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June 13, 2016 — Volume 15, Issue 24

This Week's Top Stories

Future of House FAA Reauthorization Discussed at NATA’s Annual Fly-In

Congress returned from its Memorial Day recess to renewed interest in securing a long-term reauthorization of the FAA. As of today, there are only 17 legislative days left until the start of Congress’ summer break that begins July 15 through Labor Day. Last Wednesday, 14 aviation groups, including NATA, wrote to the House leadership requesting action on an FAA bill. Citing the controversy surrounding the Transportation Committee proposal to corporatize air traffic control, the group requested the legislation not “be stalled because of a provision that divides our community and many within Congress.” NATA President Tom Hendricks was quoted in a related article in The Hill noting the lack of action,“creates a lot of uncertainty for our members and for the FAA. The least helpful scenario would be to lose all the good work contained in both [the House and Senate] bills.” The issue was much on the minds of lawmakers appearing at NATA’s annual Congressional Fly-In the next day in the U.S. Capitol building. Lawmakers briefing NATA members on the FAA legislation did not feel that many House members had changed their positions on the proposed ATC corporation, making another extension the most likely scenario. Late in the week, there were press reports that Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio had met amidst some discussion of possible compromise.

NATA Members Convene Amidst Strong Association and Conference Growth

NATA hosted its second annual Aviation Business Conference at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on June 8-10. NATA’s members, participated in the association’s annual congressional fly-in, interacted with key aviation policy makers, and attended panels keeping them updated on important changes within the industry. NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks added, “The conference comes at a time of great growth for the association. In 2016, NATA added over 100 new aviation businesses to its membership rolls, a testament to the importance aviation businesses place on industry representation and the services NATA provides to assist its membership to win in a very competitive marketplace. The NATA Aviation Business Conference is also growing significantly, nearly doubling last year’s attendance.” NATA would like to thank our full conference sponsors for their support of the association: Air BP, Jet Aviation, Phillips 66, Signature Flight Support and World Fuel Services. If you missed the conference, visit our social media pages for a recap.

NATA’s 75^th Anniversary Social Media Contest | May Winner

In celebration of the association’s 75^thAnniversary, NATA held its fifth monthly contest providing an opportunity for one lucky social media follower to win a prize. For May’s contest, registrants of the second annual Aviation Business Conference were entered in a drawing to win two free ads in our weekly newsletter, NATA News. The winner of the contest is Scott Andre of Francis Aviation in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. For June’s contest, the association will select a member who joined in 2016 to win a $100 voucher to use toward NATA products, services or events.

Free FAA Webinar to Explain Airman Certification Standards

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry are working together to create the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). These documents will replace the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for select certificates and ratings. Throughout July, the FAA will host the Airman Certification Standards Explained webinar to provide some historical perspective about the ACS and describe how it is used during a practical test. Attendees will also be able to submit questions to panelists. To register for an upcoming webinar, select the link for one of the following dates: July 1, July 9, July 18 or July 30. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

From the FAA

FAA to Offer $500 Rebate Incentive for GA Aircraft Owners

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Deputy Administrator Michael G. Whitaker announced a $500 rebate incentive for GA aircraft owners who equip their aircraft with required Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B avionics) technology. The press release states, “ADS-B is a foundational element of the FAA’s NextGen program, which consists of a suite of technologies that are modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system. ADS-B transforms aircraft surveillance using satellite-based positioning.” The announcement noted, “the $500 rebate will help offset an owner’s cost to equip U.S.-registered, fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft with avionics that comply with FAA technical standard orders and meet the rule requirements. The FAA is not offering rebates for software upgrades for aircraft already equipped, for new aircraft, or for aircraft for which the FAA already has paid or committed to upgrade. The FAA will be able to distribute 20,000 rebates — one rebate per aircraft owner. The FAA is encouraging owners of fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft to apply as soon as the program is launched this fall because the rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one year, or until all 20,000 rebates are claimed, whichever comes first."

