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June 23, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 25
 Hendricks Addresses House GA Caucus Staff
NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks joined the CEOs of other major general aviation trade associations to brief staff of the House General Aviation Caucus on current aviation policy. Hendricks explained to staff there are a number of general aviation associations, but only one, NATA, represents the broad array of aviation service businesses that are “a vital prerequisite for a vibrant GA sector.”
Hendricks proceeded to brief staff on security issues, noting that while facility security is important to NATA businesses, “our members also recognize the responsibility they have in protecting our nation’s overall security.” Hendricks outlined the ever increasing partnership with the TSA and DHS highlighting NATA’s role in the DHS Aviation Security Advisory Committee and several examples of recent security rules that reflect TSA’s “evolving understanding of security risks and how to address them.”
NATA Joins Industry Effort To Protect National Airport System
In response to a possible amendment to the Senate version of the FAA funding bill that would impose a nighttime curfew at Burbank Bob Hope Airport, last evening NATA joined with other aviation associations including A4A, ALPA, NBAA, AOPA, GAMA, CAA and HAI in a letter to Senators opposing the amendment. A similar amendment was recently defeated during House consideration of the companion legislation.
In the letter, these aviation leaders noted that such a restriction would circumvent the requirements of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, the legislation that structured a compromise to address air carrier, general aviation, airport, and community interests. The enactment into law of such an amendment "would undoubtedly lead to the creation of a patchwork of confusing and complex operating restrictions across the country that would undermine our national aviation and airport system." The legislation, scheduled for consideration last week, has been delayed over negotiations on the amendments that will be considered during floor debate.
NATA Continues Outreach On FET Aircraft Management Issue
Last week, NATA and other industry representatives participated in a meeting with officials from the IRS and Department of Treasury responsible for the issuance of guidance on the application of aviation federal excise taxes (FET). For nearly two years, NATA has led efforts to ensure that air charter operators are provided clear guidance on how to apply the commercial FET. Meetings with government officials have occurred regularly following the 2012 release of information from the IRS stating that commercial FET could be due for flights by aircraft owners when an aviation management services company is utilized.
Recently, senior level officials from both the IRS and Treasury have sought additional information to broaden their understanding of the aircraft management services industry. NATA anticipates that any new guidance will be issued in draft format and industry comments will be considered prior to the finalization of the guidance. NATA will continue discussions with IRS and Treasury and keep advocating on behalf of the NATA membership.
Senate Commerce Committee Executive Session on Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
Tomorrow, the Senate Commerce Committee will hold an executive session to consider eight bills, including the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2014 and the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act. NATA, along with other national aviation organizations, recently signed onto a letter in support of these bills that streamlines the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) acquisition process and improves decision-making, by including industry stakeholders on issues affecting aviation security. For more information on the committee’s executive session, click here.
Fall Committee Meetings Take Place In Savannah, GA
The NATA 2014 Fall Committee Meetings start on Monday, September 15, 2014 with meetings and a networking reception and conclude on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 following a half-day of meetings at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, GA. Registration is available online or through a printable registration form. Please confirm your attendance for the meetings before Tuesday, August 26, 2014.
Commercial Operators Tax Seminar to Take Place in August
Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. and NATA are pleased to announce that they are partnering again this year to offer the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar, entitled, “Back to Basics.” This year’s Tax Seminar will be held in Van Nuys, California on August 5-6, 2014. Click here for additional details.
NATA Safety 1st Announces Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop in Dallas, TX
Building off of the success of the inaugural Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop held in St. Louis, NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Dallas, TX, August 20-21, 2014. This two-day training event is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to make your line service team succeed and become new leaders within your company. Register soon! Seats fill up fast for this popular workshop.
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NATA Air Charter Summit: Safety Education and Business Solutions
More than 100 air charter industry professionals gathered for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Air Charter Summit near Washington, DC. Attendees participated in sessions designed to update them on a broad range of regulatory and policy issues including complying with EASA TCO requirements, IRS FET issue update, TFSSP compliance, NextGen, pilot employment issues and new industry safety initiatives. The event also raised nearly $50,000 in support of the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), more than twice the amount as raised in 2013. Read more.
Company Owner Helps Transport Wounded Warriors
The Veterans Airlift Command is a nonprofit nationwide network of pilots who transport wounded veterans and their families to various destinations, free of charge. It was a natural fit for Michael Grossmann and Castle Aviation, which is based out of the Akron-Canton Airport. Click here to read more.
NATA Welcomes New Participants to the NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project
NATA is working with industry to raise charitable donations for organizations supporting America's veterans. NATA members are asked to participate by displaying American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a donation of at least $1.00 per pin. The funds for this project will be collected periodically through NATA. The project will run through October 2014 culminating in a check presentation to the veterans organizations. To participate, please contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero. Click here for project details.
Direct donations to this project are also accepted. Please make the check out to NATA-Flag Pin Project and send it to NATA's headquarters:
NATA-Flag Pin Project
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
The check must be made out to NATA-Flag Pin Project and received by October 31, 2014 so that we may have a proper accounting for the overall 2014 program.
NATA appreciates the support of the following project participants:
-Beacon Aviation Insurance Services
-Central Flying Service, Inc.
-Epps Aviation
-JFI Jets
-Jet Aviation
-Landmark Aviation
-Montgomery Aviation, Inc.
-Pentastar Aviation
-Signature Flight Support
ACSF News
Save the date for next year’s Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium. The symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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