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February 3, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 5
 DOT and FAA Officials Meet with NATA Leadership
Recently, NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks met with Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to discuss ways to work together to improve general aviation safety performances and issues impacting our members’ ability to run successful businesses. “Yesterday’s opportunity to communicate important industry issues and initiatives to the Secretary and Administrator was invaluable. NATA looks forward to continuing these discussions and to forming closer partnerships with DOT and FAA in the coming year,” stated Hendricks.
NATA Participates On GA Summit
NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks and Director of Regulatory Affairs John McGraw met with other general aviation industry and government stakeholders at a GA Summit last week. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Peggy Gilligan, and NTSB Member Earl Weiner and their staffs were present to discuss possible initiatives to streamline certifications and potentially improve the general aviation safety record. Better rationalizing Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) approval guidance and committing to streamlining approvals for nonessential safety devices were among the agenda items discussed at the meeting. NATA remains committed to working together with industry leaders and officials on these important initiatives and to continue the drive to improve general aviation safety performance.
Final Rule on Minimum Altitudes for Use of Autopilots
The FAA published a final rule amending the minimum altitudes for use of autopilots in transport category airplanes. The rule also enables the operational use of advanced autopilot and navigation systems as part of the transition to NexGen technologies. Click here to read the final rule.
Updated Policies Streamline RVSM Approval Process
NATA welcomes the updated policies that will streamline the (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums) RVSM approval process. The revised process will especially benefit on-demand air carriers, fractional ownership programs and private aircraft operators by allowing FAA inspectors to give appropriate consideration to previous RVSM approvals when a new application is required. While the new policy does not impact existing RVSM approvals, new applications will benefit from the creation of a decision matrix for FAA inspectors. When an operator with an existing RVSM authorization requests a change, the decision matrix provides clear guidance to the inspector allowing them to take into consideration the current approvals and focus only on the changed items necessitating the new approval. Read the full press release here.
FBO Success Seminar Held In Conjunction with Aviation Pros Live
The 2014 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. 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.
ABLC Highlight: Meet The Regulators
The Aviation Business & Legislative Conference (ABLC) will take place March 2-5 at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in National Harbor, MD. FAA representatives responsible for safety oversight will provide attendees updates on significant topics affecting our industry including Part 135, Part 142, Flight Training, Airport Policy and other regulatory and policy issues. Come listen to a panel of senior FAA officials from the Flight Standards and Airports offices speak about current regulatory initiatives, details on the status of the industry, and upcoming actions the FAA has planned that will affect your business. Click here for event agenda and to register. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Register For 2014 Spring Committee Meetings
NATA will hold its 2014 Spring Committee Meetings on Monday, March 3rd, 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.
XOJET Achieves Record Revenue and Increases Year-on-Year Profitability by More Than 300%
XOJET, Inc., a leader in private aviation services, today announced that it exceeded 2013 growth and profitability expectations, delivering 15% increase in total revenue and more than tripling operating cash flow. Click here for additional information.
Pentastar Aviation Kicks Off 2014 Fundraising Campaign with a $1,000 Donation to Sky Hope Network at NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
Pentastar Aviation announced the final results of their “Home Runs for Sky Hope” campaign in partnership with Sky Hope Network at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference Grand Prize Luncheon last week. “Team Pentastar” pledged a $10 donation for each home run hit by attendees, raising more than $1,000 for the non-profit business aviation-based organization. Click here to read more.
Galaxy FBO Opens Its New Facility at the Lone Star Executive Airport (KCXO) in North Houston - Conroe, Texas
Galaxy FBO announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art Fixed Based Operation (FBO) corporate and general aviation facility at the Lone Star Executive Airport (KCXO) in Conroe, Texas. Click here for the entire article.
ACSF News
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. The Air Charter Safety Foundation will hold an ACSF Auditor Workshop on March 5-6 immediately following the ACSF Safety Symposium. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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