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December 7, 2015 — Volume 14, Issue 49

This Week's Top Stories

Diversion of Aviation Trust Fund Revenues to be Investigated

Last week, Congress approved a long-awaited, five-year surface transportation bill including an NATA supported provision directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of diversions of non-commercial jet fuel tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund. NATA has long questioned the need for the fuel diversion provision, added to the 2005 highway bill, describing it as a bureaucratic roadblock draining the Airport and Airway Trust Fund of revenues needed for airport improvements and the deployment of a more modern air traffic control system. Added NATA President Tom Hendricks, “We are confident that an investigation by the GAO, the nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress, will bolster the case for the provision’s ultimate repeal.” Read more.

This Week on the Hill: Senate Continues Work on Pilots Bill of Rights, House Reviews Controller Staffing

Following passage of the Highway bill last week, this week both the House and Senate will review aviation issues. In the House on December 8^th, the Aviation Subcommittee will review issues related to the FAA’s air traffic controller hiring: staffing levels at critical air traffic control facilities, the impact of previous and future planned changes to FAA’s controller hiring process, the adequacy of controller training programs, and future staffing plans. On December 9^th, the Senate Commerce Committee will continue work on S. 571, the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, which among other provisions revises the 3rd class medical requirement.

New Hampshire Aviation Businesses Oppose Creation of Air Traffic Control Corporation

On Thursday, aviation businesses from across New Hampshire expressed opposition to using the upcoming FAA reauthorization legislation to create a user-fee funded air traffic control corporation. The group stated, “Such a corporation, controlled by a board of industry insiders, will place our businesses and our employees in constant peril from efforts by major users of the ATC system to cost shift and deny general aviation access to airspace and critical airport development funds.” The letter to Senator Ayotte followed upon a briefing by NATA President Tom Hendricks for New Hampshire businesses on the status of FAA reauthorization. “The Senate is expected to begin consideration of an FAA reauthorization bill early next year, so we deeply appreciate aviation business leaders in New Hampshire reaching out to Senator Ayotte, a critical voice in the upcoming debate, and sharing their concerns,” said Hendricks.

Updated Truth-In-Leasing AC Open for Comments

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a draft version of the Advisory Circular (AC) that provides guidance on compliance with truth-in-leasing regulations. Last updated in 1978, AC 91-37: Truth in Leasing stresses the importance of lessees understanding operational control and their responsibilities when leasing an aircraft. The draft AC emphasizes efforts by some to evade compliance with air carrier certification requirements through devious leasing arrangements. Comments on the draft AC 91-37B are requested by December 30, 2015. Members of the Air Charter Committee will review and aid in the development of the association’s comments. The draft AC 91-37B and additional information on submitting comments is available at http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/afs_ac/. NATA strongly encourages members to review and provide comments to the FAA.

Association Highlights

NATA Joins Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Working Group

In 2016, NATA will participate in the CBP Working Group focusing on a variety of issues impacting the general aviation industry. According to the working group’s agenda, “The CBP General Aviation Working Group is comprised of CBP and industry personnel, focusing on balancing the agency’s dual responsibilities of the enforcement of laws, regulations, and requirements with the facilitation of legitimate trade, and travel in a reasonable and professional manner…the group will work to increase the CBP efficiency and streamline procedures for general aviation operators by using best practices, outreach, training, and technology.”

NATA’s diverse membership interfaces with CBP on a daily basis, to include on-demand air charter operators under Part 91, Part 135, fraction ownership programs under Part 91K and FBOs, and we are looking forward to contributing to the working group’s success. For more information, please contact Megan Eisenstein (meisenstein@nata.aero).

Early Bird Registration for the 2016 Aviation Business Conference Is Now Open

NATA's 2016 Aviation Business Conference will take place June 8^th-10^th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The conference will kick off with a reception Wednesday evening, June 8th and the conference will conclude Friday afternoon, June 10^th. Early bird registration will run through Friday, April 8^th. Please visit http://nata.aero/Events/2016-Aviation-Business-Conference.aspx to register today!

Member Spotlights

Priester Aviation to Operate VistaJet’s US-based Challenger 350 Fleet

VistaJet recently announced that Priester Aviation will operate a US-based fleet of Bombardier Challenger 350 jets for VistaJet’s Flight Solutions Program. Service began in June 2015 and there are currently three VistaJet Challenger 350 jets under operation with Priester Aviation. Read more.

Signature Flight Support Opens State-of-the-Art San Jose FBO

Signature Flight Support opened its state-of-the-art FBO at Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), which features 18.5 acres of ramp space and 240,000ft² of hangar space and a 10,000ft² executive terminal. Maria Sastre, president and COO for Signature Flight Support, spoke to the organization’s continued dedication and investment to the business and general aviation community demonstrated by welcoming travelers to their new San Jose FBO. Read more.

PlaneSense Hopes to Pack PC-12 for Food Bank

Fractional aircraft operator PlaneSense is hoping to fill another Pilatus PC-12 with donated food items to support the New Hampshire Food Bank. The locally based company began the food drive last year, bringing an estimated 800 pounds of food to the NH Food Bank in Manchester. New Hampshire Company president and CEO George Antoniadis, who delivered the cargo last December, will once again fly the PC-12 on December 9, 2015 to deliver the donated goods. For more information on the food drive, contact PlaneSense marketing manager Ashley Chamberlain at achamberlain@planesense.com.

Events

Safety 1^st 2016 Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events:
Advanced Line Service Workshop in Anchorage, Alaska - February 14-15, 2016
FBO Success Seminar in New Orleans, Louisiana - March 8-9, 2016

Advanced Line Service Workshop in Dallas, Texas - March 15-16, 2016

ACSF News

ACSF Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2016 Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium at the NTSB Training Center in Dulles, VA on March 8–9, 2016. The event theme is Safety: A Smart Investment for a Rich Future and will touch on the following subjects: system safety, reducing risk, safety metrics and much more. Visit www.acsf.aero/symposium for more information and to register online today!

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NATA is the National Air Transportation Association. Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members' prosperity.

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