NATA News

Babbitt, former president and chief executive officer of the Air Line Pilots Association, has more than 40 years of aviation experience. Last year, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters named Babbitt to the independent review team tasked with evaluating and crafting recommendations to improve the FAA's implementation of the aviation safety system and its culture of safety.

"I have known Randy Babbitt for more than 15 years, and I think he is an outstanding selection as our next FAA Administrator," stated Coyne. "Randy knows full-well how important modernizing our air traffic control system is, so I look forward to working with him to accomplish this critical priority."

Commenting on the importance for the new FAA Administrator to work immediately with Congress to approve a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, Coyne stated, "There is a lot of good intent on Capitol Hill to approve a long-term measure finally. I am hopeful that with Randy filling the Administrator slot momentum will carry us over the hump towards passage of a bill that modernizes our air traffic control system, rejects user fees, and invests in airport infrastructure."

An excerpt from Coyne's message follows:

There are many things to be afraid of these days, but nothing scares me more than the widespread use of the phrase "hunker down." Government officials, CFOs, and pundits offer these gutless words as a commonsense strategy for America during these difficult times. A terrible hurricane is passing over the land, they say, and no one knows when it will be safe to come out. Hunker down, take your bailout money, and be quietly grateful. Nonsense!

To read Coyne's message in its entirety, please click here.

The bill passed the House in 2007 but stalled in the Senate. Instead of an election run by the National Labor Relations Board, workers would be able to fill out cards saying whether they support or oppose a union. Big labor unions like the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Unions (AFL-CIO), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Change to Win Coalition spent millions of dollars during the 2009 election, and are pushing Congress to approve this legislation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other pro-business groups are working in opposition to the legislation.

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) announced last week that he will oppose invoking cloture on the card check bill, a decision that denies Democrats and labor unions a 60th vote to overcome a Republican filibuster. Specter feels the better way to expand labor's clout in collective bargaining is through amendments to the National Labor Relations Act rather than through eliminating the secret ballot and mandating arbitration. Specter voted for cloture when the Senate considered the bill in 2007, but he stated that the economic crisis prompted his decision on this bill.

Companies such as Starbucks, Whole Foods and Costco announced last week they were forming the Committee for a Level Playing Field and, with the backing of Democratic operative Lanny Davis, would set out to publicize six principles for labor-law reform that provided an alternative to card check legislation.

To view NATA's Talking Points in Opposition to the legislation, please click here.

To participate in NATA's Action Call by writing to your Members of Congress in opposition to this legislation, please click here.

On the heels of last week's NextGen hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Senate hearing consisted of a panel of witnesses including Dale Wright of National Air Traffic Controllers, T.K. Kallenback of Honeywell, Dr. Gerald Dillingham of the U.S. Government and Accountability Office (GAO), Joe Kolshak of United Airlines, and Henry Krakowski of the FAA.

In his opening comments, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said, "Most of us understand the need to modernize our system. We understand there are opportunities to move toward NextGen, and the pace and price are always at odds with respect to implementing next generation systems. But we believe very strongly we need to make progress…substantially more progress at a much better pace."

Discussing industry stakeholder requests for more rapid midterm implementation of existing NextGen technology capabilities, Dr. Dillingham of the GAO stated that progress will depend on both airline investment and the FAA's validation, certification, and rulemaking. Dr. Dillingham also said that to help address current congestion and delays, many stakeholders have suggested that the FAA focus on maximizing what can be done with existing, proven capabilities and existing infrastructure which previously has been characterized as "NowGen." - for example, "off-the-shelf" technologies including Traffic Management Advisor (TMA), Traffic Flow Management (TFM), and User Request Evaluation Tool (URET) as well as performance-based navigation and tailored arrival procedures. These technologies and procedures are being implemented in airports now, and according to stakeholders, they could be implemented more widely and used more effectively to address capacity constraints. To help accelerate the implementation of existing capabilities in the midterm, the FAA has created a NextGen Midterm Implementation Task Force through RTCA, a private, not-for-profit Corporation.

