On January 2, 2013, NATA congratulated the U.S. Senate on its confirmation of Michael P. Huerta as Administrator of the FAA. Huerta’s term is for five years.
Huerta is an experienced and talented transportation official who has a reputation for managing complex transportation challenges. As the designated federal official of the NextGen Advisory Committee, his leadership has been instrumental in helping drive the increasingly effective activities of this key policy group. His leadership abilities previously led him to the international stage where he was a managing director of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
“NATA applauds the U.S. Senate’s leadership in confirming Michael Huerta as FAA Administrator,” stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. “We look forward to continuing to work with Administrator Huerta on aviation initiatives.”
Click here for more information on and a biography of Administrator Huerta.
Click here to view NATA’s press release on Administrator Huerta’s confirmation.
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Included in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is a provision extending bonus depreciation provisions for an additional year. The law, signed by the President on January 3, 2013, enables purchasers of eligible capital assets, including aircraft, to utilize an accelerated depreciation schedule.
An aircraft purchased meeting all eligibility criteria must be placed in service during 2014 to qualify. NATA encourages all persons interested in using bonus depreciation to consult with their tax professional to ensure eligibility.
The bonus depreciation provision is found in § 331 of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
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Flight schools certified under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) should expect out-of-cycle reviews from ICE. Reviews began following an updated policy guidance published on December 11, 2012, that clarifies the requirements for SEVP-certified flight schools.
The revised guidance is in response to recommendations from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study conducted in June 2012. The report noted a lack of oversight and enforcement of SEVP-certified flight schools and recommended that ICE identify noncompliant schools and verify the eligibility of schools already certified.
ICE is now requesting that SEVP-approved flight schools complete a recertification process. Affected flight training providers should expect a letter via e-mail that includes a date of compliance. Also included in the letter are requirements for flight schools to:
- Provide a current copy of the school’s FAA Part 141 certificate
- Provide evidence that the school is authorized by the appropriate state agency to operate
- Each Principle Designated School Official (DSO) must take the DSO Web-based training and submit the issued certificate after completion
- Submit a document that tracks the number of hours nonimmigrant students spend in a classroom environment per week
- Provide a signed statement that nonimmigrant student records will be maintained at the FAA Part 141 level
The links below provide additional information for affected flight training providers
ICE SEVP Policy Guidance (Dec. 11, 2012)
GAO Study on SEVP (June 2012)
SEVP Recertification
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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.
All nominations for these five awards must be received by NATA no later than March 1, 2013. The nomination form is available by clicking here. The awards will be presented during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Dinner.
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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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| State Legislatures Convening For 2013 Legislative Sessions |
As 2013 kicks off into full swing, most state legislatures will be reconvening for their 2013 legislative sessions. In January, 42 state legislatures are assembling, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Four states – Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon and Alabama – plan to resume their legislative sessions in February. Florida legislators head back to work in March and Louisiana legislatures open in April. California and Maine began their 2013 legislative session in December 2012 and plan to work throughout the year.
The NATA State Advocacy Network is working with MultiState Associates on state and local issues, and has provided the network with an easy access chart containing more information about state legislature dates, governors and members of the state assemblies.
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The highly anticipated online certification program offered by NATA’s Safety 1st specifically for schedulers, dispatchers and flight crews will be launching January 23 at NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees at the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference that sign up for Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT) at NATA Booth #433 will receive 15% off the training program.
AFCT is a certification program that provides core flight coordinator knowledge with an emphasis on safety. There are a myriad of technical factors that can affect a flight, so it is crucial for a flight coordinator to have a strong understanding of the operational environment. AFCT includes training on weather, regulations, airport limitations, maintenance requirements and much more to keep employees in key positions well-informed and up to date. AFCT is available online anytime and provides self-paced, reliable training. This program allows you to reduce training time and paperwork while increasing productivity and profit.
To read more about AFCT, click here.
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| Spring Training Seminar Spotlight – Safety 1st Trainer |
A key component of ramp safety, security and efficiency is the guidance provided by line service trainers. The technical knowledge and communication skills of the trainer directly affect the success of the trainees. NATA’s Safety 1st Trainer Seminar, on March 13, delivers the in-depth instruction necessary to make these trainers more effective line service supervisors and teachers.
Safety 1st Trainer will cover keys to successful training, structuring a training program, benefits of PLST Online, and development and implementation of lesson plans. By the end of this seminar, attendees will have a thorough understanding of why proper employee training is so important and how to achieve it.
Click here for more information or to register.
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| 2013 Already Off To A Great Start |
Happy New Year to all of our NATA supporters! The first week of 2013, though short, was crammed with exciting news and developments. Click here to read the latest blog post by NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks.
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| Workers' Compensation Insurance Program Fact Of The Week |
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Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport became the first participant in the new NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program™ this week! Contact your agent today to obtain a quote from Beacon Aviation Insurance and to find out more about their industry-leading claims management practices. Visit the Beacon website for more details on the new program
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