 |
Top News
State Advocacy Network News
Events
Member News
 NATA Selects New President |
The NATA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Thomas L. Hendricks as the association's new president. He succeeds James K. Coyne, who has served as NATA's president since 1994. Hendricks will start his duties on September 1, 2012.
Hendricks most recently served as the senior vice president, safety, security and operations for Airlines for America, where he was responsible for all core airline technical and operational functions. He was also responsible for developing and shaping advocacy and policy positions on flight operations, safety, engineering, air traffic management and security.
"I am pleased to be joining NATA at such a critical time in aviation," said Hendricks. "Aviation drives our global economy, and I understand well the issues and opportunities we face. I look forward to working with NATA members and other stakeholder groups to continue improving an environment that puts safety first and enables general aviation to play a critical role in delivering service, creating jobs and facilitating commercial growth."
"We are proud to add Tom Hendricks to our team and to have him lead NATA," said Jim Sweeney, NATA chairman. "Tom brings a wealth of aviation experience and knowledge to the National Air Transportation Association. His experience and success with driving policy and advocacy programs will bring the visibility that NATA needs to grow and to continue to be a strong influence in the aviation industry."
"I am pleased that the board has chosen someone of Tom's caliber to take the reins at NATA. I look forward to working with him as he transitions into his new role," Coyne said.
Hendricks previously worked with Delta Air Lines as director of line operations and a chief pilot for flight operations in Atlanta, Georgia. During that time, Hendricks represented Delta on several key industry groups. Hendricks has also testified frequently before U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives subcommittees on safety, security and aviation operations.
A retired Air Force Reserve colonel and career fighter pilot, Hendricks served on active duty as a United States Navy officer on the USS Midway (CV-41) and as an instructor pilot at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School. A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Hendricks graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with secondary emphasis in Business Administration.
Back to Top
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an answer to a petition from an environmental group, Friends of the Earth (FOE), that had asked the EPA to begin the process of regulating lead emissions from general aviation aircraft. The FOE’s petition specifically asked the agency to issue a determination, also known as an endangerment finding, that lead emissions from general aviation aircraft posed a danger to human health and welfare. Once issued, an endangerment finding would trigger the EPA’s ability to issue emissions standards.
In its response to the petition, the EPA noted that, despite the FOE’s assertion that significant data currently exist to regulate emissions from general aviation aircraft, there is only a very limited amount of air monitoring data regarding lead emissions from general aviation aircraft available. The EPA outlined the various research and analysis tasks that would be necessary in order for the agency to issue an endangerment finding relating to lead emissions from general aviation aircraft. The EPA indicated that it would likely be mid-2015 before the agency could issue a final determination relating to the FOE petition.
NATA continues to work with the FAA and others in the industry to implement the recommendations from the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
Click here to read the EPA response to the FOE Petition.
Click here to read the Fact Sheet on the EPA response.
Back to Top
| Pilot’s Bill Of Rights Passes Congress |
On July 23, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, by voice vote, a recently passed U.S. Senate bill that would provide pilots with timely notices of action regarding their licenses, enhanced pilot’s rights during FAA enforcement proceedings, and improvement programs for Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) alerts.
Introduced by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), the bill (S. 1335) would require the National Transportation Safety Board to review actions by the FAA against a pilot’s certificate. Under the enacted legislation, the FAA would also be required to notify a pilot before any proceedings and will allow thirty days for a pilot to prepare his or her defense. Relevant data to the case would be supplied to the pilot, including air traffic control recordings, flight service briefings, and NOTAM information. Additionally, a NOTAM Improvement Program would simplify the information needed by a pilot for a proceeding.
“This bill remedies many of the most serious deficiencies in the relationship between general aviation and the FAA, and ensures that pilots are, like everyone else, treated in a fair and equitable manner by the justice system,” a press release by Senator Inhofe states.
The bill is now awaiting President Obama’s signature.
Back to Top
Click here to access the NATA 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory.
In an effort to continuously provide the most up-to-date information available, the NATA 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory is being offered as a user-friendly online document. Available from any Internet browser, this electronic version allows better access to member information as well as the opportunity for NATA to provide updates periodically, including the addition of new members.
The new format of NATA’s 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory enables members to share access to this valuable resource with everyone in their operation. The option to click on advertisements and Internet addresses of members is available, and searching the directory is easier via a clickable member index. Members also may download the directory in PDF.
If you have any changes to your listing, please contact NATA at (800) 808-6282 or email membership@nata.aero. You can also log on to the NATA Web site to make changes as well.
Back to Top
| Summer Recess Approaching in Congress – Invite Your Legislators To Tour Your Facility Today |
From August 6 through September 7, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will be in scheduled summer recess, working in their districts and states. During these visits home, Members of Congress take the opportunity to visit with constituents, making this the perfect time for NATA members to invite their Representatives and Senators to tour their facilities. Reach out to your Members of Congress today and show them first-hand the issues confronting our national air transportation system and affecting your business. This one-on-one interaction will give Members of Congress and their staff a better understanding of the value of America’s aviation businesses and airline services companies, and will provide you with the opportunity to build relationships with your federal officials.
