NATA News

On July 21^st, the FAA updated AC 91-85A, Authorization of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace, which cancels AC 91-85, Authorization of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum Airspace, dated August 21, 2009. AC 91-85A applies to operators (14 CFR Parts 43, 91, 121,125, 129, 135, and 145) that want to apply for authorization to conduct operations in RVSM airspace. According to the FAA, the advisory circular “can be used to obtain an initial operational authorization, or amend an existing, operational authorization. The AC appendices include supporting information related to RVSM airworthiness certifications, training programs, operating practices and procedures, RVSM operations in oceanic and remote continental airspace, and review of height-keeping parameters.”

The FAA issued an interim final rule on repair stations effective July 27, 2016. The agency “is revising its repair station rules to remove the requirement that a repair station with an airframe rating provide suitable permanent housing to enclose the largest type and model aircraft listed on its operations specifications. The FAA is also revising its general housing and facilities regulation to provide that a repair station’s housing for its facilities, equipment, materials, and personnel must be consistent not only with its ratings, but also with its limitations to those ratings. Finally, the FAA is adding an additional general purpose limited rating to cover maintenance work not covered by the existing 12 limited rating categories.” Comments on this document are being accepted at www.regulations.gov on or before August 26, 2016.

Last week, NATA members Gary Jet Center and Swift Fuels announced their partnership to sell UL94 MON avgas for piston aircraft. "With the demands in the aviation market to begin using unleaded avgas, we began seeking a premium quality aviation gasoline to offer our customers," said Mike Partin, General Manager of Gary Jet Center. "In working with Swift Fuels' CEO, Chris D'Acosta, we immediately acknowledged their product, UL94 MON, was unique and desirable to pilots, and their fuel expertise is unmatched when it comes to unleaded avgas." Swift Fuels CEO, Chris D'Acosta, added, "We are working with regulators, aircraft/engine OEMs, pilots, airports, municipalities, airport boards and supply chain folks to educate the market on the virtues of unleaded avgas. This is all part of our multi-year transition plan moving towards the full replacement to 100LL. We're extremely proud to be the unleaded fuel of choice by progressive leaders like the Gary Jet Center." NATA continues to participate on the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), a government and industry collaboration and will provide updates on the progress of the development and deployment of a new unleaded aviation fuel(s). Read more.

Under its Part 135 air carrier certificate, Jet Aviation Flight Services was recently granted approval to begin charter services to and from Cuba. “We are pleased to be one of the few operators worldwide to begin charter services to Cuba,” said Don Haloburdo, Vice President and General Manager of Jet Aviation Flight Services. “Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and the closest Caribbean destination to the United States, which makes it a prime destination for our customers. We strive to anticipate the needs of our customers and this approval strengthens our ability to provide them with the highest level of service.”  Read more.

Duncan Aviation’s effort to expand its Provo, Utah location is beginning to see progress. The updated location will include nearly 50 acres and two new maintenance and painting hangars totaling roughly 200,000 square feet. “We consistently hear from operators in the Western United States that they would like to see more investment in a Duncan Aviation location closer to their home base,” says Aaron Hilkemann, Duncan Aviation President and CEO. “The Provo area is the perfect complement to our other full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Lincoln, Nebraska. That is why we initially started our Provo facility. We are pleased to begin work on the infrastructure needed to care for upcoming maintenance and completions demand from in the area and around the world.” Construction on the two-year project is expected to begin summer 2017. Read more.

NATA Safety 1^st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Chesterfield, MO on August 24-25, 2016 at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport. 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. Limited seating is available, so register now before seats are gone! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available here.

The “Back to Basics: ERP Workshop for Aviation Businesses,” held September 13^th and 14^th at the NTSB Training Center in Northern Virginia, is a training event designed to provide a fundamental understanding of Emergency Response Programs (ERP) for all aviation businesses. The program covers regulatory requirements and industry "best practices," using a combination of classroom learning and practicum exercise. The workshop will include both general sessions addressing the commonalities of building successful ERPs and cultures within any aviation organization, and breakout sessions to provide in-depth learning relevant to each specific line of business. Register here.