|
 
July 1, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 16
 FAA Survey on General Aviation and Part 135
Every year, the FAA conducts a comprehensive survey on general aviation and Part 135 operations. The survey to collect data from 2012 is now underway and your participation is encouraged to ensure an accurate assessment of the industry is presented in the survey report. Click here to read the flyer about the survey.
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.
Contract Towers Included in FAA Funding Bills
House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved their respective versions of the fiscal year 2014 spending bills for the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and other federal agencies. The House and Senate bills include $140 million for the Contract Tower Program. This level of funding would ensure that the 251 control towers remain open after September 30th.
While the House and Senate have shown strong bipartisan support for the Contract Tower Program the two Committees remain very far apart on funding levels for other federal transportation programs. With the July 4th holiday and the congressional summer district work period in August it could be problematic to reach an agreement on these huge differences before the beginning of the new fiscal year. If an agreement cannot be reached then Congress will need to approve a Continuing Resolution, which essentially funds programs at their current levels. Also, sequestration is a ten year program and unless the law is changed, we will see further reductions in federal spending starting on October 1st, which would undoubtedly include reductions to the Contract Tower Program.
Idaho Governor Declares June “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter recently signed a proclamation declaring June 2013 as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” Aviation greatly contributes to the economy of the state with $2.1 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 23,000 Idahoans. According to the proclamation, community airports across the state “play a critical role in the loves of our citizens, as well as in the operation of our businesses and farms.” To view Governor Otter’s proclamation, click here.
Wyoming Governor Recognizes Vital Role of General Aviation to State
On June 20, 2013, Wyoming Governor Matthew Mead signed a proclamation highlighting general aviation’s essential role in supporting commerce and attracting visitors across the state. More than 115,000 individuals travel to Wyoming by general aviation aircraft annually, spending roughly $31 million per year. Across the state, there are 40 public-use airports that are home to 836 general aviation aircraft and 30 fixed-base operators. Click here to view the Governor’s proclamation.
Tax Seminar for Commercial Operators
Are you concerned with the recent IRS Chief Counsel Advisory relating to the application of the commercial FET to owner flights and management fees? NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. continue to offer the only tax seminar for commercial operators. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar deals with taxes that you, the commercial operator, face every day in your operations. Click here to find out more about the seminar and register.
NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks on the Confirmation of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx
“We are excited to work with Secretary Foxx and his staff. Secretary Foxx understands the vital role that small businesses play in job creation and we look forward to helping him shape policies that are important to General Aviation, an industry that annually drives more than 1.2 million jobs and pumps more than $150 billion into the U.S. economy.” Click here to read the full press release.
NATA Offices Closed July 4 & 5
NATA’s office will be closed Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, for Independence Day.
|