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May 4, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 18
 NATA Announces Industry Excellence Awards Recipients: Awards Given at Aviation Business Conference
NATA recently announced the recipients of its Industry Excellence Awards given annually to individuals, offices, and organizations that have helped improve the general aviation community. NATA will present these awards as well as the association’s William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award to former TSA Administrator John S. Pistole and its Distinguished Service Award to Amy B. Koranda during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon on June 17th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The association will hold the luncheon in conjunction with its Aviation Business Conference. Contact Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@nata.aero for more information on NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon and to secure tickets. Click here for information on the recipients.
NATA Analysis on House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee FAA Funding Bill
Last week, the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee approved the fiscal year 2016 bill that provides funding for the FAA. The legislation includes $15.9 billion in funding for the FAA including $154.4 million in dedicated funding for the Contract Tower Program. The bill also continues a long-standing prohibition on the Administration imposing user fees on general aviation. Bill Deere, NATA’s Senior Vice President for Government and External Affairs, outlines the bill highlights for aviation and provides an analysis in a blog post here.
NATA Statement on the Selection of Peter Neffenger to Lead TSA
On April 29, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Coast Guard Vice Commandant Peter T. Neffenger to lead the Transportation Security Administration. NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks praised the selection stating, “Admiral Neffenger’s vast experience and commitment to protecting the nation’s security is second to none and he is a worthy choice to lead this key agency.” Hendricks continued, “We look forward to continue working with TSA to promote risk-based security programs that greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of airport checkpoint security screening for both crewmembers and the traveling public.”
NATA Supports Sales and Use Tax Legislation in Texas
NATA joined other general aviation associations in letters of support for legislation introduced in the Texas House and Senate that addresses industry concerns with the imposition of state sales and use taxes on aircraft. The letters emphasize that the imposition of burdensome taxes on general aviation aircraft use and purchase would force business to neighboring states. The proposed legislation allows Texas to remain competitive and “offers clear guidance on sales and use tax for future transactions, critical to managing regulatory compliance and allowing general aviation to thrive in the state.”
NATA Hosts Air Carrier & Contract Training Workgroup (AC & CT WG) Meeting
Last week, the Air Carrier & Contract Training Workgroup (AC & CT WG) convened at NATA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters 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 and evaluation into the training, checking, and qualification modules of operator training programs. The next AC & CT WG face-to-face meeting will take place on July 9th at NATA’s office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact Megan Eisenstein, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs (meisenstein@nata.aero).
NATA and Safety 1st Represented at EBACE
NATA’s Tom Hendricks and Michael France will join NATA Compliance Services to promote global initiatives, services and Safety 1st products. The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition takes place May 19-21, 2015 in Geneva. Visit booth P115 or contact mfrance@nata.aero prior to May 15th to schedule a time to talk with our representatives.
Massachusetts Aviation on the Hill Day Slated for May 12th
The Massachusetts Airport Management Association (MAMA) Aviation on the Hill Day will take place on the morning of May 12, 2015 at the Massachusetts State House. “On The Hill Day is a great way to meet with legislators, talk about the issues and invite them to their airports,” stated MAMA Executive Director Dave Dinneen in a press release. Attendees will meet with state legislators to discuss a completed economic impact study, aviation education, and MAMA’s Fly the Bay State Challenge initiative designed to encourage pilots to fly to all MA airports.
Need Help with Certificate Consolidations and Approvals? Contact NATA Aviation Solutions.
NATA is pleased to introduce NATA Aviation Solutions as the consulting arm of the association, providing individualized operational and regulatory consulting services. NATA Aviation Solutions utilizes a stable of well-known, professional subject matter experts to address local, tactical and strategic issues specifically related to individual businesses. Contact Megan Eisenstein at (800) 808-6282 or meisenstein@nata.aero to discuss your specific issue, needs and goals. Click here for a list of services.
NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project Gearing Up for 2015 Campaign
NATA’s Flag Pins for Veterans Project will begin Memorial Day and run through October 2015. Project participants are asked to display American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a $1.00 donation per pin, or make a direct donation to the project. Last year’s campaign raised more than $30,000 for veterans organizations. So far, Landmark Aviation, Pentastar Aviation and NATA have once again signed on to support the enduring sacrifices of our Nation’s veterans. For more information, click here or contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero to participate.
Medflight One Joins Jet Logistics’ Air EMS™ Medical Transport Program
Jet Logistics Inc. and Medflight One announced that the Seattle, Washington-based company has joined Jet Logistics’ Air EMS™ program for development, management and flight operations of Medflight One’s advanced emergent and non-emergent air medical transport services. Read more.
Landmark Aviation Begins Operations in Anchorage
Landmark Aviation has officially begun operations at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska through an equity purchase of Era Group's subsidiary, Era FBO, LLC. The former Million Air branded facility has been rebranded to “Landmark Aviation.” Read further.
2015 Aviation Business Conference - Housing Reservations Deadline is May 22nd!
The 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. One event also means more opportunities to catch up with your business associates. Register by clicking here. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Elizabeth Nicholson at enicholson@nata.aero.
Second Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop Takes Place in Teterboro
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Teterboro, NJ on May 12-13, 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.
ACSF’s Russ Lawton will speak on “Using ASAP to Enhance Your SMS and Build a Positive Safety Culture” at the 2015 Business Aviation Safety Summit in Weston, FL on May 14th. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF news.
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