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 NATA Welcomes President and CEO Tom Hendricks |
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Please join NATA staff and members of the board in welcoming Tom Hendricks as he begins his first day at NATA as president and CEO tomorrow. We look forward to sharing more information about him and future NATA activities on our Web site, at upcoming events and through other media channels. Please click here to view Tom Hendricks’ bio.
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The Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) is seeking industry input in the form of an industry stakeholder survey.
Consistent with a mandate in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 313, the FAA established the ARC comprising both government and industry representatives to address the issue of consistency in regulatory application, particularly with regard to the certification and application processes. As a component of its tasking, the ARC will develop recommendations and submit a final report to the administrator by December 31, 2012, and the administrator is required to submit the agency’s report to Congress by February 15, 2013.
As the committee works to formulate recommendations to the administrator, the members believed it was important to solicit feedback and collect data from aviation industry stakeholders. The Industry Stakeholder Survey is designed to afford an opportunity for stakeholders to submit information to assist in the formulation of final recommendations.
“The lack of standardization on regulatory interpretations is costing both the FAA and industry dearly,” said NATA Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs and Industry Chair for the ARC Eric Byer. “We welcome input from all aviation industry stakeholders as we seek to formulate effective recommendations that will result in meaningful enhancements to the current regulatory processes.”
The ARC will host a webinar providing an update on the ARC tasking as well as details on the industry stakeholder survey on September 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. To register for this free webinar, please click here.
The industry stakeholder survey is available until September 25, 2012, and can be viewed by clicking here.
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| FAA Extends Comment Period On Revised RTTF Policy |
Last week, the FAA issued a correction on its previously published draft policy regarding Residential Through-the-Fence (RTTF) agreements at federally obligated airports. The correction, which did not make any sustentative changes in the draft policy, added a docket number that was omitted from the original Federal Register publication. Due to the issuance of the correction, the FAA extended the public comment period on the document, which was scheduled to close on August 31, to September 14.
The draft RTTF policy was made necessary by language in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) that overruled the agency's prohibition of RTTF access at general aviation airports. While allowing RTTF access agreements at general aviation airports, the FMRA requires that RTTF access may only be provided by a written agreement between the airport and property owner that includes:
- Payment of access fees to the airport of an amount similar to what other airport users pay
- A requirement that the property owner must pay for and maintain the infrastructure used to access the airport
- A prohibition on providing commercial services from a property subject to the RTTF agreement
- A requirement that the property owner prohibit other adjoining property owners from accessing the airport through his or her RTTF access point
NATA strongly supported and lobbied for the inclusion of these restrictions in the final FMRA language to ensure that RTTF access points would not become a means for off-airport commercial aeronautical service providers to gain an unfair economic advantage over on-airport service providers.
The FAA draft policy outlines the agency's interpretation of these restrictions and includes the FAA's assertion (with which NATA concurs) that the FMRA languages provides for agency review of all general aviation airport RTTF access agreements to ensure compliance with the FMRA limitations.
Click here to view the FAA's Draft Revised Policy On RTTF Access
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The FAA is conducting its annual General Aviation Part 135 Activity Survey for the calendar year 2011. The survey collects data on general aviation and Part 135 fleets, the number of hours flown and the reasons people fly. The study will assist the FAA in measuring aviation safety and assessing the effectiveness of regulatory changes as well as determining funding for infrastructure and service needs. The survey is sent out by invitation only and those who receive the form are asked to complete it as soon as possible. The survey can also be completed online at http://www.aviationsurvey.org, using the N-number as the login.
The survey is being administered by an independent firm, all data will be used for statistical purposes only, and responses will remain confidential.
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| NATA Comments On Proposed Rule To Combine Drug And Alcohol Testing Programs |
NATA commented on the FAA’s proposed rule to allow Part 135 operators with commercial air tour operations to combine drug and alcohol testing programs. Operators choosing to do so would first need to receive a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Fines resulting from a violation of a drug and alcohol testing program would be assessed at the Part 135 level, regardless of the type of operation.
Currently, Part 135 operators that operate commercial air tours must conduct separate drug and alcohol testing programs. In many cases, pilots who fly for these companies under both Part 135 and air tour operations are unnecessarily tested twice. NATA supports the proposed rule as it would relieve much of the financial and administrative burden without compromising safety.
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| Congressional Tours Important For General Aviation Awareness In Congress |
When Members of Congress visit their districts, you have the prime opportunity to shape what is happening in Washington. In fact, with so much under debate before elections, it is critical to make sure your representatives and senators appreciate the direct local impact of policies currently under consideration.
As summer recess comes to an end, representatives and senators will be hard at work preparing for elections and working to get unsettled legislation resolved. Now is the best time to invite your elected officials to tour your facility and inform them of the critical issues general aviation is facing in today’s tough economic time. NATA’s Congressional Tours page provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to reach out to your Members of Congress and show them first-hand the issues confronting our national air transportation system and issues affecting your business.
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| 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.
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NATA, along with associations across the aviation industry, welcomed Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin’s recent proclamation declaring August 2012 as “Aviation Appreciation Month” across the state. The proclamation recognizes the importance general aviation plays in supporting local businesses, including agriculture and medical services, and the overall economy. In Oklahoma, general aviation generates nearly $1.2 billion annually in total economic impact and supports over 115,000 jobs.
Governor Fallin, a well-known advocate for aviation, applauded the industry for its tremendous impact on the state. “For many Oklahoma communities, general aviation in particular is an economic driver, and supports jobs, businesses and vital services throughout our state. I am proud to join other governors around the nation in recognizing this vital form of transportation,” she stated.
NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne commended the governor for highlighting the importance of general aviation and local airports to the state. Coyne stated, “In addition to their vast economic contribution, general aviation aircraft are fundamental to supporting the efforts of police, firefighters, and emergency medical responders to name a few of the many crew which help to ensure public safety.”
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| NATA To Participate In “Celebrating General Aviation In Alaska” Event |
On September 17, NATA will participate in an event to celebrate the significance of general aviation in Alaska. Residents of the “last frontier” state are very dependent on aviation for connection between communities as well as for medical, agricultural, fishing and tourism services. General aviation contributes nearly $400 million to the state’s economy, ranking Alaska among the top 10 states in terms of total economic impact of general aviation.
NATA, along with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the National Business Aviation Association, will celebrate aviation’s contribution to Alaska along with U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), co-chair of the Alaska General Aviation Caucus, and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Marc Luiken. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the state’s leading officials, pilots and industry contributors.
NATA encourages all members in Alaska to join the celebration, which will take place at Signature Flight Support at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). For more information on the day’s events, click here for the official invitation or call (800) 808-6282.
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| Don’t Forget To Register For NATA’s Fall Committee Meetings |
The 2012 Fall Committee Meetings offer the perfect chance to observe how NATA committees help guide the association. The meetings will take place in Dallas, Texas, on September 11. All NATA members are invited to attend the committee meetings as guests.
Tom Hendricks, NATA’s new president, will also be in attendance at the committee meetings, giving members the chance to meet him. Don’t miss this opportunity to welcome the new leader of NATA and help him learn more about your business.
Please register for the meetings by completing the appropriate participation form found at the links below and return it to Celeste Clark via email or by fax at (703) 845-8176 by September 7.
Committee Member Participation Form
Non-committee Member Participation Form
Hotel reservations must be made directly with the Wyndham Dallas Love Field. The telephone number to make reservations is (214) 357-8500.
Take advantage of your time in Dallas by attending one of NATA’s fall seminars. FBO Success Seminar, Safety 1st Trainer, and Line Service Supervisor Training will all be taking place in Dallas after the committee meetings.
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| Do You Need An MRI For Your FBO? |
"Seeking operational help for an FBO is no different than seeking medical help for an illness," said John Enticknap, president of Aviation Business Strategies Group (ABSG) and facilitator for the seminar. "Sometimes we need a closer look at all the vital parts in order to come up with a remedy that puts us on the path to prosperity. That's why we call it an MRI for Your FBO."
In addition to the 10 sessions addressing financial and operational productivity, the seminar places an emphasis on networking with other FBOs and learning various best practices through lively roundtable discussions. Business Jet Center will also conduct a tour of their facility, giving attendees an opportunity to see first-hand the inner workings of this highly successful FBO.
Registration for the FBO Success Seminar is available on NATA's Web site. The cost for the three-day seminar is $625 for NATA members and $725 for non-members. FBOs registering two or more attendees receive more than a 20% discount, per registrant.
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| NATA Aviation Fuel Handling and Quality Control Webinar Series Coming This Fall |
NATA is pleased to announce that its Aviation Fuel Handling and Quality Control Webinar series will be returning this fall. This webinar series, which will feature individual webinars by industry experts in quality control, is the perfect opportunity to give your entire staff the annual refresher and insight on the latest trends in fuel handling that they need. All of the webinars are specifically designed to provide the information that your staff needs to ensure that clean, dry and on-specification fuel is provided to every aircraft that visits your facility.
Stay tuned for more information on dates and prices.
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| NATA’s Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing Online Training – New 2012-2013 Holdover Tables Available |
Make sure your deicing team has the right training with the official FAA holdover time tables for winter 2012-2013. Winter weather training programs, like NATA’s Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing module, will get your team focused on the responsibilities of their job and prepares them with the skills necessary for safe aircraft departures.
What’s covered in the online training?
- Introduction: reviews the crucial reasons for deicing and the affects of icing on aircraft flight.
- Deicing & Anti-Icing Fluids: covers the different types of fluids, their characteristics and their primary usage.
- Deicing & Anti-Icing Application: covers specifics on when and how to apply the different fluid types.
- Deicing and Anti-icing Safety: discusses personal protective equipment requirements and procedures for the safe operation of your deicing equipment.
- Deicing Procedures: discusses techniques to deice aircraft effectively and best practices to follow.
- Anti-icing Fluid Application: stresses what to do and what NOT to do when applying anti-icing fluids.
- Final Preparations For Departure: covers your responsibilities as well as what to expect from the flight crew after de/anti-icing and prior to aircraft departure.
Review our recorded webinar on NATA’s Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing module at http://nata.aero/deicing-module-video.aspx to experience online training firsthand.
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| Honor James K. Coyne In Aviation Business Journal |
This year marks the end of James K. Coyne’s term as president and CEO of NATA. To give NATA members a chance to honor Jim, we’re offering deeply discounted advertising space rates in the 4th quarter issue of the Aviation Business Journal.
This is the perfect opportunity to thank Jim for his dedication to NATA, and you, for the past 18 years, and to wish him and Holly well on their future endeavors.
Ads will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Contact Media Sales Representative Justin Wolfe at (800) 501-9571 x138 of justin.wolfe@theygsgroup.com. Closing date for advertisements is October 6.
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| NATA Headquarters Closed In Observance Of Labor Day Holiday |
NATA Headquarters will be closed today, September 3, 2012, in observance of Labor Day. NATA will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
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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
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