FAA Cancels Suspected Unapproved Part Order from 2008

On June 6^th, the FAA issued a revision to FAA Order 8120.16. Revision A, cancels the original order and transfers policy responsibility (Office of Primary Responsibility) for the SUP program from Flight Standards Service (AFS) Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) to Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) Design, Manufacturing, and Airworthiness Division (AIR-100). It also changes the order title to “Suspected Unapproved Parts Program,” clarifies responsibility for initiating, investigating and closing a SUP case, and removes definitions that are already defined in the FAA regulations. For more information, click here.

Help the FAA Provide Accurate Information on Aviation Activity and Safety

The 38^th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2015 is underway! The FAA’s annual GA Survey is the only government source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft. The data helps to determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and measure aviation safety. If you are selected to complete this year’s survey, you should have received a postcard invitation to participate. You can complete the survey online, or by submitting the survey form that was mailed to you along with a postage-paid envelope. Previous years’ survey results can be found here. Your responses are confidential. The survey manager, 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.

Member Spotlight

NATA Members Showcase Businesses at 2016 Aviation Business Conference

Last week, several NATA members exhibited at the 2016 Aviation Business Conference. Conference attendees had multiple opportunities to interact with EasyFBO, Multi Service Technology Solutions, OpenAirplane, Porter County Regional Airport, and the Veterans Airlift Command. NATA’s Safety 1^st was also on hand to speak with attendees. Exhibitors offered demonstrations and insight on their products and services at the opening Welcome Reception and throughout the two-day event. NATA will highlight the 2016 conference exhibitors in the 3^rd quarter of the Aviation Business Journal. Thank you once again to the exhibitors and sponsors of this year’s conference.

Paragon Aviation Group Enhances Benefits for Member FBOs

Last week, the Paragon Aviation Group recapped several meetings already held in 2016 offering members a comprehensive site evaluation with constructive feedback, shared best practices, guest speakers, awesome team-building activities, and other networking opportunities. “Relationships are the foundation of these awesome FBOs,” voiced Megan Barnes, EVP of Paragon Aviation Group. “We work diligently to strengthen the power of this network by bringing independent FBOs together to increase business through marketing, shared best practices, and events like these. These events create a culture within the Paragon Network in which service to operators doesn’t stop when they are marshalled off the ramp. We have given the network tools to effectively and efficiently communicate service requests and other information throughout the network to ensure an elite experience every time.”

Events

Seats Filling Fast for Safety 1^st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop in Hayward, CA

NATA Safety 1^st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Hayward, CA on July 12-13, 2016 at APP Jet Center. The Safety 1^st Advanced Line Service (ALS) 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 before seats are gone! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available here.

Conklin & de Decker Associates and NATA Bring Refreshed Commercial Operators Tax Seminar to Omaha

On July 13^th, Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. and NATA will once again offer the only tax seminar designed for commercial operators. This year, the Tax Seminar is tailored as a one-day session and will be held at the Jet Linx headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar looks at tax issues that you face every day in your operations including: federal excise taxes, state taxes, audits, international fees, and depreciation and passive activity loss rules. For the seminar agenda, click here. To register for the tax seminar, click here. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero.

Popular Aviation Leadership and Management Workshop Returns in August

On August 2^nd and 3^rd, the Aviation Leadership and Management Workshop, presented by NATA and Aviation Management Consulting Group, will provide the knowledge and tools you need to be a better leader — whether you are a general manager, customer service manager/supervisor or you are aspiring to be a manager. During this two-day workshop, you will learn proven leadership and management principles, best practice approaches, innovative strategies, and creative techniques from industry experts who have decades of experience leading and managing people and making business decisions. Click here to register for this exciting workshop, before it’s too late!

ACSF News

Protect What Really Matters by Supporting the Highest Levels of Safety

The Air Charter Safety Foundation leads and supports the advancement of the highest safety standards available for business, charter and fractional industry to offer the safest air transportation products in the world. The ACSF also informs the public about industry standards, certifications and services.

• Allow employees to report safety issues via an FAA-approved ASAP program
• Help eliminate unlawful charter activity by reporting it via our Illegal Charter Hotline
• Report and respond to safety occurrences via our free AVSiS software
• Get on the path to achieving your Industry Audit Standard registration

Support the growth of a safer charter industry along with +135 member companies. Get started at www.acsf.aero/join.

New Issue: Q2 2016

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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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