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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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| DHS Releases Report On GA Security |
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| In response to a congressional request from U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (IG) initiated a report. The report’s objective was to identify the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security requirements for general aviation airports, threats to general aviation, measures taken to secure general aviation, steps nonfederal stakeholders have taken to enhance the security of general aviation, and any “incidents of concern” with security at general aviation airports. In addition, per Jackson Lee’s request, an evaluation of allegations of security vulnerabilities was conducted at three Houston-area general aviation airports as a result of an investigative report by a local television station.
The report determination was that “general aviation presents only limited and mostly hypothetical threats to security,” according to the IG. The IG also determined that the steps general aviation airport owners and managers have taken to enhance security are positive and effective. TSA guidelines, communication forums, and alert mechanisms, coupled with voluntary measures taken by the owners and operators of aircraft and facilities, provide baseline security for aircraft based at general aviation sites. The IG also stated that significant regulation of the industry would require considerable federal funding, and no specific recommendations were given to the TSA regarding general aviation regulations.
To view NATA’s Regulatory Report on the IG report, please click here. | |
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| NATA Regulatory Report Assesses CRM Proposal |
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| NATA has published a regulatory report explaining the key provisions of the FAA’s proposal to require Crew Resource Management (CRM) training for Part 135 operators.
The FAA proposal will require CRM initial and recurrent training for every Part 135 operator required to have an approved training program. The FAA intends to require compliance within two years of a final rule and will offer credit for prior training, subject to certain conditions.
Importantly, the requirement will apply to single- and dual pilot-operations. The benefits of CRM training are generally well known for dual-pilot operations, but FAA states that single-pilot operations can derive a significant benefit from the training as well, particularly as it relates to communication, situational awareness, problem solving and decision making.
All impacted operators are encouraged to review the NATA report as well as the FAA proposal and provide comments to the FAA prior to the comment deadline of July 30, 2009.
Download the NATA Regulatory Report.
Download the proposed rules. | |
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| SPCC Compliance Date Extended |
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| On June 12, as expected, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended the compliance date for the 2002 and 2006 Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) rule changes to November 10, 2010. This extension of compliance date is intended to allow affected facilities time to review and implement the multiple changes to the SPCC rules that have been promulgated over the last seven years. It is very important to note that this extension for compliance only applies to the rulemaking changes that have occurred since 2002. Therefore, any business that was in operation prior to August 16, 2002, should already have an implemented SPCC plan. NATA has produced a membership update that details the current requirements for SPCC compliance.
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| European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Update |
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| NATA has released an update on the European Union’s (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) last week. ETS is the EU’s carbon “cap and trade” program that began in 2005 and will require aircraft operators to purchase emissions allowances beginning in 2012. The update covers eligibility, including which U.S.-based operators will be required to participate, and upcoming compliance dates. The final directive including aviation activities in ETS was published in January 2009 and the first compliance date is just over two months away. All U.S.-based aircraft operators that fly to, from or between EU airports are encouraged to review the update, and contact their EU administering state as soon as possible to ensure they meet all compliance deadlines for ETS.
NATA’s ETS update is available here.
NATA’s original EU ETS white paper is available here.
For more information on ETS, please contact NATA Manager of Regulatory Affairs Mike France. | |
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| Jackson Hole Airport Environmental Impact Statement |
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| Jackson Hole Airport located in Jackson, Wyoming, is situated within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. The airport operates under a use agreement with the federal government that is scheduled to expire in 2033. The airport is in danger of losing its eligibility to receive federal funds under the AIP program because the program requires airports either to own their land or have at least 20 years left on their lease or use agreements. If nothing is done, Jackson Hole Airport will lose it eligibility for AIP funds after April 23, 2013.
