members and staff over the past 15 years. NATA members also saluted James K. Coyne's 18 years of service as NATA's president and CEO with a tribute video. Coyne said, "We have a lot to look forward to as an industry. Looking back, I am most happy about the friendships that my wife Holly and I have made over the years." Walt Fricke, CEO, chairman and founder of the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) shared information about his organization and thanked NATA for its support over the past two years.
The Tuesday agenda included an FAA regulatory review, a special announcement from NATA on a new training product, and sessions on Part 135 training concerns, guidance for developing emergency response plans and common legal questions posed by operators.
Tuesday night's barbeque featured a raffle in support of the VAC that raised nearly $15,000. "NATA and its members are incredibly proud to support such a fine organization as the Veterans Airlift Command," stated Coyne. "We greatly appreciate all that Walt Fricke and his volunteer network do to assist American soldiers injured in combat."
To learn more about the NATA Air Charter Summit, please click here.
Back to Top
NATA is calling on its members to contact their Members of Congress urging them to write to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in opposition to efforts to impose commercial taxes on fees charged for aircraft management services.
Recently, the IRS issued a memo articulating a legal opinion justifying expanding the scope of operations covered by commercial taxes to include private general aviation operations when those operations involve the owner utilizing a company providing aircraft management services. In the past, the IRS has consistently considered operations conducted with the assistance of an aircraft management company to be private and subject to noncommercial taxes.
Click here to review the NATA Action Call for more information on this issue and how you can contact your Members of Congress.
Back to Top
| Van Nuys Airport Tenants Demonstrate Value Of Local Engagement With Airport Management |
In a press release issued last week, the Van Nuys Airport Association (VNAA) highlighted its success in negotiating with Van Nuys Airport sponsor Los Angeles World Airports (LWA) to reduce the economic impact of an upcoming runway rehabilitation project. LWA had originally anticipated runway closures lasting 17 weeks, but after intensive negotiations between VNAA and LWA the period of full-day runway closures has been reduced to only 10 days.
Founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization, VNAA is a collaboration of Van Nuys Airport tenants and supporters working to preserve general aviation as a major economic driver. The organization is committed to supporting initiatives and programs that promote, preserve and protect jobs and businesses at Van Nuys Airport.
NATA is pleased to recognize the success of the VNAA and its members in engaging their airport management on a one-to-one, local basis to highlight the value aviation businesses bring to a community and to educate airport management on steps that can be taken to ensure that airport upgrade and maintenance projects do not unduly burden aviation business.
Click here to read the full VNAA press release.
Back to Top
NATA announced a new Web-based certification program, NATA’s Safety 1st Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT), at last week’s Air Charter Summit. AFCT will provide training to those who dispatch, schedule or assist flight crews with flight planning and operational control.
The AFCT provides core knowledge to flight coordinators with an emphasis on safety. Training includes flight coordinator overview/responsibilities; operating in the national airspace system; regulations/requirements including Ops Specs and Parts 91, 91K and 135; weather review and analysis; airport/runway operations; and aircraft performance and resource management tools for flight coordinators.
AFCT will be available this fall and may be pre-purchased at a discount until July 31, 2012, by contacting safety1st@nata.aero.
Back to Top
| New Charter Publications Launched At Summit |
NATA announced the release of two new publications at the recent Air Charter Summit. An update of the Chartering An Aircraft: A Consumer Guide To Help You Fly Smarter and the Will-Not-Carry Operator Hazardous Materials Training Manual are now available on NATA's Web site.
The charter consumer guide is a free publication available by download. This publication was designed to help charter consumers answer the following questions and more:
- When does it make sense to charter?
- How much does a charter flight cost?
- What information should I have when calling a charter operator?
- What information should I ask the charter operator?
- How do I find a charter operator?
- So what makes charter smarter?
The Will-Not-Carry Operator Hazardous Materials Training Manual is a downloadable and easily customizable publication that can be used to satisfy FAA requirements for will-not-carry operators to have a HAZMAT training program. Once purchased and downloaded, the operator simply updates the information in the highlighted fields with company-specific details and follows the straightforward guidance on complying with provisions of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), Title 49 Code of the Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The regulations have changed. If you haven’t updated your manual recently, you should download your copy today.
Both publications are available at the NATA Store at www.nata.aero/store.
Back to Top
| Weekly Regulatory Update |
Relevant updates from the FAA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security are compiled each day from the Federal Register. The latest notices, rules and proposed rules can now be found in a single source by clicking here.
Back to Top
| Nevada Governor Proclaims June 2012 As Aviation Appreciation Month |
On May 31, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval proclaimed June 2012 as Aviation Appreciation Month in the state. A report released by the Airports Council International-North America quoted Nevada airports as major economic drivers to the local economy, business development and job growth. Nevada’s airports generate an economic output of $30.5 billion and more than 314,000 jobs with an annual payroll in excess of $11.8 billion.
Douglas County Airport Manager Bobbi Thompson welcomed the positive news in a press release, stating that “the continued vitality of aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, education institutions and aviation organizations is important to the daily functioning of our society and the aviation industry continues to play a vital role in the economic and social well-being of the State of Nevada.”
Back to Top
The Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) recently celebrated Colorado Aviation Week to commemorate general aviation’s contributions to the state’s economy, businesses and jobs. The June 7-10 event kicked off with a dedication by Governor John Hickenlooper proclaiming June 2012 as General Aviation Appreciation Month. Colorado is home to 8,074 general aviation aircraft, which contribute more than $2.9 billion to the state’s economy and support 22,650 jobs.
The event included the opportunity to tour and ride in a World War II-era B-17 bomber, hosted by Signature Flight Support, the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority and the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. All proceeds went to scholarships awarded through CABA to further development and interest in general aviation throughout the state.
Back to Top
| Raffle To Benefit Veterans Airlift Command A Huge Success |
NATA’s Air Charter Summit barbeque featured a raffle in support of the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC). NATA and its members contributed nearly $15,000 for this noble organization.
The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. Walt Fricke, founder, and a U.S. Marine Corps captain who benefited from the services of the VAC addressed the attendees.
NATA encourages everyone to visit www.nata.aero/acs to find out how they can continue to contribute to this worthy cause. For more information on the VAC, click here.
Back to Top
| June Webinar – Learn How To Meet The Needs Of Your Customers |
The Most Important Question To Ask A Customer - During this webinar, we'll discuss ways to determine your SQ (Service Quotient) score. Similar to what an IQ score reveals about a person, an SQ score can reveal a lot about your FBO and how well you are meeting the needs of your customers. We'll discuss ways to benchmark your customer service efforts and reveal to you the secret question you should always ask a customer.
Speakers: Ron Jackson, The Jackson Group
John Enticknap, Aviation Business Strategies Group
Date/Time: June 28, 2012, at 12:00 noon EDT
Click here to register. Registration for this webinar is $49.95 per location and includes a copy of presentation materials and link to a recording of the webinar.
Back to Top
| Are You Paying Too Much For Uniform Services? |
NATA has negotiated a program with ARAMARK Uniform Services to provide its 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 available products and services:
- Call: (800) 332-8676
- Email: ausnatcsc@uniform.aramark.com
- Visit: http://www.aramark-uniform.com/ap-nata.html
- Mention NATA and national account ID # 93103
To set up a meeting with an ARAMARK representative to review your uniform and facility services needs, please contact Jim Carr at jim.carr@uniform.aramark.com.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
NATA E-Learn Webinars
Click here to view a listing of archived webinar recordings.
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.
National Air Transportation Association
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 800-808-6282
Fax: 703-845-8176
|
|