Honeywell Vice President T.K. Kallenbach highlighted specific measures especially important to ensure that the primary metrics used to measure NextGen results reflect air transportation system performance and not implementation activity. For example, rather than measuring the number of new runways built we should be measuring the operations per hour on our existing runways. In addition, rather than measuring the on-time arrival rate associated with continually increasing ‘block times,' we should be measuring the average gate-to-gate times and fuel burned between key city pairs. Finally, instead of measuring the numbers of procedures (e.g., RNP, LPV) published by FAA, we should be measuring the number of operations using these advanced procedures and the average distance flown and fuel burned in key terminal areas.

To view the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's webpage to find more information on the hearing and to view written testimony, please click here.

The association also named its new vice-chairman, James Miller, executive vice president from Flight Options. Miller oversees the management of the Flight Options fleet, Aircraft Management, Whole Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions, and Aircraft Completion & Refurbishment.

In addition to announcing the new leadership, the association also elected three new members to its board of directors. Those three new members include Todd Duncan, chairman, Duncan Aviation, Kenneth Forester, CEO, Meridian Air Charter and Mark Willey, CEO, Bridgeford Flying Services.

To view the NATA press release on these new leadership changes in its entirety, please click here.

NATA's 2009 Air Charter Summit and 2009 FBO Leadership Conference provide two opportunities to hear about the regulatory landscape straight from government officials, get the latest intelligence tactics and strategies from nationally recognized experts, be inspired, find new solutions to current business challenges, and enjoy good company and entertainment.

Summit to Address Regulatory and Business Issues Unique to the Part 135 Community

Chief pilots, directors and company executives of Part 135 operations are invited to receive an exclusive FAA regulatory briefing by the agency's highest-ranking officials. The Summit's agenda also includes sessions on certificate revocation, your rights in responding to enforcement actions, balancing your budget without compromising safety and compliance, the latest developments on the TSA's Large Aircraft Security Program, a panel on the future of general aviation manufacturing, and rebutting the public and media blitz against business aviation.

Conference Program Designed to Provide the Tools to Help Improve the Performance and Profitability of Your FBO

Managers and senior-level executives of fixed base operations and vendors are invited to attend top-notch sessions, including a panel on the future of aviation manufacturing, rebutting the public and media blitz on business aviation, marketing to the Ritz Carlton standard and clientele, a TSA aviation security update, an FAA airports office update addressing environmental concerns/AIP Funding and economic stimulus package, and a closing session on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars.

Back to Back This Year

These events will be held back to back this year at the Westfields Marriott in Dulles, Virginia, to allow aviation business leaders to connect with their colleagues, customers and business associates. The Air Charter Summit (June 8-10) was designed exclusively for Part 135 operators and the FBO Leadership Conference (June 9-11) for executives and managers of fixed base operations, but those who have an interest in both will want to stay from June 8-11 to achieve maximum productivity.

Visit www.nata.aero/acs or www.nata.aero/fbolc for more details and to register for one or both events.

To sponsor the Air Charter Summit, please click here.

To sponsor the FBO Leadership Conference, please click here.

For more information, please contact Diane Gleason.

"This year's Day on the Hill comes at a pivotal point in the general aviation industry's storied history with the American economy in a recession and the public's perception that the use of corporate aircraft is a luxury," stated NATA President James K. Coyne. "All members of the general aviation industry are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to meet with their Members of Congress and staff so they know directly how important this industry is to their district, state and the American economy."

General aviation industry members are welcome to participate in the 2009 NATA Day on the Hill and may view this year's agenda and register online by clicking here.

To view NATA's 2009 Legislative Priorities, please click here.

"NATA looks forward to representatives from the general aviation community blanketing Capitol Hill to address the major issues confronting our industry," Coyne said. "More than ever, we encourage all members of the general aviation community to participate in this event to educate Members of Congress and their staff on the value of our industry."

