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November 4, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 34
 NATA Testifies Before House Aviation Subcommittee
NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks testified before the House Aviation Subcommittee on Wednesday, October 30th, in which he discussed the FAA’s aircraft certification process. The hearing focused on the progress the FAA has made in implementing provisions in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which require the agency to develop plans to streamline their certification processes and address regional inconsistencies while maintaining the highest level of safety. To read NATA’s full statement, and for more information on the hearing, click here.
NATA Works with FAA to Mitigate the Impact of Government Shutdowns
NATA continues to work with the FAA to mitigate the impact of the shutdown and have been encouraged by the FAA’s response. The FAA released a letter of deviation authority authorizing FSDOs to extend any delegation that would have expired at the end of October through January 15th, if needed. We expect an additional deviation letter will be issued at the end of November if additional authorizations are due to expire. The FAA has also moved quickly to qualify simulators and are beginning to move forward with the backlog of new approvals that developed during the shutdown. NATA is also discussing strategies with the FAA to lessen the impact should another government shutdown occur, focusing first on keeping key staff at work, and secondly on automatically extending approvals that were already in place before the shutdown.
FAA Releases Guidance for Expanded PED Use
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its decision to allow air passengers to use most Personal Electronic Devices (PED) from takeoff to landing. An FAA Information for Operators (InFO) document provides guidance for operators to expand passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices during additional phases of flight. The FAA states that the new information will enable carriers to “allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by the end of the year.” Click here to read NATA Member Update (member login is required).
Hendricks to Speak at AZBAA Annual Safety Day
On Tuesday, November 12th, NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks will speak to attendees at the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA) Annual Safety Day in Phoenix, AZ. Hendricks will discuss proactive risk management for ground and air, and touch on NATA’s safety programs including Safety 1st’s Professional Line Service Training, Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training and Customer Service, Safety and Security. Click here for more information on AZBAA’s Safety Day.
Weekly Regulatory Update
NATA compiles relevant updates from the FAA, the 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.
Healthcare Session Added to Aviation Business Roundtable Agenda
NATA’s Aviation Business Roundtable takes place November 13-14, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. Richard Kaufman, Vice President of Aon Hewitt, will discuss the implications of Health Care Reform for employers. Regardless of the size of the employer, everyone will be impacted from a financial standpoint, and the impacts will be far-reaching. Richard will address how to become prepared for what Health Care Reform brings us. The Roundtable assembles business executives from all segments of the aviation community and provides a unique opportunity to discuss important and relevant issues. Click here for more information.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Webinar Recording Available
Beacon Aviation Insurance hosted a FREE webinar titled “Workers’ Compensation Claims Management-Skills for the Business Owners” on November 1st. The webinar covered a range of information on the claims process and how to encourage safety in your operation. Click here to access the webinar recording.
New Safety Net Blog Post – Only One Month to Comply
There is just over 1 month left for businesses to comply with the OSHA 2012 rule requiring training of employees on the changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) including the updates to product labeling and material safety data sheets. Most aviation businesses will have to meet this requirement. NATA Safety 1st provides an online training solution. Click here to read the full blog post.
Safety 1st Management Program Transitioned to NATA Member Benefit
Beginning today, the NATA Safety 1st Management System will be transitioned to a member benefit. The Safety 1st Management System was originally introduced as a enrollment program designed to provide resources and assistance to member companies developing and implementing Safety Management Systems. With this transition, all resources are now available free of charge to any NATA member company. More information and access to the resources is available here.
Wilson Air Center Announces Extensive Expansion Plan At Houston Hobby
Wilson Air Center recently announced plans for a major expansion project at Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). The multi-phased project includes plans for an additional G-650 hangar, all new 10,000 sq.ft. Executive Terminal and future expansion opportunities. Click here to read the press release.
Hill Aircraft Extends Agreement with Air Elite Network
World Fuel Services announced that Hill Aircraft, at the Fulton County Airport (KFTY) in Atlanta, has committed to a five-year membership with the Air Elite Network. Click here to read more.
ACSF News
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