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February 15, 2016 — Volume 15, Issue 7

This Week's Top Stories

FAA Reauthorization Update

As expected, last week the House Transportation Committee approved H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act by a vote of 32-26. While the legislation includes many good provisions, it’s central tenet, the creation of a federally chartered, not-for-profit air traffic control corporation, remains intact though modified. The vote was largely along party lines with all Democratic members, joined by Republican pilots Sam Graves and Todd Rokita, voting in opposition. Committee action yesterday was preceded by a raucous hearing on Wednesday where airline witnesses stated that even two general aviation seats on the 11-person corporation board were generous given GA’s financial contribution. Neither witness would commit to pass along to consumers any potential ATC cost savings. It also became indisputable that the proposed ATC board provided the airlines with “effective control.”

NATA and GA Advocacy Groups Oppose Bill on VA Flight Training

On February 9^th, NATA along with six other GA advocacy groups sent a letter to Congress in opposition to HR 3016, the Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act. The bill would cap flight training benefits for veterans at $20,235 and possibly limit employment opportunities in the aviation industry. In the letter, the GA advocacy groups argue, “Without personal financial resources, a veteran would be unable to attain an aeronautical college degree with a commercial pilot license under the proposed cap of $20,235 on flight training for tuition and fee payments at public schools. Sufficient student lending for flight training is unavailable. Flight training does not qualify for a federally backed student loan and therefore is treated by most financial institutions as an unsecured loan at interest rates often exceeding 12 percent.” For more information, please contact Megan Eisenstein at meisenstein@nata.aero.

No Air Traffic Control Corporation — NATA Needs a Photo of Your Charter Planes!

In the hearing preceding the markup of the AIRR Act, discussion turned to the legislation’s requirement that Part 135 charter operations pay user fees into the proposed air traffic control corporation. Part 135 operations were typecast as “G5 or G6” operations and those that wish to fly for profit should pay user fees and such payments are “fair.” NATA quickly responded that while such aircraft comprise a segment of the Part 135 fleet, they serve as a stereotype that does not fairly represent the fleet as a whole. Help NATA further educate Members of Congress about the Part 135 fleet by sending us photos of your charter aircraft. Send your photos to Karissa Uko at kuko@nata.aero or post your pictures on Twitter with the hashtag: #noATCcorp.

Stay Informed of FAA Reauthorization News and Issues

On February 12^th, the House Transportation Committee approved the FAA reauthorization bill proposal to establish a user fee-funded air traffic control corporation. NATA follows association and industry issues in real time. We urge our members and all general aviation businesses to be informed, as we continue fighting this significant threat to the entire general aviation community. Visit NATA’s press room and social media for updates and media coverage. Listen to Tom Hendricks latest interview on the 89.3 KPCC Airtalk program, where he discusses the ATC corporation proposal and its risks to GA.

Industry News

FAA SAFO 16001: Risks of Fire or Explosion When Transporting Lithium Ion or Lithium Metal Batteries

Last week, the FAA published SAFO 16001 alerting part 121, 125, 129 and 135 operators of the potential risk for a catastrophic hull loss, due to significant fire and explosion dangers associated with the transport of lithium batteries. The SAFO contains information and recommendations for operators to consider when developing risk mitigation measures before transporting lithium ion or lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger and cargo aircraft.

Association Highlights

NATA Hosts ACRP Focus Group Meeting

Thursday, February 11^th NATA and industry participated in a focus group for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) 03-38, Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations project. The group discussed ACRP’s new project to produce a guidebook for complying with grant assurances to help airports and airport users understand grant assurance obligations better. The industry participants shared their experiences with grant compliance and the challenges they have faced in understanding and implementing grant assurances.

Recognize the Best and Brightest in the Industry

There’s still time to submit nominations to NATA for the 2015 Industry Excellence Awards and the 2016 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program. Each year, NATA presents awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations. The Industry Excellence Awards, along with the AMT Employer Awards, will be presented at a luncheon held during NATA’s Aviation Business Conference in June 2016. For more information, please click here.

Member Spotlight

NoCal NATA Members Won Big During Super Bowl™ Weekend

Several Bay Area FBOs reported high traffic for business aircraft operations over the Super Bowl™ weekend. Signature Flight Support reported over 700 aircraft operations between Friday and Monday at the Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC) facilities. APP Jet Center at Hayward Executive (HWD) tallied 70 jets on the tarmac, while Monterey Jet Center reported 24 business and general aviation aircraft, according to General Manager Nate Young. Atlantic Aviation served 200 aircraft at SJC, and at Las Vegas (LA) — which typically sees as much Super Bowl™ general aviation traffic as the game’s host city and had 500 aircraft crowding its ramp over the weekend. For more information, click here.

Events

FBO Success Seminar: Seats Are Filling Up, Room Block Deadline Is Running Out

This year’s FBO Success Seminar will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 8^th and 9^th. Attendees will learn new FBO management techniques and gain essential aviation operational and service knowledge, while sharing experiences with new friends in the FBO industry. Seats are limited and the hotel room block ends February 23, 2016. To register or for more information, click here.

2016 Safety 1^st Certified Trainer Program | Registration Deadline Extended to February 29^th

Monday, February 29^th is the last day to register for the first installment of the Safety 1^st Certified Trainer Program (CTP). The CTP is an online course designed to provide anyone who trains line service professionals the basic knowledge and skills to understand, teach and implement training programs, including Safety 1^st. It is comprised of six instructor-led, online classes that are approximately an hour and a half in length and occur over a three-month period. As an online course, the CTP saves participants time away from work and the cost of travel typically associated with in-person seminars and training classes. Investing in trainers pays dividends in all areas including safety, morale and customer service. Advance the development and growth of your trainers by registering them before February 29^th. To learn more, click here.

Upcoming Safety 1^st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshops

NATA Safety 1^st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Dallas, TX on March 15-16, 2016 and Windsor Locks, CT on April 6-7, 2016. The Safety 1^st Advanced Line Service Workshop is a two-day training event 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.

ACSF News

ACSF Symposium | Last Day for Discounted Room Block Rate

Book your room by today to receive the special discounted rate for ACSF Symposium attendees. Over the course of two days, attendees will explore trending and emerging safety challenges facing aviation businesses and consumers today. Join your colleagues March 8-9, 2016 to stay informed and learn from industry leaders on system safety, reducing risk, safety metrics and much more.

Download Agenda

Other ACSF News: Loyd’s Aviation Joins Air Charter Safety Foundation

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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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