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May 18, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 20
 NATA Aviation Business Conference Highlight: Days 2-3
NATA’s 2015 Aviation Business Conference has a lot to offer and Wednesday’s schedule is no exception. The morning general session topics include: The State of Affairs at Airports; Improving Relationships Between Airports & Airport Businesses; and The Fractional World of Aviation. During lunch that day, we are pleased to present the NATA Industry Excellence Awards for 2014 to a very deserving group. Following the presentation, the afternoon concurrent sessions will cover many areas, including:
• Meet the Regulator sessions covering Part 135 Operations, Aircraft Maintenance and Airports
• International Ground Handling
• Federal & State Tax Review
• Promoting Safety Culture
• Exploring the Safety 1st Digital Emergency Response System
• Employment Practices
• Charter Compliance Checkup
• Industry Consolidation
We wrap up Wednesday with our renowned Veterans Airlift Command fundraiser reception and dinner, and conclude the conference on Thursday with an in-depth discussion on NextGen Flight Operations. Please check our website for an up-to-date listing of sessions and speakers. Hotel rooms at the Hyatt are going quickly and NATA’s discounted rate expires this Friday, May 22nd. Click here to make your reservations.
NATA Offers Senate Its Views On Air Traffic Control Reform
Today, NATA provided members of the Senate Commerce Committee with its views on air traffic control reform in advance of tomorrow's hearing, “FAA Reauthorization: Air Traffic Control Modernization and Reform.” NATA President and CEO Tom L. Hendricks expressed support for the injection of more private sector practices into the FAA suggesting, “The Committee should build on its excellent work begun in the last reauthorization and continue to assist the agency toward a more efficient operating structure. We believe it is possible to develop and deploy cutting-edge technology within the government structure and this is already occurring at the FAA.” Hendricks also expressed doubts about proposals to change the organizational structure of the FAA, particularly questioning the advisability of separating air traffic from the FAA’s safety oversight arm as well as the potential threat such proposals pose to America’s vibrant general aviation community. “We are particularly concerned by Business Roundtable’s corporatization proposal – what we view as a classic example of logrolling. Entirely funded via user fees and controlled in perpetuity by a board of industry insiders, general aviation would find itself in constant peril and the travelling public paying ever increasing fees,” said Hendricks.
House Committee Approves FAA Funding for FY2016
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill. The legislation includes funding for the Department of Transportation, including the FAA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other related agencies. The legislation provides the FAA an additional $40m above the President’s request, funds contract towers and provides additional funding general aviation fuels research. However, the legislation denies the Administration request to increase the PFC, thereby causing other FAA accounts to absorb cuts in order to level fund airport infrastructure projects. The Office of Management and Budget has already weighed in on the bill, among its concerns was the proposed reduction to the FAA's Facilities and Equipment account. The legislation will now go to the House floor for consideration.
NATA’s Annual Meeting of the Members Takes Place June 16, 2015
Last week, NATA announced its annual meeting of the members. In accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of the NATA Bylaws, the annual meeting of members will be held on June 16, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. in the Thornton Room at the Hyatt Regency Washington, Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting is for the election of directors and other issues as properly may come before the members. Read more.
Nebraska Celebrates General Aviation with Proclamation
NATA welcomed passage of a proclamation signed by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts last week declaring May 2015 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” Across Nebraska, general aviation contributes over $1.2 billion to the state’s total economic output and supports nearly 8,000 jobs. “The nation’s aviation infrastructure represents an important, public benefit and direct congressional oversight should be in place to ensure stable funding of this system,” Governor Ricketts states.
NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project Gearing Up – NATA Welcomes Atlantic Aviation to the 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, Atlantic Aviation, Harbour Air Services KTVC, Hill Aircraft, Landmark Aviation, Pentastar Aviation, NATA and NATA Aviation Legal Services have 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.
Atlantic Starts Construction of New MKC Hangar
Atlantic Aviation has broken ground on a hangar facility at the former Hangar 10 FBO at Kansas City Charles B. Wheeler Airport, which it has owned for more than a year. Read further.
Jet Aviation St. Louis Authorized by Cayman Islands as Approved Maintenance Organization
Jet Aviation St. Louis has received authorization from the Cayman Islands as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) under the Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Authority. Read more.
Gulfstream And World Fuel Sign Renewable Fuels Agreement
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. and its fuel supplier, World Fuel Services Inc., recently finalized a three-year agreement that provides Gulfstream with a consistent supply of renewable fuels for its daily flight operations in Savannah. Read further.
2015 Aviation Business Conference - Hotel Rooms Are Very Limited, Reserve by Friday 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. Hotel rooms are very limited, reserve yours today!
Take the First Step Toward IS-BAH Registration
Do not miss the upcoming Fundamentals of IS-BAH Workshop at NATA's Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on June 19th, immediately following NATA's Aviation Business Conference. This workshop is a required element of IS-BAH registration and is presented by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and hosted by NATA. If your business is considering IS-BAH registration, one company individual must attend a Fundamentals of IS-BAH Workshop. The registration fee is $500 per attendee. Seating is limited, so be sure to register today! In order to obtain the maximum benefit from attendance at the IS-BAH Workshop, participants are encouraged to purchase a copy of the IS-BAH manual to review during the workshop. The IS-BAH can be obtained from the NATA website.
Third Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop Takes Place in Chicago
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Chicago, IL on July 7-8, 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, seats fill up quickly for this popular workshop!
ACSF News
It's no surprise that most safety experts view an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) as a vital part of the safety tool kit. Companies that have implemented an ASAP have learned a great deal of information regarding safety-related events that otherwise would have gone undetected until a major event occurred. But many companies don't have the resources to fully implement a robust ASAP. In response to this, the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has been approved by the FAA to be a third-party facilitator. For more information, click here. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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