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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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Professional Line Service Training
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PLST Online provides the most up-to-date training available for line service specialists – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line service supervisors can conduct the new PLST Online training anytime and from anywhere there is access to the Web.
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139 Fire Safety Training Online
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This training not only meets and exceeds the requirements of 14 CFR 139.321 but also allows you to interact with other students in a group learning environment, receive the very latest NFPA news, watch live training presentations and much more.
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| Coyne Applauds House On Long-Term FAA Reauthorization Bill |
| Expresses Concerns On Foreign Repair Station Provision |
| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised the United States House of Representatives for approving H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill is nearly identical to H.R. 2881, introduced in 2007, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The bill expired in 2008 at the end of the 110th Congress. Although the FAA’s previous authorization was set to expire at the end of September 2007, the agency’s taxing and operating authority has been preserved through a series of extensions since that time. The current extension expires on September 30, 2009.
“I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for approving a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that is void of user fees and that provides a fair jet fuel tax increase and the required funding to implement NextGen,” stated Coyne. “I especially want to thank Chairmen Oberstar and Costello, as well as Ranking Members Mica and Petri, for their outstanding leadership in shepherding this bill through the legislative process in the House.”
“The only concern I share on H.R. 915 is the provision requiring two annual inspections of foreign Part 145 certificated repair facilities by FAA representatives,” Coyne concluded. “NATA believes that this provision jeopardizes the bilateral aviation safety agreement with Europe and could limit the competitive advantage U.S. repair facilities have in performing maintenance on foreign-registered aircraft.”
To view NATA’s Legislative Report on H.R. 915, please click here.
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| Coyne Looks Forward To Working With Newly Senate-Confirmed FAA Adminstrator Randy Babbitt |
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| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised the United States Senate for confirming Randy Babbitt as the next FAA administrator. Babbitt is slated to serve a five-year term and takes over immediately for acting FAA Administrator Lynn Osmus.
Babbitt, former president and chief executive officer of the Air Line Pilots Association, has more than 40 years of aviation experience. Last year, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters named Babbitt to the independent review team tasked with evaluating and crafting recommendations to improve the FAA’s implementation of the aviation safety system and its culture of safety.
“I applaud the Senate leadership for approving Randy Babbitt’s confirmation as the next FAA administrator,” stated Coyne. “Administrator Babbitt has a lengthy priority list to tackle over the next five years, including modernizing our nation’s air traffic control system, and NATA and its members stand ready to work with him and his staff."
Commenting on the importance for the new FAA administrator to work immediately with Congress to approve a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, Coyne stated, “It is clear that as the House approves its bill there is now momentum to pass FAA reauthorization legislation finally. I am hopeful that Administrator Babbitt’s confirmation will carry us over the hump towards passage of a bill that modernizes our air traffic control system, rejects user fees, and invests in airport infrastructure.”
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| NATA Joins Industry Letter To Napolitano On Badging Security Directive |
| Members Strongly Encouraged To Act Today By Contacting Their Members Of Congress!!! |
| Last week, NATA, along with other general aviation industry groups, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Security Directive 1542-04-08F.
An excerpt from this letter follows:
General aviation operations such as private flights by individuals, air charter operations and business aviation flights do not occur on a regular schedule and often involve last-minute itinerary changes. Since many of these operations may occur during hours when airport or airport tenant staff is unavailable to act as escorts, operators may be unable to access their aircraft. To overcome this obstacle created by the requirements promulgated by SD 08F, aircraft operations would be required to apply for and receive airport identification media from every 40 CFR 1542 regulated airport that they may ever need to visit. Even if an operator only anticipated ever needing to visit half of those facilities, the administrative burden would overwhelm operators needing to apply for and receive airport-issued media for the operator's entire flight staff.
To view the letter in its entirety, please click here.
Recently, NATA issued an action call to its membership requesting they write Members of Congress concerning this SD. To view NATA’s Action Call, please click here.
Please contact Mike France, mfrance@nata.aero, or Kristen Moore, kmoore@nata.aero, for more information.
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| Coyne Welcomes New House General Aviation Caucus |
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| NATA President James K. Coyne last week praised members of the U.S. House of Representatives for creating its new General Aviation Caucus. The General Aviation Caucus, sponsored by NATA, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association, held its first briefing this morning. The General Aviation Caucus was created to educate Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on issues important to the general aviation industry and build consensus of the important role the general aviation industry plays in the American economy. Since its creation a little more than a month ago, the General Aviation Caucus has attracted more than 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The creation of the General Aviation Caucus is an important milestone for our industry,” stated Coyne. “With the recession crippling our industry financially and public perception issues abounding, having the support of these House members as Congress looks to approve an FAA reauthorization bill, in addition to a TSA authorization measure and new clean energy legislation, is absolutely critical.”
