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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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| NATA Air Charter Summit And FBO Leadership Conference Kick Off Next Week |
| Wednesday's Program Packs A Punch - Join Us Next Week |
| Wednesday's Summit and Leadership Conference program is packed with the necessary elements to give your business an edge now and in the future:
Celebrate The Accomplishments Of Seven Of The Industry's Finest
NATA Industry Awards Breakfast with Guest Speaker
Each year, NATA presents seven Industry Excellence Awards to the exceptional individuals and organizations that have helped improve the general aviation community. Richard Van Gemert, senior vice president of Jet Aviation, and FAA's former long-time director of the Flight Standards Service, James Ballough, will be among those honored in a ceremony preceding a guest speech by Jim Larranaga.
Motivation To Win Against All Odds
Guest Speaker Jim Larranaga, head coach, GMU Men's Basketball Team
Jim Larranaga shares the formula that has made him George Mason University's most successful head coach. Feel inspired, entertained and energized as you learn: how to transform challenges into motivational opportunities, how individual attitudes can transform outcomes, and how to use an underdog status to your advantage.
Insider Insight On GA Manufacturing
Airframe Manufacturers Executives Forum
A panel of some of the world's top general aviation manufacturing executives, including Peter Bunce, GAMA, Joe Lombardo, Gulfstream Aerospace, and John Rosanvallon, Dassault Falcon Jet, will share their take on the current state and future prospects of GA manufacturing, sales and delivery. How will this affect your fuel sales and maintenance business in years to come?
Positive Public Perception As One Of The Prescriptions For Recovery
What You Can Do To Curb The Public And Media Attack On Business Aviation
Public and political leadership outrage over perceived misuse of business aircraft has stigmatized the aviation industry. The continued scrutiny of the use of corporate aircraft by the White House, Capitol Hill and the mainstream press has added an unprecedented burden to what can only be described as the most challenging period that our industry has ever faced. William Garvey, Business & Commercial Aviation, and Lisa Stark, ABC News, will discuss how the general aviation industry can counter these public perception issues.
Campaign To Restore GA's Reputation
Luncheon With Keynote Speaker Craig Fuller
The ‘General Aviation Serves America' campaign was designed by Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and is proudly supported by NATA, to tell the story of general aviation in the way we know it - as an integral part of America's history, economy, and record of individual accomplishment. There are thousands of wonderful aviation ‘stories' to be told to a much wider audience. Hear how you can play a leading role as an aviation ambassador relaying the human side of general aviation - the local benefits, the jobs, and the acts of compassion and community assistance that have long been part of aviation's proud tradition and once-bright reputation.
Ensure Repeat Business With Unsurpassed Customer Service
Radar On - Antenna Up…Fulfilling Customers' Unexpressed Wishes
Lackluster customer service is always detrimental to repeat business, but in today's environment it can be catastrophic to your continued success. Take your customer service experience and marketing to the next level - the Ritz-Carlton level. The Ritz-Carlton's customer service practices are unsurpassed and ensure a sustainable business advantage to operations with high-level clientele, like yours. Learn from the best - how to provide legendary service without breaking the bank, the difference between expressed and unexpressed customer needs, and the important elements of delivering excellent service in a consistent manner.
Create Lasting Contacts And Memories At A Networking Reception
End the day at a reception with friends new and seasoned. Discuss the events of the day, ponder the future, talk business or just relax…the choice is yours.
For more information, visit www.nata.aero/acs for the Air Charter Summit (June 8-10) and www.nata.aero/fbolc for the FBO Leadership Conference (June 9-11). Contact Diane Gleason at dgleason@nata.aero or (703) 575-2050 to register or to make housing reservations | |
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| TSA Releases New Badging Security Directive |
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| Last week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released Security Directive 1542-04-08G (SD). According to the TSA, the purpose of the SD, as with its previous version, SD 1542-04-08F, is to "require background checks and identification for All PERSONS with UNESCORTED ACCESS to the SIDA and AOA at Commercial Airports."
According to the TSA, the effect of the SD on the general aviation pilot community depends upon the following:
1) For HOME-BASED PILOTS, the badging requirements will apply if you have leased space or are part of a tenant program unless alternate measures have been approved by the airport operator. An example of an alternative measure would be an escort program.
2) For TRANSIENT PILOTS, they will not be required to have airport badges or background checks from any of the NON Home-Based airports they visit. Transient pilots are advised to remain in the footprint of their aircraft and to and from fixed-base operator, service provider or airport exit. Special allowance will be given to transient pilot operators in the AOA who are fueling or in emergency status.
Members are strongly encouraged to work with their local TSA and airport officials on the impact that the SD has on their operations. The effective date of the SD remains today, June 1, 2009.
SD 1542-04-08G only provides clarification on certain requirements and codifies the effective date, when compared to the earlier version, SD 1542-04-08F. Members are still strongly encouraged to review the association's white paper on SD 1542-04-08F by clicking here.
