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March 9, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 10
 Safety 1st Digital ERS Interactive Demonstration Now Available
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to announce an online, interactive demonstration of the new Safety 1st Digital Emergency Response System (ERS) is now available. This cutting-edge tool is designed to assist businesses to prepare for – and respond to – emergency situations with an unparalleled level of effectiveness. Read more.
Aviation Subcommittee Discusses Reauthorization with FAA Administrator
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta appeared before the House Aviation Subcommittee last week to discuss the agency’s next reauthorization bill in advance of its current authorization's expiration on September 30th. Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) called for an intensification in discussions about how to achieve significant reforms in the next FAA bill, including talking about what other countries have done to increase the efficiency of their air traffic control systems and to separate them from political processes. Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) concurred stating, "Now is the time for Congress, stakeholders and the community to work together to do something big, to ensure that our leadership in aviation is maintained." For more information on the hearing, click here.
Public Hearing on Proposed Restrictions at East Hampton Airport Rescheduled for this Thursday
The public hearing scheduled by the East Hampton Town Board to discuss proposed airport restrictions originally scheduled for March 5th was postponed due to weather and rescheduled for this Thursday, March 12th at 4:30 p.m. NATA recently hosted a meeting with town officials from East Hampton, New York, to discuss the proposal and joined others in the GA community in expressing concerns from both the national and local perspectives. NATA encourages its members potentially impacted by the restrictions to attend the meeting.
JFK/Newark Slot Proposal -- FAA Extends Comment Period And Provides Additional Information
The FAA announced today it has extended until May 8, 2015, the comment period on its proposal to impose slots on unscheduled operations at New York area airports. In addition, at the request of stakeholders, the agency also made available additional supporting documents that were used in the proposal's development. Currently unscheduled operations, including Part 135 on-demand and Part 91 general aviation operations, are not subject to any hourly limits at JFK and EWR. NATA is concerned about the impact these new restrictions could have on aircraft operators and the FBOs located at the impacted airports. Citing the extended comment period and additional information being provided, the agency put on hold, at least for the moment, NATA's request to hold a public meeting on the proposal.
NATA Remains Concerned About Air Carrier Maintenance Requirements in FAA’s Final Rule
Last week the FAA published its final air carrier contract maintenance requirement rule. While the FAA already has long standing regulations and policy that require air carriers operating under 14 CFR Part 121 to oversee and monitor contract maintenance providers, the new regulation extends that requirement to Part 135 commercial operators that operate aircraft with 10 or more seats. Effective May 4th, the new regulation requires Part 121 and 135 operators to be directly accountable to ensure that maintenance is carried out in accordance with the air carrier and commercial operators manual; and also calls for that work to be carried out under the supervision and control of the air carrier and commercial operator. In addition, the regulation requires air carrier and commercial operator to provide a list of each contract maintenance provider including the address, or addresses where the work is carried out and a description of the type of maintenance that will be performed at each location. In 2013, NATA provided comments on the NPRM, and while many of NATA’s comments were accepted, the Association continues to oppose the requirement for providing a list of contract maintenance providers as it places an undue burden on the industry. Read more.
NATA Hosts Air Carrier & Contract Training Workgroup (AC & CT WG) Meeting
Last week, the Air Carrier & Contract Training Workgroup (AC & CT WG) met at NATA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters for a monthly meeting to continue discussions on air carrier and training center concerns. NATA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, John McGraw, leads the working group that is responsible for recommending innovative strategies to integrate evidence and scenario-based approaches into the training, checking, and qualification modules of operator training programs. The next AC & CT WG face-to-face meeting will take place on April 30th at NATA’s office in Washington, D.C.
FAA Eastern Region Signs MOU to Allow Companies to Participate in ACSF-managed ASAP Program
The FAA Eastern Region last Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow charter operators and flight departments in the eastern United States to participate in the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) managed Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). An ASAP is a reporting program that allows employees of participating companies to identify and report safety issues to both management and the FAA for resolution, without fear that the FAA will use reports accepted under the program for legal enforcement action against them, or that companies will use reported information to take disciplinary action. Read more.
NATA Encourages Members to Participate in GA and Part 135 Activity Survey
The 37th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) for calendar year 2014 will begin soon! The FAA’s annual GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft. These data help to determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and measure aviation safety. The GA Survey is also used to prepare safety statistics and calculate the rate of accidents among general aviation aircraft. Prospective respondents will receive a postcard. Read more.
Advanced Air Added to ACSF Industry Audit Standard Registry
The Air Charter Safety Foundation announced last week that Advanced Air, LLC, headquartered in Hawthorne, CA has been added to the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. Read more.
NYAMA to Host 2015 Aviation Advocacy Day this Week
On March 10th and 11th, NYAMA will host its annual Aviation Advocacy Day, where industry leaders from across the state meet with legislators about the importance of a strong aviation industry to New York's prosperity. Join NYAMA in Albany to meet with your state representatives and discuss crucial state budget issues and other developments related to aviation. Read more.
Baker Aviation Adds Veteran Quality Manager
Baker Aviation, a full service aircraft maintenance, management and charter company in North Texas, announced that Willard Kelley has been appointed to Chief Inspector/Quality Manager. Read further.
Conklin & de Decker Announce 3rd Annual Exploring Aircraft Operating Costs Seminar
Conklin & de Decker has opened registration for its newest seminar, Exploring Aircraft Operating Costs. The program will be presented on April 14-15, 2015 in Grapevine, Texas, near the DFW International airport. Read more.
2015 Aviation Business Conference - Save Now with Early Bird Registration!
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 22-23, 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, attend the Symposium for a chance to win! Onsite registration is available. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium for more details. ACSF also announced last week that TriState CareFlight, headquartered in Bullhead City, Arizona joined as a member and enrolled in the ACSF-managed Aviation Safety Action Program. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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