For more information on how to contact to your Members of Congress, sample invitation letters, and future 2012 recess dates, click here.
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
| Wisconsin Declares July 23-29 As Aviation Week |
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker declared July 23-29, 2012, as “Aviation Week” across the badger state as “Wisconsin’s spirit for flight will be on exhibit” during the Experimental Aviation Association’s AirVenture, which annually convenes in the city of Oshkosh.
Across Wisconsin, aviation and airports generate about $3 billion in annual economic activity and support more than 41,000 jobs. Governor Walker recognized the importance of aviation to the state’s quality of life through emergency medical transportation, public safety through law enforcement transportation, and leisure activities that allow residents of Wisconsin and visitors to travel freely across the state quickly and safely. Manufacturers also recognize the value of aviation – nearly 85 percent of new or expanded manufacturing business have moved within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport.
Wisconsin is home to 133 public-use airports that provide reliable access to interstate, regional and world markets for travelers and businesses. Currently, two of Wisconsin’s airports are part of the DCA Access Standard Security Program: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Dan County Regional Airport (MSN). These airports, and specifically named FBOs at those airports, provide direct service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
To view Governor Walker’s proclamation, click here.
Back to Top
NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. continue to offer the only tax seminar for commercial operators. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar (COTS) deals with taxes that you, the commercial operator, face every day in your operations. Federal excise taxes, fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, personal property taxes, depreciation, international fees and more are covered in this seminar. In addition, a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Regulations and topics that should be included in charter/management and management agreements is included. Ample time will be allowed for questions and answers during each session as well as prior to the seminar’s conclusion. Click here to register now.
Featured Speaker:
Victor D'Avanzo, USAIG, Senior Vice President
Victor G. D’Avanzo, senior vice president and customer care manager, United States Aircraft Insurance Group, (USAIG), joined the company in 1981 as a general aviation underwriter in the New York branch office. In 1986, he was promoted to the position of assistant manager in the New York office. Two years later, D’Avanzo was promoted to the position of manager of the New York branch. In 1996, he transferred to the Home Office General Aviation supervisory team to oversee the Commercial & Special Risks accounts on a national basis. In 2006, he was promoted to senior vice president and head of the General Aviation Underwriting Department, and in 2012 was appointed manager, customer care, a newly formed department that looks after the needs of all internal departments as well as external customers.
This year's COTS seminar takes place August 7-8 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. To register today, click here.
Back to Top
Commercial Tax Webinar Series
Webinar Recordings Are Available For Purchase |
NATA hosted a three-part webinar series in July on the application of commercial taxes to private flights. The webinar recordings may be purchased separately or together as a package. All webinar revenue will be applied to NATA's advocacy and communications efforts in opposition to the expansion of commercial excise taxes to private flights.
Webinar 1 - The Audit Process - Nel Stubbs, Conklin & de Decker
Webinar 2 - Prospective Preparation and Planning Opportunities - Keith Swirsky, GKG Law, P.C.
Webinar 3 - Achieving Balance - Kent Jackson, Jackson & Wade, LLC
Click here to find out more about this issue and to purchase the recordings today!
Back to Top
Limited Time Sale On The Latest NATA Titles
Will-Not-Carry Operator HAZMAT Training Manual Special Ends July 31! |
Your chance to get the new Will-Not-Carry Operator Hazardous Materials Training Manual for only $75 ends soon!
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. The sale on the Will-Not-Carry Operator Hazardous Materials Training Manual only lasts until July 31, 2012, so click here to order your copy before the price goes up.
NATA also has steep discounts on FBO Publications through August 31, 2012.
The Community Relations Toolkit ($99 for members) was developed to help airports expand community outreach efforts to airport neighbors and key stakeholders. This handbook has been developed to provide a guideline for community relations efforts.
Negotiating Aviation Agreements: A Guidebook for Building and Protecting Your Business ($299 for members) is a resource for fixed base operators and specialized aviation service operations doing business at general aviation airports. Sample provisions and practical tips are included in this guidebook.
Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations ($109 for members) provides airport fuel service providers a comprehensive review of the many complex standards and requirements for the handling of aviation fuel in a way that is easy to understand. The incorporation of full-color photographs adds to the usefulness of the 2011 revision as a teaching tool for new and seasoned fuel handling technicians alike.
These three publications come as a bundle in the FBO Managers Resource Kit, which is only $469 for members until August 31, 2012.
All NATA publications are available for purchase at the NATA Store.
Back to Top
| ACSF And FltPlan.com Hold Successful SMS Seminar |
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) in partnership with FltPlan.com recently held a one-day informational seminar on safety management systems (SMS) in Chicago, Illinois.
The seminar focused on the basics of SMS, current and future regulatory requirements, and tips on how to develop and implement a company-wide SMS.
The seminar participants heard from Ken Wilson, president of FltPlan.com, who presented some practical tools to support SMS implementation. "We must move forward with SMS to continually enhance and improve the good safety record of the U.S. aviation industry," said Wilson.
To read the ACSF Press Release, click here.
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
|
|