“I also want to thank Congressmen Allen Boyd (D-FL) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) for leading this effort as co-chairs of the General Aviation Caucus,” concluded Coyne. “NATA greatly appreciates their support and efforts highlighting the importance of the general aviation industry to Congress.”
The association has provided its membership with a means by which they can encourage their U.S. House members to become members of the General Aviation Caucus. NATA’s grassroots action call on the House General Aviation Caucus can be viewed by clicking here.
To view the current list of General Aviation Caucus members, please click here.
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| NATA President James K. Coyne Addresses Issues At Falcon Field (KFFZ) |
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| Falcon Field Airport, located in Mesa, AZ, has come under increasing fire over the last several months from local residents concerned about the safety of flight training operations, noise and pollution. Many of the resident’s issues stem from the additional traffic created at FFZ by a single flight training facility that began operations at the airport in 2007. Local aeronautical service providers fear that the airport sponsor, the city of Mesa, will try to alleviate the concerns of residents by placing severe restrictions on flight training facilities or other aeronautical service providers.
Last week NATA President James K Coyne sent a letter to City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Coyne expressed his understanding of the local residents concerns, but asked the Mayor to remember also the city’s obligation, as the sponsor of a public-use airport, to airport tenants and users. Coyne suggested a course of action that would both protect airport users’ rights and address the issues raised by residents:
“I believe the city would benefit from a dialogue with the individuals in the regional FAA Airports Office. This communication would give the city of Mesa the resources and information to address the concerns of local residents without generating apprehension of how the FAA may react. Involving the FAA airports office at this stage would also allow the citizens of Mesa to direct their questions and concerns to the federal agency that is directly tasked with ensuring safety at the nation’s airports. NATA has extensive experience working with the FAA airports office, and I would like to extend an offer of assistance in setting up meetings that you feel would benefit the city of Mesa, its residents and Falcon Field businesses.”
NATA staff have been given regular briefings about the situation at Falcon Field and will continue to work with local members and their representatives to help ensure that a solution that addresses the concerns of the local community and protects the rights of airport users is found.
NATA members may view the full text of Mr. Coyne’s letter here.
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| Industry Coalition Urges FAA To Address Aircraft Registration Concerns |
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| NATA and other groups recently sent a letter to the FAA urging it to address industry concerns submitted in 2008 on the agency’s proposed rule on “Re-registration and Renewal of Aircraft Registration.” The rule is currently under final rule by the FAA and a number of provisions that would have a negative effect on the general aviation industry remain.
To view this letter, please click here.
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| NATA Offers Assistance With FBO Operational Best Practices |
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NATA's Safety & Security Committee is proud to roll out, the first of many to come, best practices specifically developed for FBOs. The operational best practices (OBP) were developed by industry experts on NATA's committee who bring together many years of aviation experience. The recommendations contained in the OBPs provide best practice guidance with which each FBO can develop procedures applicable to its own operation and associated risks.
NATA’s OBPs provide an introduction that guides you through the process of tailoring the OBPs to your operation, a record of revisions and guidance relating to your safety committee, safety management system, 50/10 stoppage procedures, proper propeller handling, safe securing of aircraft, foreign object damage (FOD) prevention and the safe towing of aircraft. The Safety & Security Committee encourages you to evaluate your practices with NATA’s OBPs to ensure safety on your ramps.
Click here to review NATA’s OBPs.
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| Safety Posters – Help Design Safety Posters |
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| Since 1983, NATA, in collaboration with USAIG, has produced posters dedicated to promoting safety in the workplace. For the first time, NATA is opening the creative process to the public. The next generation of safety posters will be designed by people in the industry for people in the industry who recognize today's safety issues.
Submit your ideas, drawings, or topics to NATA Director of Safety Management Amy Koranda at Safety1st@nata.aero no later than June 15, 2009. Two finalists will be chosen by NATA's Safety & Security Committee and will see the fruits of their labor in NATA's next safety posters.
More guidance may be found here.
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| Unprecedented Challenges, Crucial Information, Smart Solutions |
| June Summit and Leadership Conference to Address All Three |
“We have faced economic recessions, but this one is different. In addition to the economic downturn, the industry has to overcome the rhetoric of a populist president, fearful fundamental business changes that will impact our future, stigmatized customers and people fearful of aircraft ownership. We will recover, but business will not be the same. Who will our customers be? Will they buy products the same way? What will our industry look like?”