The National Park Service (NPS) has proposed extending the use agreement for the airport until 2053 thus ensuring the airport’s eligibility for AIP funding for another 20 years. The NPS has issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the differences in impact between extending the use agreement and allowing the use agreement to expire in 2033. The draft found no substantial differences in environmental impact between the two options and a substantial negative economic impact in not extending the use agreement. The EIS lists extending the use agreement as the preferred option. NATA has submitted comments to the NPS in support of the draft EIS’s findings. Those comments can be viewed here. | |
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| Purchase Your NATA Environmental Compliance Manuals For Half Price Today!!! |
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| The association is pleased to offer the comprehensive manual supplied to attendees participating at one of NATA’s Environmental Compliance Seminars in 2009 for half price. The cost to members for this manual is now $99.
The NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities is the only event that focuses solely on environmental compliance issues confronting FBOs and general aviation airports. With pressure mounting from the media, the federal government and the public at large, this seminar is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operations.
If you were not able to make one of NATA’s Environmental Compliance Seminars in 2009 this is your opportunity to read up on what you missed!
For more information on how to purchase an NATA Environmental Compliance manual, please contact Rebecca Mulholland on the NATA staff. | |
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| Summer Congressional Recess Is Prime Time To Invite Members Of Congress To Tour Your Facility |
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| The upcoming Fourth of July and August congressional recess in Washington, D.C. is an opportune time for you to invite your Members of Congress and their staff to visit your general aviation facility. Such a tour is a valuable way to inform key congressional leaders on the principal issues confronting our national air transportation system while allowing you to address local issues affecting your business. This one-on-one interaction will give Members of Congress and their staff a better understanding of the value of America’s aviation businesses and airline services companies.
Please visit the congressional tour information page that includes sample letters and more information by clicking here.
2009 Updated Congressional Schedule: (House and Senate)
June 29-July 3 – Independence Day Recess (House & Senate)
August 3-September 4 – August Recess (House)
August 10-September 7 – August Recess (Senate)
October 30 — Target Adjournment
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact NATA Director of Legislative Affairs Kristen Moore at (800) 808-6282 or by email at kmoore@nata.aero. | |
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| Support General Aviation Serves America Today!!! |
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| Recently, NATA became a partner and major contributor of the General Aviation Serves America campaign that was introduced in late April by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The General Aviation Serves America campaign was created by AOPA to highlight the importance of the general aviation industry to the U.S. economy in the wake of potential new taxes and security restrictions.
NATA is asking its members to support this critical new initiative in three ways.
- NATA is asking its FBO members to showcase General Aviation Serves America educational materials at their facilities. These educational materials will include brochures, posters and a promotional video. To request a General Aviation Serves America FBO packet, please contact Eric R. Byer on the NATA staff.
- NATA is asking its members to contribute directly to the General Aviation Serves America campaign by clicking here.
- NATA members wishing to host a fundraising event featuring AOPA President Craig Fuller and/or NATA President James K. Coyne may do so by contacting Eric R. Byer on the NATA staff.
NATA members having questions about the association’s involvement in supporting the General Aviation Serves America campaign may contact Eric R. Byer. | |
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| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| Should President Obama acknowledge the virtues of private aviation use publicly considering his extensive use of Air Force One since he took office in January?
Participate in survey. | |
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| 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.
As mentioned in a previous Environmental Fact of the Week article, Continental Airlines conducted a flight test in January 2009 to evaluate the performance of a biojet alternative fuel. During the test, one engine of the Boeing 737-800 was fueled with a 50% mixture of bio-fuel and traditional jet fuel. The bio-fuel used was derived from algae and jatropha plant, both of which are sustainable second generation biofuel sources that do not affect food crops, water sources or contribute to deforestation.
On June 17, Continental Airlines released the results of the test flight. Some of the findings included:
- The biofuel blend performed as well as or better than traditional jet fuel
- 1.1 percent increase in fuel efficiency
- Overall life cycle greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be reduced by 60 to 80 percent as compared to traditional jet fuel
The biofuel blend used in the aircraft is also a “drop in” fuel, meaning that no special modification had to be made to the aircraft or engine. The test aircraft and engine underwent a post flight inspection and then returned to normal service in the Continental fleet the next day.
The Continental Airlines press release can be viewed here. | |
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