NATA remains concerned that the TSA continues to issue security directives to promulgate regulations affecting a broad category of previously unregulated individuals. NATA understands the importance of not disclosing certain security procedures and policies; however, many of the mandates imposed by the latest security directives will be public knowledge upon their implementation, thus negating the importance of non-disclosure in their implementation.
Due to the large number, and varied interests, of the general aviation pilots, service providers and aircraft owners who will continue to be affected by the SD, NATA believes that it is imperative that the TSA approach the issue of securing the AOA of commercial airports by issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. By following this time-tested process of federal rulemaking, the TSA will allow those affected by the proposed rule to voice their concerns and suggestions on the best methods for securing the AOA. | |
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| Industry Groups Send Letter In Support Of Security Directive Use Amendment |
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| NATA, along with other general aviation industry groups, recently sent a letter to Congressman John Mica (R-FL) supporting an amendment he will be offering to H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, that would address the issuance of regulations and security directives using emergency procedures. H.R. 2200 is slated to be considered on the House Floor when Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess this week.
To view the complete industry letter, please click here.
To view NATA's letter supporting the amendment, please click here. | |
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| New Guidance Addresses Limitations With Inoperative Oxygen System |
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| A recent FAA legal interpretation clarifies altitude restrictions for the operation of aircraft when the passenger oxygen system is inoperative. Specifically, the FAA states that when a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) allows the aircraft to be operated with the passenger oxygen system inoperative altitude restrictions stated in §135.157(b) apply. The FAA states that the provisions of an MEL cannot supersede regulatory requirements.
According to the FAA interpretation, "if the passenger oxygen system of a pressurized aircraft is inoperable, that aircraft may not be used to carry passengers for more than 30 minutes at altitudes about 10,000 feet MSL through 15,000 feet MSL." And, passenger-carrying flights "of any duration above 15,000 feet MSL are prohibited . . . as the passengers cannot be provided with the required supply of oxygen in the event of a cabin pressurization failure."
NATA encourages members who may be affected by this to review the full interpretation.
Please click here to download the FAA interpretation. | |
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| Checklist To Add An Aircraft To Part 135 Now Available |
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| NATA has been provided a new document created by the FAA to help clarify and streamline the conformity process for adding a new aircraft to a Part 135 certificate. The forms and checklists included will allow an operator to compile all the data need by the FAA in a standardized format that will ideally expedite the process.
NATA encourages all Part 135 operators to download the new materials and use them as appropriate.
Please click here to download the checklist. | |
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| Federal Report Criticizes FAA's Oversight Of Aviation Safety Action Program |
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| The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of the implementation of Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) by the FAA following a complaint from an FAA inspector regarding the acceptance of a fatal accident into ASAP. The audit found a number of issues with the oversight of ASAP by the FAA, and recommendations were made by the OIG for the FAA to review and implement.
The audit report listed a number of findings that were brought to the attention of the FAA to be addressed. Approximately eight recommendations were made to the FAA by the OIG after completion of the audit. The FAA agreed with all recommendations made by the OIG, except that of excluding accidents from ASAP programs. All other recommendations were accepted and will be addressed in the revision of ASAP documentation and training. These revisions will be completed by December 2010.
Click here to view complete report. | |
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| Town Attempts To Ban Flight Training At Airport |
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| The Grant-Valkaria town council will consider a resolution today that would ban all flight training activity at Valkaria Airport (X59). The resolution says this restriction is necessary to "provid(e) for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens." Valkaria Airport is located in the town of Grant-Valkaria; however, the airport is owned and operated by the county of Brevard. The county received the airport from the federal government in the late 1950s and conditions of the conveyance require that no unjust discrimination against aeronautical service providers occur. Resolution 2009-03 is attempting to use zoning regulations as a means to ban flight training activity at the airport. Airport management is opposed to the ban.
NATA President James K. Coyne sent a letter last week to the mayor and town council of Grant-Valkaria opposing resolution 2009-03. Coyne asked the town to withdraw the resolution.
"NATA believes that the town of Grant-Valkaria does not have the authority to regulate aeronautical activities at Valkaria Airport. Even if the town did have this authority, an outright ban of one class of aeronautical activity will certainly be deemed unjust by the FAA and courts. By considering resolution 2009-03, the town is choosing a course of action to address its concerns that will ultimately lead to FAA and judicial intervention. A cursory review of applicable case law clearly shows that resolution 2009-03 will not stand.
"NATA takes seriously threats to general aviation and has worked closely with the FAA Airports Office and airport sponsors to defend airports and aviation business from unjust attacks. NATA is asking that the town of Grant-Valkaria withdraw resolution 2009-03."
NATA will continue to work with Valkaria Airport and the town of Grant-Valkaria to ensure that unjust restrictions on aeronautical activities do not occur. | |
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| NATA Issues Legislative Report on FAA Reauthorization |
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| The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2009, just before recessing for the Memorial Day holiday. 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.
Please click here to view NATA's legislative report on the bill. | |
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| Ask Your Member Of Congress To Join The House General Aviation Caucus Today |
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| Recently, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives created the 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, 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.