Line service supervisors, managers and specialists will want to catch the high-impact, high-energy LSST seminar with new guided group debates, role playing activities, interactive games and various case studies designed to take them to a new level of leadership. Participants will learn proper extinguishing techniques and achieve certification in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139 fire safety training. Take a look at the March 23 NATA News to find out what attendees are saying about the new format and speakers.

FBO owners, general managers and compliance managers will not want to miss their final chance this year to attend the Environmental Compliance Seminar. With mounting pressure from the media, the federal government and the public-at-large, this seminar is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operation. Seminar topics include SPCC regulations to go into effect in July, Storm Water Permitting and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, waste issues, and Underground Storage Tanks.

FBO owners, managers, and supervisors wanting to attend the How to Build a More Successful FBO Seminar on land should sign-up for the May 14-15 seminar. Those who wish to attend as last year's participants did, by sea, will get the opportunity in October on a Baja cruise. This seminar was designed to help you with just about every conceivable situation in the day-to-day business of running a successful FBO including developing a favorable lease with an airport authority, negotiating the best agreement with the fuel supplier; decreasing credit card interest rate charges, lowering insurance premiums; dealing with FAA and EPA issues, and building long-term profitable customer relationships. The decisions your company makes now are what will determine whether you are riding the wave of economic recovery or swimming to catch up.

Click here for more information and to register for May 12-13 LSST Seminar in Windsor Locks.

Click here for more information and to register for May 11 Environmental Compliance Seminar in Windsor Locks.

Click here for more information and to register for May 14-15 How to Build a More Successful FBO Seminar in Windsor Locks.

Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of five of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations.

These awards cover five categories:

The Airport Executive Partnership Award recognizes an airport manager for outstanding efforts to nurture the relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.

The Aviation Journalism Award identifies a journalist, writer, or publication that excels in consumer education or editorial support that is beneficial to the general aviation industry.

The Excellence In Pilot Training Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in the field of pilot training.

The FAA Customer Service Excellence Award recognizes an FAA facility or facility staff member who represents the highest degree of customer service and elevates the quality of interaction between the FAA and aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, Part 135 certificate holders, airport service organizations, and flight schools.

The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.
Last year's winners were:

• Airport Executive Partnership Award - Ray Bishop, airport director, Jackson Hole Airport
• Aviation Journalism Award - Matt Thurber, senior editor, Aviation International News
• Excellence In Pilot Training Award - Susan Parson, special assistant, General Aviation and Commercial Division, FAA
• FAA Customer Service Excellence Award - Portland, Maine Flight Standards District
• ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award - Greg Coile, avionics technician, Business Jet Access

  All nominations for these five awards must be received by NATA no later than April 1, 2009. The complete nomination package is available by clicking here. Members may also obtain a nomination package by calling the NATA headquarters at 800-808-6282 or by e-mailing Celeste Clark.

  The awards will be distributed during the 2009 NATA Air Charter Summit to be held in the Washington, DC area this June.

France, who attended Ball State University, previously worked with Volo Aviation in Manassas, VA, as a quality control and training coordinator. During his tenure at Volo Aviation, France was responsible for regulatory compliance issues and the development of operational manuals. Prior to Volo Aviation, France worked as the lead line service technician/quality control inspector for Next Flight Aviation in Manassas, VA.

As the association's manager, regulatory affairs, France will be responsible for handling issues that affect the association's FBO and general aviation airport members as well as all environmental matters.

"Mike is a welcome addition to the NATA government and industry affairs team," explained Eric R. Byer, NATA vice president of government and industry affairs. "His experience working for our member companies on regulatory compliance issues and environmental matters is truly invaluable," Byer commented. "Mike knows first-hand how issues affect our membership and how to confront the issue best going forward."

"We are truly fortunate to have someone of Mike's caliber join the NATA government and industry affairs team," concluded Byer. "He will have an immediate impact in advancing our regulatory agenda."