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 Congress Approves Bill To End FAA Furloughs of Air Traffic Controllers |
Congress has approved legislation to end FAA furloughs of air traffic controllers. The bill allows Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood the ability to transfer up to $253 million in unused AIP discretionary funds to keep air traffic controllers working through the end of the fiscal year. The legislation will now be sent to the President for signature.
The legislation does not include a permanent contract tower fix but states that Secretary LaHood can use funds for the program.
NATA will continue to discuss contract tower program funding with the FAA. Back to Top
At its annual Membership Meeting, NATA announced the selection of Michael Scheeringa, President and CEO of Flight Support, BBA Aviation, as Chair of the NATA Board of Directors. The association named Gary Dempsey, President, Flight Services – The Americas, Jet Aviation Holdings USA, Inc., board Vice-Chair.
NATA also elected three new members to its board of directors: Clara Bennett, Manager, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE); Andy Priester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Priester Aviation; and Gregory J. Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pentastar Aviation. Back to Top
| NATF Announces Scholarship Recipients |
The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is proud to announce the winners of its Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship and its Pioneers of Flight Scholarship.
NATF annually awards academic and flight training scholarships to assist outstanding candidates in the pursuit of careers in aviation service businesses.
Marcus Kaleb Phillips, a student at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, is the recipient of the 2012 Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship. Marcus is currently pursuing a degree to become a professional pilot and will remain an active member of many aviation organizations. Marcus is excited to become a CFI and hopes to contribute to the advancements within the aviation field.
Whitney Brouwer, a student at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, and David Peck, a student at the Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, Washington, are the recipients of the 2012 Pioneers of Flight Scholarship. In addition to being a pilot, Whitney hopes to use her degree in Aircraft Systems with an Electrical Technology Concentration to combine knowledge and experiences that will assist in the design of easier avionics and cockpit displays. David will use his Mission Aviation Technology degree to join a team that provides humanitarian support to remote locations around the world. "By using general aviation," states David, "I hope to better the world."
"NATF received a record number of scholarship applications this year. It was a tough decision for our judges, but the winners this year are passionate aviators very deserving of these awards. We wish them the best of luck in the pursuit of their dreams," said NATA Manager of Safety 1st Programs Elizabeth Nicholson.
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Last week, NATA convened its inaugural Aviation Business & Legislative Conference in Washington, DC with more than 100 member companies participating. The conference featured key sessions with executive and legislative decision-makers and also included a highly successful congressional reception at the U.S. Capitol Building.
The week's events kicked off on Monday with a luncheon featuring the association's Annual Meeting of Members and Election of Officers and included information-packed sessions on the following business topics: the opportunities and challenges on the road ahead for business aviation, generational leadership, money-saving Workers' Compensation Insurance advice and disaster preparation. Attendees toasted the industry's best at NATA's annual Industry Excellence Awards dinner and presentation that evening.
The second-day schedule featured sessions providing information on the latest regulatory and legislative issues from the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and key senior Capitol Hill staff as well as an update on new healthcare laws. The week's events concluded with NATA's spring committee meetings. We thank the sponsors and participants of this year’s conference. Back to Top
| Weekly Regulatory Update |
NATA compiles relevant updates from the FAA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security each day from the Federal Register. You may view the latest notices, rules and proposed rules in a single source by clicking here. Back to Top
| Aviation Celebrated In California |
On April 25, 2013, the Association of California Airports and other national aviation organizations came together to celebrate aviation and inform the public and legislators about the importance of aviation to California.
“California Aviation Awareness Day at the Capitol” took place at the State Capitol and provided a multitude of activities to educate the public about the industry and the businesses it supports. The event included a mobile command unit, aircraft displays and simulators, tabletop displays and items from the California Aerospace Museum.
Before the event, NATA and the Alliance for Aviation Across America sent a letter to California Governor Jerry Brown urging him not only to attend, but to recognize formally general aviation’s contributions to the vitality of California and its residents. The letter points to the presence general aviation has across the state, with nearly 250 public-use airports serving more than 64,500 pilots and nearly 37,130 general aviation aircraft.
For more information about California Aviation Awareness Day at the Capitol, click here. Back to Top
| Florida Governor Declares April General Aviation Appreciation Month |
For a second year, Florida Governor Rick Scott has recognized the value of general aviation to the state in a recently signed proclamation. A similar proclamation was signed in June 2011.
