February 16, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 7
NATA and Other Major Associations Release Study on the Economic Contributions of GA
Last Wednesday, NATA and seven other major general aviation associations unveiled an industry-wide study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, detailing the economic contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. The study concluded that general aviation supports 1.1 million total jobs and represents $219 billion in total economic output in the United States. The participating associations developed a supplemental narrative report to capture the stories behind our economic contributions to the nation. NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks stated, “Studies like these are invaluable to our efforts to demonstrate to policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels the impact of general aviation to communities. Our membership uses these tools nationwide to support initiatives that grow jobs and commerce.” The reports can be found under the Resources section of NATA’s Project Outreach webpage, which is dedicated to help our members communicate the value of our industry to government officials and the media.
House Approves the Small Business Tax Relief Act 2015
On Friday, the House approved legislation, H.R. 636, America’s Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015, to retroactively and permanently increase the amount of investment that small businesses can immediately deduct. The legislation would permanently extend to $500,000 (indexed for inflation) the annual cost of property eligible for expensing under section 179 of the tax code. Following House passage, Tom Hendricks stated: “Small companies represent the core of aviation businesses and the legislation approved by the House today will encourage these companies to make capital investments and create jobs – benefits that extend into their communities.” The legislation was authored by Representative Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and supported by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI).
NATA Requests Public Meeting to Discuss New York Slot Proposal
Last week NATA requested a public meeting with the FAA to discuss member concerns regarding a recent proposal to implement slots for unscheduled operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty Airport. NATA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs John McGraw stated in the letter, “Our members are eager to work with the FAA to ensure that general aviation and on-demand carrier operations are provided access to these important facilities on an equitable basis while not contributing to overall arrival and departure delays.”
Safety 1st Certified Trainer Program - Registration Open for Second Course Beginning in August
The first NATA Safety 1st Certified Trainer Program (CTP) began on January 28th and was a great success with 40 students in attendance. The CTP is comprised of six instructor-led, online classes that provide the foundational knowledge and skills required to be an effective trainer. These classes are approximately an hour and a half in length and occur over a three-month period. As an online course, the CTP saves participants time away from work and the cost of travel typically associated with in-person seminars and training classes. The course is derived from basic learning and on-the-job training theory and includes practical implementation strategies that allow attendees to have an immediate positive impact on training and morale. Registration for the next course beginning in August is open. For more information, click here.
EPIC Aviation Teams with UAS International Trip Support
UAS International Trip Support and EPIC Aviation, an aviation fuel supplier, have formed an alliance that allows EPIC cardholders, who have access to more than 5,000 EPIC FBOs and merchants, access to UAS’s international network of 3,000 locations and regional operations teams. Read further.
Duncan Aviation Promotes Bill Janak to IT Services Manager
Bill Janak of Duncan Aviation was promoted to IT technical services manager. Janak joined Duncan Aviation in June 2011, and brings ten years of IT experience to the position. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the IT technical services team members with computer operations, network, PC and communication support in accordance with the company's goals and objectives. In addition, Janak will be leading and participating in multi-department special projects and task forces. Read more.
Air Elite® Network Continues Steady Growth
World Fuel Services announced today that it has added four new FBOs to their growing Air Elite® Network. YU Lounge, located at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (TKPK) in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Jet Centre Curacao, located at Hato International Airport (TNCC) in Willemstad, Curacao and Ecuacentair, located at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (SEQM) in Quito, Equador have signed with the network.
NATA Offices Closed for Presidents' Day Holiday
NATA offices are closed today in observance of the Presidents' Day Holiday.
NATA Safety 1st Introduces a New Air Charter Workshop
NATA Safety 1st will hold its first workshop for air charter operators on April 8-9, 2015 in Long Beach, CA. Above the Clouds: Next Level Client Services is a new workshop experience tailored to provide the knowledge and skill to drive continuous improvement in customer loyalty, revenues and profits. The workshop is hosted by Airflite and presented in conjunction with ServiceElements™. Learn more.
Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop Takes Place In March
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Las Vegas on March 11-12, 2015. The Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to make your line service team succeed and become new leaders within your company. Register now! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available at http://www.nata.aero/events.
NATA to Hold FBO Success Seminar in Las Vegas this March
NATA’s FBO Success Seminar takes place March 9-10, 2015 in Las Vegas. The NATA FBO Success Seminar is for FBO owners, operators, general managers, new managers, finance personnel and other key FBO employees who are interested in building a more successful FBO. This popular industry seminar, now in its sixth year, will offer attendees new FBO management techniques, essential operational and service knowledge, and a networking forum for sharing experiences and best practices. The FBO Success Seminar will be held in conjunction with the GSE Expo Worldwide and attendees will receive a complimentary registration to attend the Expo. In addition, attendees will also receive a free copy of the new book, FBO Survival. 10 Tips to Keep Your Operation Lean, Mean & Profitable – a $49.95 value. Register today!
ACSF News
The deadline to make housing reservations for the Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium has been extended through February 17, 2015. The Symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015. This year’s theme is “How do you know you’re safe?” ACSF also announced the dates for its ACSF Auditor Workshop (March 11-12, 2015, immediately following the symposium). Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium or call Bryan Burns at (703) 244-4154 to register. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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