NATA News

Purdue Aviation | Purdue University | Phillips 66

Purdue Aviation — located at the Purdue University Airport (KLAF) — offers premium flight support for all types of aircraft with services that include the expected FBO offerings including fuel sales, aircraft maintenance, flight training, aircraft rental and aircraft sales. The FBO and Phillips 66 support Purdue University’s School of Aviation & Transportation Technology, allowing students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the FBO as they pursue their dream jobs in the aviation industry. “I’ve been involved in the aviation industry for my entire life, following in the footsteps of my father, said Jeff Pittard, President of Purdue Aviation. “I feel very strongly about supporting the next generation of aviation leaders. Our special partnership with Purdue University allows students to work alongside our employees, gaining valuable on-the-job training. The Purdue Aviation/Purdue University partnership commences this Fall semester. Read more.

Last week, JetSuiteX introduced daily service between San Jose and Burbank, California. JetSuiteX’s new service will connect Mineta San José International Airport with Burbank Bob Hope Airport with two roundtrip flights — one morning and one evening each day — except Saturdays. “We are pleased to see JetSuiteX add service to Burbank from Silicon Valley’s airport,” said San Jose Director of Aviation Kim Becker. “This charter service provides our business travelers more alternatives to match their hectic schedules.” The public charter operator launched service in April, and offers regular flights in major west coast markets. Read JetSuite’s member profile in the second quarter Aviation Business Journal.

Earlier this month, Cutter Aviation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new FBO Executive Terminal at Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS). NATA Senior Vice President, Tim Obitts was in attendance along with Cutter Aviation executives and staff, airport officials, and the media. In August 2006, Cutter Aviation acquired the former FBO and launched operations at KCOS. Cutter Aviation recently purchased a large corporate aircraft storage hangar at the airport and also completed the construction of a new 62,000-gallon fuel farm. The FBO terminal expansion increases Cutter’s office space to approximately 9,000 square feet, aircraft hangar storage space to 132,000 square feet, and more than doubles its property to over 16 acres. “We are delighted to be underway with construction of our new FBO terminal in Colorado Springs,” said Will Cutter. “Cutter looks forward to continuing to serve the users of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport with this new facility. The new FBO terminal, increased ramp space and new fuel farm gives us the ability to better serve our customers here at Colorado Springs.” Visit NATA’s Facebook and Twitter for event pictures. Read more.

This October, West Star Aviation will commence construction on a 45,000-square foot paint center at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, where it eventually aims to employ up to 250 people. "The [existing] hangar the last two months has been full to capacity," said Debi Cunningham, West Star Aviation's Vice President of Marketing. West Star specializes in the repair and maintenance of air frames, windows and engines, as well as major modifications for private aircraft. The company also handles avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, and paint and parts. The MRO also plans to add a 55,000-square-foot maintenance center that could open in 2018. Read more.

NATA Safety 1^st will host its Advanced Line Service (ALS) Regional Workshop August 24^th and 25^th at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport. Thank you to our workshop sponsors: Spirit of St. Louis Airport and Phillips 66. There’s only one ALS Workshop left for 2016, register now to train your line service team October 4^th and 5^th at Wisconsin Aviation. View our upcoming schedule of events at http://nata.aero/Events.aspx.

On September 27^th and 28^th, the Customer Service Representative (CSR) Certification Workshop, presented by NATA and the Aviation Business Strategies Group, will provide valuable knowledge and skills to set the tone for successful customer service experiences. Attendees will learn how to deal with disgruntled customers and turn a marginal customer transaction into a fulfilled client transformation. This new certification program starts with a basic fundamentals module administered online through the Safety 1^st website and concludes with a robust two-day workshop where attendees complete the interactive curriculum. For more information or to register, click here.

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that Sun Air Jets, Camarillo, CA, Mayo Aviation, Denver, CO and Priester Aviation, Wheeling, IL, have all renewed their status on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. “By renewing their standing on the IAS Registry, they have demonstrated their pledge to high standards,” said ACSF president Bryan Burns. “We congratulate them on their continued commitment.” The IAS is the first and only extensive audit program specifically created for on-demand operators by a committee of Part 135 and 91K industry leaders. It is conducted every 24 months and offers an in-depth evaluation of regulatory compliance and the operator’s SMS program against FAA and international standards. Read more.