NATA News

Last week, NATA staff participated in a Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative (PAFI) Steering Group (PSG) meeting in Washington, D.C. The PSG, consisting of FAA and industry representatives, discussed the status of Phase I close-out activities and changes pertaining to the lab tests, emissions and toxicology assessments; the overall Phase II plan and schedule along with status updates on engine and aircraft test plans; the Technical Advisory Committee’s work requirements and in-kind support activities; pathways to the fleet wide authorization; and industry outreach efforts. The PAFI program is currently on schedule and the Steering Group will reconvene the week of December 5^th, 2016.

In celebration of the association’s 75^th Anniversary, NATA held its ninth monthly contest providing an opportunity for one lucky individual/company to win a prize. For September, the association randomly selected an associate member to win a free business card ad in the Aviation Business Journal. This month's winner is Richard Crouse & Associates, Inc. of Frederick, MD. For October’s contest, an IFBOA+ member will receive a voucher to use toward NATA products, services or events. For more information, please click here.

NATA’s 2016 Flag Pins for Veterans Project runs through the end of the month. Once again, project participants can display American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a $1.00 donation per pin, or make a direct donation to the project. Last year’s campaign raised nearly $30,000 for the Veteran’s Airlift Command and The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. NATA thanks our current (16) participants: Above All Aviation, American Jet Charter, Atlantic Aviation, Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd's Aviation, Fargo Jet Center, Gary Jet Center, Inc., Greenbrier Valley Airport, Hill Aircraft, Jet Aviation, Keystone FBO Services, Montgomery Aviation, Inc., Napa Jet Center, Pentastar Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Stuart Jet Center and Sun Air Jets. For more information, click here or contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero to participate.

Chicago Jet Group is now an authorized dealer for hardware sales and installation of SmartSky’s innovative technology across various business jet models. “Business aviation operators’ needs have changed,” says Chicago Jet Group Director of Operations Mike Mitera. “Customers demand Wi-Fi that gives them full access to their office in the sky. SmartSky’s technology is answering this challenge like no one else.” The SmartSky 4G network is scheduled to take flight later this year, with its rollout achieving nationwide coverage in 2017. “Chicago Jet Group brings years of experience in aircraft installation and modification. The partnerships it has formed speak to a level of excellence its technicians bring in technology adoption,” says SmartSky Networks’ Vice President, Business Aviation, Alan Goodnight. Read more.

Last week, Jet Logistics announced the recent delivery of a state-of-the-art King Air B200 turbine jet air ambulance aircraft to Boston MedFlight, the award-winning Critical Care Transport program for a consortium of 6 leading Boston, Massachusetts-area hospitals. “This project ideally showcases the unique flexibility, capabilities and performance that our vertically-integrated Air Carrier and Maintenance Repair Organization capabilities deliver commercial and hospital-based clients for their fixed-wing transport aircraft and program management needs when needed,” stated W. Ashley Smith, Jr., founder and President of the Jet Logistics Group. “As with any partnership, the project’s success was dictated largely by the cooperative efforts of both Jet Logistics and Boston MedFlight. We look forward to the aircraft contributing to Boston MedFlight’s life-saving missions for their hospitals, patients and community.” Read more.

As a leader in your organization, it is important to protect your business by learning when and how to respond to an emergency event. While taking care of people, managing perception (communicating effectively internally and externally), and participating in the investigation are key objectives, there is often little guidance for management and staff on how to be most effective in these areas. The Back to Basics: ERP Workshop for Aviation Businesses will help you and your team develop a fundamental understanding of how to develop and manage an effective Emergency Response Program (ERP). View the full agenda here. To register or for more information, click here.

NATA's 2017 Aviation Business Conference takes place June 6^th-8^th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The conference kicks off with a reception Tuesday evening and concludes Thursday afternoon. Early bird registration is now open and runs through Friday, April 7^th — save $95! For more information, please visit www.nata.aero/abc.