NATA members are encouraged to contact their Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge them to become a member of the General Aviation Caucus by utilizing the association's grassroots action call. NATA's grassroots action call on the House General Aviation Caucus can be viewed by clicking here.
For more information, please contact Kristen Moore on the NATA staff. | |
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| Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Fast Approaching |
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With the September deadline for compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) fast approaching, the issue of Credit Card retention and data security is rapidly becoming a front burner issue for our members. Here are a few ways (listed from the easiest to the hardest) that you can approach compliance with the new PCI-DSS standard.
- Don't retain credit card information unless you have a very specific business need for doing so. By far the easiest way to be compliant with PCI is not to retain credit card data. If you don't retain credit card data, you do not need to audit.
- Do not store credit card information electronically. This approach simply will not work for many business, but if it works for you, great! By keeping all credit card information off of your computers and your network you do not need to comply with the PCI standard. Keep in mind that you will still need to establish procedures for ensuring the physical security of any retained credit card data.
- Outsource the retention of credit card data. There are many companies that offer a variety of services designed to help you secure credit card information. A Google search on "secure credit card processing" should generate about 45 million hits for you. Select the company and service that best meets your needs.
- Brace for a tough audit. If you have a specific business need to retain credit card information, and store that information on your computer network, the new standard is going to be arduous. Here is a brief high level overview of the requirements:
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard - High-Level Overview
- Build and Maintain a Secure Network
- Protect Cardholder Data
- Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
- Implement Strong Access Control Measures
- Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
- Maintain an Information Security Policy
While many of these requirements may look mundane, with over 200 specific requirement, the devil will defiantly be in the details.
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| NATA To Host First Environmental Compliance "Webinar" |
| All The Training Benefits Without The Travel Expenses |
| With renewed public and political interest in the Green Movement, including billions for energy and environment initiatives and tax incentives in the Economic Stimulus Package, there has never been a more important time to ensure your operation is in compliance with environmental mandates. With this in mind, NATA is offering an Environmental Compliance "webinar" on June 25 from Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Topics include:
• Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations and the new parts that will take effect on July 1, 2009
• Storm Water Permitting and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
• Waste Issues (hazardous waste, universal waste, waste oil and waste fuel)
• Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)
Mounting pressure from the media, the federal government and the public at large has made NATA's Environmental Compliance Webinar for Aviation Facilities a must for all FBOs and general aviation airports. Ensure compliance from the convenience of your own office on June 25. Click here to register. | |
| June LSST And Accident Prevention Seminars To Be Held In Conjunction With FATA Annual Convention |
| Line Service Supervisor Training and Accident Prevention via Human Factors Training Seminars, June 15-17 |
| The 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. Hear from dynamic speakers, including Dr. Todd Dewett, Reed Fuller, Walter Chartrand, Dr. Mario Martinez and Adam Coulby, about the safest, most cost-effective methods to manage your line service and supervise your staff. Also, meet NATA Manager of Regulatory Affairs Mike France.
NATA's highly interactive Accident Prevention via Human Factors Training seminar will be held at the same location on June 17 to provide more bang for your traveling and training budget. This 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. Tom Salmon, with over 35 years of experience in commercial and military aviation, focuses on safety management from a proactive perspective to help save lives, reduce injuries and benefit your bottom line. The Accident Prevention via Human Factors Training seminar will be held only once this year. Don't miss the opportunity to discover how to ensure the highest level of line safety, while lowering your potential for risk and liability.
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. There will be only one more opportunity to attend an SMS Workshop this year - September 16 in Long Beach, CA.
June 8-10 - NATA Air Charter Summit, Chantilly, VA
June 9-11 - NATA FBO Leadership Conference, Chantilly, VA
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. | |
| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| Do you think NATA should offer online OSHA training specific to the aviation industry?
Participate in survey. | |
| 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.
The aviation industry is driven like few other industries to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. With fuel cost being such a large percentage of operating budgets, commercial aircraft operators have an intrinsic desire to burn less of it. Since 2000, U.S. aviation has already reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 13% and current high tech projects such as biofuels and NextGen stand to reduce emission even farther.
Obviously, the fastest way to reduce GHG emissions is to burn less fuel, but how can you do that without flying less? A group of British researchers think they may have found a way. Their idea is based on the Helmholtz resonance principle, the same principle that creates a tone when air is blown across the opening of a bottle. Some of the air flowing over the opening of the bottle actually flows into the bottle and creates an area of high pressure that then forces air out of the bottle. This process repeats over and over again and the resulting resonance creates a tone. This resonance also creates a small cushion of air at the opening of the bottle the researchers believe could be used to reduce drag on aircraft.
The research team believes that by placing hundreds of thousands of small holes (or cavities) on aircraft surfaces they can create that cushion of air that would reduce the friction from air flowing over the aircraft. Early tests seem to indicate that aircraft utilizing this technology could see fuel savings, and thus emission reduction, by as much as 20%. The team is now working on scale prototypes that will allow further investigation of the effect of this technology on the structural integrity of aircraft components.
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has invested in this project and hopes to have wings ready for trial by 2013. | |
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