|
 
July 15, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 18
 FAA Publishes Final Rule Impacting Flight Training and Airline Operations
Today, the Federal Aviation Administration published a final rule titled Pilot Certification and Qualification for Air Carrier Operations. This rule implements the Congressional mandate that all airline pilots must hold an ATP certificate and a type rating for the aircraft they are operating. Additionally, this rule implements significant changes to the ATP certification requirements. More information is available through the NATA Regulatory Report on this rule.
FAA Releases Final RTTF Policy
The FAA placed a pre-publication version of its Final Policy Statement Regarding Access to Airports From Residential Property in the Federal Register on July 15, 2013. This action was based on Federal law, concerning through-the-fence access to a federally-obligated airport from an adjacent or nearby property, when that property is used as a residence (RTTF access). In this policy, the FAA adopted NATA’s comments and strengthened the prohibitions on commercial aeronautical services being provided from property subject to an RTTF agreement.
Hendricks Participates In Town Hall Meeting Hosted By U.S. Representative Sam Graves
On Saturday, July 13th, NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks joined GA Caucus Co-Chairman Sam Graves and other industry leaders at a general aviation town hall meeting in Tarkio, MO. Also in attendance were Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Representative Adam Kinzinger. Among the topics covered were User Fees, NextGen aviation funding, the impact of TFRs and the status of the Small Aircraft Revitalization Act. The event was held in conjunction with the WingNuts Flying Circus Air Show and Fly In.
Colorado Celebrates General Aviation, Declares July “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
On July 1, 2013, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed July “General Aviation Appreciation Month” across the state. This is the third proclamation of the Governor’s in support of general aviation; he dedicated June 2011 and June 2012 to honoring the vital contributions general aviation makes to the state’s economy, communities and job growth. Throughout Colorado, there are 76 public-use airports that serve nearly 17,900 pilots and 5,483 general aviation aircraft. General aviation airports contribute $2.1 billion to the state’s annual economy and sustain 22,650 jobs.
Pennsylvania Legislature Eliminates Sales and Use Tax on Fixed-Wing Aircraft Parts and Services
On July 9, 2013, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed a motion that exempts the state’s 6 percent sales and use tax on fixed-wing aircraft parts and services. The act will take effect in 90 days from the Governor’s signature. The passage of this long-awaited legislation means that Pennsylvania, one of the largest general aviation states in the nation, is now an “open-for-business” state and can compete with neighboring states that do not have a sales and use tax on aircraft parts and services. NATA has been following this lengthy process since 2012 and has worked closely with the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania and other national aviation organizations to educate lawmakers on the importance of this legislation and its passage. “The newly-revised tax policy provides the foundation for the creation of new, private sector, family-sustaining jobs in the fixed-wing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry,” stated the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania. Click here for more information on NATA’s efforts in Pennsylvania.
Today is the Last Day for Savings at Tax Seminar
Register for the NATA and Conklin & de Decker sponsored Commercial Operators Tax Seminar before the end of today and save $100 on your registration price. The discounted hotel rate at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus is also available until Tuesday, July 16. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar takes place August 6-7 in Chicago, Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.
FREE Workers’ Compensation Insurance Webinar – Register Today!
Understanding the basics of Workers’ Compensation Insurance and how it affects your bottom line is a vital part of doing business today. Learn about how to minimize your overall risk, find out you can maximize your savings with Dividend Plans, and discover how your Modification (MOD) factor can influence your rates for 3-years. Attendees will gain an understanding of National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) employee classification codes and the dangers of misclassification. Understanding aviation class codes and how they apply to your employees’ overall coverage will help prepare you for unexpected onsite audits from NCCI. All this and more, straight from our industry experts Robert E. McManus and Dick Woodall from Beacon Aviation Insurance Services. A link to register for this FREE webinar (to be held on August 1 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern) is available at http://www.nata.aero/webinars.
NATA Now Offers Legal Services Plan Designed Exclusively for Aviation Businesses
NATA is pleased to offer its members a new money-saving program called NATA Aviation Legal Services Plan™. The Plan is administered by Aviation Legal Services, LLC and is exclusively available to NATA members. Eligible companies include aircraft management and charter operators, fractional ownership programs, maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, fixed base operators, flight schools, parts manufacturers, and others.
NATA Aviation Legal Services Plan™ benefits will be available starting July 15, 2013, and include 24/7 telephone access to an experienced aviation attorney toll-free at 877-4-AIR-LAW (877-424-7529). The Plan also guarantees legal representation concerning FAA enforcement actions, drug and alcohol program inspections, the FAA Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program, aircraft accident reporting, and more. Click here for more details.
Cutter Aviation Announces Start of Operations at Van Nuys Airport
Cutter Aviation begins operations at its seventh FBO location on July 15th at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California. A Grand Opening will follow later this summer. Click here for full article.
|