Dick Van Gemert, Senior Vice President, Jet Aviation
“We’ve experienced hits from the economy up and down. The industry will survive. Business aviation is efficient. The smart people will get through.” Steve Loyd, CEO, Loyd’s Flying Service
“So few people understand aviation as we do - general aviation means jobs and is a valuable part of the economy and the greater national transportation system. Plus, the Obama administration does not understand the affect of its proposed policies. We need to create a framework of support for our industry within the communities and rebuild customer confidence and pride.” Craig Fuller, President & CEO, AOPA
“I'll be there!”
Robert A. Seidel, Senior Vice President & GM, Jet Aviation Business Jets, Inc.
NATA’s Air Charter Summit and FBO Leadership Conference provide focused business forums for Part 135 and FBO professionals to:
- Interact with top officials from FAA and TSA, industry leaders and business experts.
- Get their questions answered.
- Discover fresh ideas to address new business challenges.
- Find out what they can do to create positive buzz about their industry and operation.
- Learn how to challenge their staff to provide service that exceeds their customers’ expectations.
- Gain knowledge to advance their success.
Join some of the best minds in the business to explore the current industry landscape and gain perspective on what the future of our market, our customers and our businesses may look like. Help pave the road to recovery by participating in one or both of these important events. Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc to register or learn more about the FBO Leadership Conference and www.nata.aero/acs for the Air Charter Summit.
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| Shape Up Your Line Service In Clearwater Beach |
| Line Service Supervisor Training and Accident Prevention via Human Factors Training Seminars, June 15-17 |
| NATA Line Service Supervisor Training (LSST) is coming to Clearwater Beach, FL, on June 15-16, 2009. This seminar, specifically designed for Line Service Supervisors, provides the training you need to become more proficient in supervising staff, motivating others, communicating and coaching a team. This high-impact, high-energy seminar includes guided group activities, role-playing exercises, interactive games and various case studies designed to take you to a new level of leadership.
NATA's new highly interactive Accident Prevention via Human Factors Training seminar has been specifically designed to enhance FBO safety by helping you identify and replace risky practices with safe ones. Proper training is key to improving the situational awareness and decision-making necessary to break the chain of events that occur prior to every accident. This seminar will be held on June 17, following the LSST in Clearwater Beach, FL, so attendees will be able to meet both training needs at one location.
Other NATA events in June include:
NATA’s Safety 1st Management System (SMS) Workshop brings you helpful assistance with your SMS manual. Our one-day workshop, which will be held June 23 in Omaha, NE, assists attendees in the development and implementation of the company’s safety management system. We will conduct in-depth discussions on SMS concepts and provide helpful templates to assist with manual development. The workshops supplement the ongoing monthly Webcasts and provide interactive question-and-answer sessions.
Click on any of the above links to find out more information about each seminar or to register. You may also visit www.nata.aero and click on the Events Calendar tab to learn more about all of NATA's educational opportunities. NATA's 2009 Educational Opportunities Catalog is available for download by clicking here.
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| NATA Offices Will Be Closed For Memorial Day |
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| NATA's offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day Holiday. The office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m. |
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| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| Should Congress require the TSA to withdraw the Security Directive requiring employees of airport tenants who have access to the AOA at commercial airports to undergo a Security Threat Assessment?
Participate in survey.
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| Environmental Fact of the Week |
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| NATA’s quick facts on the aviation industry's effect on the environment are designed to ensure that members take every step necessary to minimize the effect aviation has on the environment while recognizing the initiatives the industry has taken to reduce global warming.
Over the last few months, much of the attention to environmental issues has been focused on global warming and green house gas (GHG) emissions. The EPA is engaged in the process of regulating GHG emissions from new cars and trucks, and Congress is reconsidering “cap & trade” legislation. It is very important, however, to remember that there are many things businesses can do, everyday, to be environmentally responsible.
NATA has developed a series of environmentally conscious best practices for aviation companies. These best practices were created by an industry-leading engineer who specializes in aviation environmental compliance and have been approved by the NATA Environmental Committee. The following environmental best practices are available to NATA members:
- Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC)
- Hazardous Waste
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention
- Used Batteries
- Used Oil
- Used Fluorescent Lamps
NATA recommends that member companies customize these policies and procedures to their operation and insert them into standard operating procedure. Doing so will help members continue to minimize their impact on our environment.
NATA’s environmental best practices can be viewed here.
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