In his declaration, the Governor acknowledged general aviation plays a major role in the lives of Floridians as well as in the growth of commerce and tourism across the state. General aviation, the proclamation states, “plays a vital role in the state’s response to emergencies and natural disasters.”
Across Florida there are 129 public-use airports supporting more than 54,000 general aviation jobs and contributing $6 billion to the state’s economy. There are 190 charter flight companies, 509 repair stations, three fractional providers, 73 flight schools and 154 fixed base operations that operate 858 aircraft and produce 3,500 jobs. Back to Top
Aviation International News (AIN) surveys users every year and ranks FBOs according to respondents’ input. Join Curt Epstein and David Leach to gain perspective on the background of this survey and the mechanics behind its highly anticipated results.
What will you take away from this webinar?
- The historical background of this survey
- The methodical process behind this survey
- The categories that evolved over the years
- Highly anticipated comments of the users
- Knowledge of who the top ranked FBOS are
- Reasons why users avoid an FBO
- Reasons why users select an FBO
Speakers: Curt Epstein and David Leach with Aviation International News
When: May 2, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. EDT
Click here to register. Back to Top
| Operational and Safety Audit “Gotchas” Webinar |
Do you have an operational or safety audit coming up this year? Are you sure you’re prepared? NATA is hosting a special webinar at 1 PM EDT on Thursday, May 9 to discuss common third-party audit problem areas and frequent findings.
Lindsey McFarren, president of McFarren Aviation Consulting, will be the speaker. Lindsey is a certified Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard auditor, International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) auditor, and NATA Ground Audit Standard auditor. She has conducted numerous third-party audits utilizing these standards as well as dozens of operational and safety assessments for Part 135 operators.
Lindsey will share her experiences regarding common audit “gotchas” and overall problem areas, including:
- Policy vs. procedure
- Flight and duty misunderstandings
- Training recordkeeping
- And more
Speakers:Lindsey McFarren, president of McFarran Aviation Consulting
When: May 9, 2013 at 1:00 EDT
Click here to register. Back to Top
2013 Air Charter Summit, Register Today
June 17-19, Dulles, VA |
The 2013 Air Charter Summit provides an important opportunity to learn about the Part 135 regulatory landscape straight from industry experts and government officials. Attendees will gain new solutions to current business and economic challenges and have a chance to network one-on-one with their peers.
Preliminary Topics Include: - Application of Commercial Taxes to Aircraft Management
- Policy Changes Impacting Training Centers and Check Airmen
- Legislative Update
- Enforceability of Employee Social Media Policies
- Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Panel
- FAA Regulatory Review
- Value of Crew Resource Management Training
The Summit will take place June 17-19 at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. Register today at www.nata.aero/acs.
NATA is proud once again to support the Veterans Airlift Command through a raffle during the Summit. If you would like to donate a raffle item, please contact Diane Gleason, Director of Meetings and Conferences, at dgleason@nata.aero. Last year, members generously donated a Kindle Fire, an Apple IPad, a PRIA Package, a headset, 2013 Air Charter Summit registrations and much more. Please help us support this worthy cause. If you would like to find out other ways to support the VAC, visit www.nata.aero/acs. Back to Top
| NATA’s New Workers’ Compensation Insurance program Includes A No-Interest Payment Option |
Beacon Aviation Insurance Services, the administrator of the NATA Workers' Compensation Insurance Program™, worked with Companion P&C to create an industry-best payment plan.
With as little as 15% down, you can get 10 equal monthly payments that will allow you the flexibility to hold onto your cash and have control over your finances. Payments can also be made online, allowing for easier bill-pay options.
Contact your agent and let him or her know you want a quote from the NEW NATA Workers’
Compensation Insurance Program™ administered by Beacon Aviation Insurance (www.beaconais.com). Back to Top
| James P. Miller Named Distinguished Service Award Winner |
James P. Miller of Flight Options/Nextant is the recipient of NATA’s Distinguished Service Award. The association presents the Distinguished Service Award to an individual or organization still active in general aviation on a regular, day-to-day basis and recognizes outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry.
Mr. Miller has spent more than 45 years creating concepts and innovative solutions to help foster and modernize our industry. NATA presented the award at a dinner at its Aviation Business & Legislative Conference last week. Read the full press release here. Back to Top
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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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