|
 
January 20, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 3
 President Obama Signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 Into Law
The following is a statement by National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks regarding President Barack Obama signing into law a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will fund federal government agencies through September 30, 2014.
“NATA commends Congress and President Obama for enacting into law a bill that demonstrates the value of general aviation to the nation’s economy. This bill will better enable the general aviation community to focus on important issues including implementing aviation safety programs, working with the FAA to develop a single master source for all aircraft certification policies, continued efforts towards the successful development and deployment of an unleaded aviation gasoline replacement, and ensuring that small businesses have access to loans and critical technical assistance programs in order to grow,” stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. “We look forward to continuing work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that the U.S. remains the greatest aviation system in the world.”
Reminder - 2014 Excise Tax Fees Have Changed
The rates for certain commercial transportation excise taxes and fees that are subject to annual inflation have changed and are now in effect. For transportation in calendar year 2014 the domestic segment fee is $4.00, the International Facilities Fee is $17.50 and the fee for transportation beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii is $8.70. The 7.5% tax on amounts paid for passenger transportation and the 6.25% rate for cargo are unchanged. The changed rates are detailed in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2013-47.
Jet Center Los Angeles Placed on NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Registry
NATA is pleased to announce that Jet Center Los Angeles in Hawthorne, California successfully completed the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit and is now listed on the Ground Audit Registry. NATA’s Safety 1st Ground Audit program was created to provide a consistent operational safety standard for fixed base operators, airports, and other facilities providing ground handling services to business and general aviation aircraft. Click here to read the press release.
FBO Success Seminar Registration Winner Announced
NATA congratulates Terri Farish of Chantilly Air on winning a FREE registration for the upcoming FBO Success Seminar. The seminar will take place in Las Vegas on March 24-25. NATA Safety 1st held a drawing for the registration at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in New Orleans last week. We also thank our member companies for stopping by our booth.
NTSB Announces 2014 Most Wanted List
Last week the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its Most Wanted List of safety priorities for 2014. Among the list is “General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather” that addresses the issue of general aviation pilots flying into severe weather. The NTSB identified three categories that can be improved to prevent encounters with hazardous weather. They include:
1) Pilot training and operations
2) The creation of weather advisory and advisories
3) The collection and dissemination of weather information particularly by the NWS and FAA
Click here to see the Most Wanted List.
FBO Success Seminar In Fabulous Las Vegas
The FBO Success Seminar, “Winning Strategies for the Savvy FBO Owner, Operator and Manager,” will be held in conjunction with the Aviation Pros Live 2014 Event on March 25-26, 2014. Attendees will receive a pass to go to the Expo - click here for details on the 2014 Aviation Pros Live Event. Click here to read more about the FBO Success Seminar.
Second Day of NATA Conference Features A Capitol Experience
Discover the past, present and future of our Nation’s Capitol on the second day of the Aviation Business & Legislative Conference (ABLC). The day’s events will begin at the impressive U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The CVC provides a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol. Attendees will receive a guided tour of the CVC and the U.S. Capitol Building, meet Members of Congress and find out the direction for GA in this Congressional Session. The Aviation Business & Legislative Conference will take place March 2-5 at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in National Harbor, MD. Click here for event agenda and to register.
2014 Spring Committee Meetings Kick Off ABLC Conference
NATA will hold its 2014 Spring Committee Meetings on Monday, March 3, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The committee meetings are held in conjunction with the NATA Aviation Business and Legislative Conference (ABLC). Registration is available online or through a printable registration form. The deadline for confirming your attendance at the committee meetings is Monday, February 14, 2014, but your earliest possible response will help us plan your committee meeting attendance.
FBO Industry Forecast Remains Mixed for 2014
The FBO industry should expect a flat market this year with spotty increases in fuel sales, according to the results of an annual FBO industry survey conducted by John Enticknap and Ron Jackson, principals of the Aviation Business Strategies Group (ABSG). Read more here.
AMT Employer Award Applications Due by Friday
Applications for the 2014 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program are available and will be accepted through this Friday. For more information on the program, or to download an application packet visit NATA’s website at http://www.nata.aero/Awards/AMT-Award.aspx or contact NATA at safety1st@nata.aero.
NATA Closed In Observance of MLK Day
NATA's offices are closed Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will reopen at 9:00 a.m. Eastern on January 21st.
ACSF News
The Air Charter Safety Foundation is pleased to announce that Hunt and Palmer, USA is the newest company to join the Foundation. ACSF is also pleased to announce that the 2014 Air Charter Safety Symposium will take place March 4-5. New for 2014! This program is NBAA CAM approved. The 2014 Air Charter Safety Symposium provides an opportunity to earn a maximum of one point toward the CAM Program. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium for full agenda and to register. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
|