NATA News

Aviation Business Strategies Group (ABSG) released the results of its annual fuel sales survey and forecast. Based on the survey results, 54 percent of the aviation service providers in the U.S. reported an increase in fuel sales last year compared with 2014. According to ABSG’s principals John Enticknap and Ron Jackson, that continues a trend over the past several years, with 49 percent noting an increase in 2014 and 43 percent in 2013. “This is the first time since we started the survey that more than 50 percent of the respondents experienced an increase in fuel sales over the previous year,” noted Enticknap. “Although the benchmark numbers show a positive trend, nearly 30 percent of the FBOs participating in our recent survey had a decrease in sales. This is still a fractured marketplace that is showing some positive signs of recovery.” Looking ahead, more than 90 percent of the respondents to the survey said they expect to see the same or increased fuel sales this year compared to 2015, Jackson said. “If this forecast holds up, 2016 could prove to be a watershed year for the industry.”

The 38^th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2015 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. You can complete the survey online, or a survey form will be mailed to you along with a postage-paid envelope. Previous years’ survey results can be found here. Your responses are confidential. Tetra Tech is an independent research firm that conducts the GA Survey on behalf of the FAA. The information will be used only for statistical purposes and will not be published or released in any form that would reveal an individual participant. If you have any questions, please contact Tetra Tech toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com. 

The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota has begun the search for a new Dean. The Dean will lead a multi-faceted and dynamic organization with oversight of academics and research as well as revenue generating operations (airport and national and international programming). For more information about the position and school, please click here. NATA members interested in similar general aviation job opportunities, please visit NATA’s Classifieds.

NATA would like to congratulate World Fuel Services on its recent announcement. The Air Elite® Network has partnered with the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) so network members can attend training and pursue the International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAH) accreditation in 2016 and beyond. Several Air Elite members currently hold IS-BAH accreditation or are working toward the certification. With the guidance of the Air Elite Network, all members can attend workshops and take steps to becoming accredited. Click here to read the full press release. To get more information about the IS-BAH program, please visit www.nata.aero/safety1st.

NATA is currently accepting applications for the 2016 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program now through February 26, 2016. This award program is designed to recognize companies that employ aviation maintenance technicians (AMT) and encourage and support AMT training. The award is based on the percentage of AMTs that participate in qualifying training events. The AMT Employer Awards, along with the Industry Excellence Awards, will be presented at a luncheon held during NATA’s Aviation Business Conference in June 2016. For more information on the program, or to download an application packet click here.

NATA Safety 1^st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Dallas on March 15-16, 2016. This two-day training event 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 www.nata.aero/events.

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 and save today! 

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!