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March 2, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 9
 NATA Supports New Pilot’s Bill of Rights Legislation Introduced
NATA and other general aviation groups supported legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress last week to provide important protections to aviation businesses across the nation. The Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2, H.R. 1062 and S. 571, builds on original legislation enacted in 2012 by expanding the rights afforded to pilots and certificate holders. “We are pleased this legislation will provide small aviation businesses stronger rights to protect and defend themselves including allowing charter operators, repair stations and flight schools the ability to appeal certificate actions directly to the court,” stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks in a press release.
NATA Urges Swift Approval of Hart Nomination
The Senate Commerce Committee has approved the nomination of Christopher Hart to lead the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The nomination now goes to the full Senate for final approval. “NATA deeply appreciates Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson for making a committee priority the nomination of Christopher Hart to be Chairman of the NTSB,” stated Hendricks in a press release. "Chris Hart is an active general aviation pilot who is an industry leader on emerging safety issues."
NATA Hosts Meeting with East Hampton Town Officials
On Friday, NATA hosted a meeting with town officials from East Hampton, New York, to discuss the town’s proposal to restrict use of East Hampton Airport (HTO). NATA, joined by representatives of AOPA and NBAA, met with East Hampton Town Supervisor, Larry Cantwell, and Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez who serves as liaison with the airport. The meeting provided an opportunity to hear the rationale for the proposed restrictions and express the GA community’s concerns from both the national and local perspectives. The Town Board is holding a public hearing on the proposal this Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 4:30pm. NATA encourages its members potentially impacted by the restrictions to attend the meeting. Read more.
Aviation Subcommittee Roundtable Focuses on FAA Organizational and Funding Structures in Advance of Reauthorization
Last week, the House Aviation Subcommittee held a roundtable with industry stakeholders to discuss the organizational and funding structures of the FAA and the need for a long-term reauthorization of the agency. Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) reaffirmed that a subcommittee priority is to produce an FAA reauthorization bill that helps ensure ATC modernization and lays the groundwork for the future of aviation in the United States. While Congressional leaders and industry agree that a reorganization of the FAA is needed, there is no consensus on just how much structural and funding reform should be included in the FAA reauthorization. More information from the roundtable can be found here.
FAA InFO Highlights Cold Temperature Restricted Airports
The FAA is alerting all aircraft operators to the implementation of cold temperature altitude corrections at numerous airports across the country. Mandatory compliance with the new procedures at “Cold Temperature Restricted Airports” is required beginning September 17, 2015. FAA InFO 15002 explains that the FAA conducted a risk analysis to determine if altitude errors in a barometric altimetry system could result in exceeding the Required Obstacle Clearance on instrument approach procedure segments.
The list of impacted airports is available here. The list of airports, the segment(s) of the approach requiring cold temperature altitude correction and associated operating procedures may be found at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/notices NTAP, Part 4. Graphic Notices, Section 1. General - Cold Temperature Restricted Airports.
Worldwide Jet Charter Added to ACSF Industry Audit Standard Registry
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that Worldwide Jet Charter, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona has been added to the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. Read more.
Updated Digital NATA Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory Now Available
The NATA Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory is now available as a user-friendly online document. Available from any Internet browser, the digital format of NATA’s Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory enables members to share access to this valuable resource with everyone in their operation. Members also may download the directory in Portable Document Format (PDF). Click here to access the updated NATA Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory (login is required). Information is current as of December 2014. If you have any changes to your listing, please contact NATA at (800) 808-6282. You can also log on to the NATA website to make changes as well.
New Executives for Gulfstream
Larry R. Flynn, president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., will succeed Joseph T. Lombardo as executive vice president of parent corporation General Dynamics’ Aerospace group when Lombardo retires in June, the company announced February 17th. Read more.
Landmark Aviation Acquires Southwest Airport Services In Houston
Landmark Aviation has acquired Ellington Partners, LP and Southwest Airport Services at Ellington Airport (EFD) in Houston, Texas. With an existing location at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH), this will be Landmark Aviation’s second FBO in the Houston area. Read further.
Wheels Up Tops 1,000 Members
Wheels Up, a membership-based private air travel company, is growing on schedule and firming up plans for more aircraft deliveries this year, its top executive said. The company ended last year with 1,020 members, said Wheels Up CEO Kenny Dichter, the founder of Marquis Jet. Its goal is to reach at least 2,000 members by the end of this year. Dichter expects the company to complete between 20,000 and 25,000 personal and business flights this year.
Last Chance to Register for March FBO Success Seminar & ALS Regional Workshop
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!
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. 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. Register today!
Hotel reservations for both events are still available at only $45/night through National Travel Associates and GSE Expo Worldwide.
2015 Aviation Business Conference
Air Charter Summit + Aviation Business & Legislative Conference
NATA is combining the best of the Air Charter Summit with the best of the Aviation Business & Legislative Conference into one industry-wide event – the NATA 2015 Aviation Business Conference. NATA’s new conference provides important advice, access and information to give your aviation business a competitive edge and to provide insights into what is happening in Washington that could impact your bottom line. A highlight of this all-inclusive event is NATA’s Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, a “can’t miss” opportunity to connect with Members of Congress and to communicate the vital importance of aviation businesses to the Nation’s economy. One event also means more opportunities to catch up with your business associates. Registration is now open. Don’t miss our early bird conference pricing by clicking here.
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.
ACSF News
The Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015 and the program features sessions designed to answer the question, “How do you know you’re safe?” This year’s popular Symposium raffle includes a leather IPad/tablet travel case with docking port from Textron Aviation and other exciting items, register for the Symposium for a chance to win! Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium or call Bryan Burns at (703) 244-4154 to register. ACSF also announced the dates for its ACSF Auditor Workshop (March 11-12, 2015, immediately following the symposium). Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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