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December 9, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 39
 Congressional Budget Negotiations Continue
Leaders and staff from the House and Senate continue to work towards negotiating a budget deal that could potentially avoid another year of sequestration (automatic cuts) and outline government spending levels for 2014. The House is scheduled to adjourn for the year this Friday, December 13th, but would most likely extend its session to consider any budget agreement that might be forthcoming.
House Committee Passes Sleep Apnea Bill
In response to the FAA's recent announcement regarding the agency's intent to require sleep apnea testing for certain pilots with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 3578, requiring a transparent regulatory process before any FAA implementation could occur. The bill must now be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate before being sent to the President for signature. NATA is encouraging the bill to be scheduled for consideration as soon as possible.
Town Hall Meeting in Addison, Texas Postponed
The Town Hall scheduled for December 11th in Addison, Texas is postponed until next year. We will be in touch with details in the New Year. We look forward to seeing you at the next Town Hall.
FAA InFO on Enhanced Flight Attendant Training
The FAA published an Information for Operators (InFO) to inform Part 121 and 135 operators of the new requirement to provide training to flight attendants on serving alcohol to passengers, recognizing intoxicated passengers and dealing with disruptive passengers. Part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 that was signed into law requires operators to include these new topics in their flight attendant training program. The document details the potential hazards posed by intoxicated passengers and emphasizes the importance of recognizing them before they become a threat. Click here to read the InFo.
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.
Safety 1st Ground Auditor Workshop
NATA’s Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard allows for two levels of certification: a self-certification level and a third-party audit level. All candidates who meet the requirements to become an accredited auditor will need to be trained on the Ground Audit Standards by NATA. NATA will hold a Safety 1st Ground Auditor Workshop for those candidates January 13-14, 2014 in New Orleans, LA. Click here for more details.
2014 Aviation Business & Legislative Conference
Don’t miss D.C.’s premier aviation business and policy event designed to advance the priorities of aviation businesses across the board. The Aviation Business & Legislative Conference will take place March 2-5 at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in National Harbor, MD. Conference topics include an FAA regulatory update, a legislative update, a Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) session, an aviation legal session, aviation business planning sessions and more. Mark your calendar to attend.
Don’t miss the new blog post “The Hazards of Cellular Devices In the Airport Environment” by Randy Bisgard, Senior Vice President of Airport Business Solutions. Click here to read the post.
Massachusetts Federal and State Legislators Urge FAA to Keep FAA Towers Open
U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch (D-8-MA), along with state senators and legislators across the state, sent a letter to the FAA urging the administration to keep six control towers open that are currently slated for cloture due to the lack of a long-term budget deal. “The FAA’s contract tower program is critical to enhancing aviation safety and cost savings at our nation’s smaller airports,” stated the delegation in the letter. The legislators also sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Appropriations Committees calling on them to protect funding for the towers in their budget negotiations. Click here to view a press release from U.S. Senator Markey.
General Aviation Caucus Formed in Washington State Legislature
On November 22, 2013, the Washington state legislature formally announced the formation of a General Aviation Caucus, founded by state Senators Jim Honeyford (R-15th District) and Annette Cleveland (D-District 49), along with seven state house members. The legislature is looking to have a busy 2014 legislative session, including the April 2014 completion of the Airport Investment Study, which will assess current funding levels for long-term improvement and safety projects, among other things. Click here to learn more about the Washington General Aviation Caucus’ 2014 agenda, and here to find your legislator and urge them to join this important caucus.
San Jose Approves Ground Lease with Signature Flight Support for 'Google Airport'
The San Jose City Council on Tuesday approved a ground-lease agreement with Signature Flight Support for its private-aviation complex at Mineta San Jose International Airport. Click here to read the entire article.
ACSF News
The 2014 Air Charter Safety Symposium will take place March 4-5. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium to register. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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