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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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| Association Sends Letter Addressing Flight And Duty Time ARC Concerns |
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| Last week, NATA President James K. Coyne sent a letter to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt expressing his concern with the agency’s potential intention to include Part 135 and 91k operations in an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to address the flight crewmember flight, duty and rest regulations part of the FAA’s new “Regional Airline Safety Plan.”
An excerpt from Coyne’s letter to Babbitt follows:
Previously, we had been informed that our industry was not included in the recent “Regional Airline Safety Plan” discussions because the focus was solely on regional airline operations conducted under Part 121 and, therefore, Part 135 on-demand operations and fractional programs regulated under Part 91K would not be addressed. This was the message we consistently received until yesterday.
Much to our dismay, yesterday we began to hear that the FAA intends to form an ARC to create new flight, duty and rest regulations and that this new ARC may be all-encompassing and impose a single regulatory standard on all pilots. This is an unacceptable position for our industry. It’s been said that “There is only one level of safety, but there are multiple ways to get there.” We wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment, and urge you to apply this concept to the newly proposed ARC.
In the letter, Coyne states that the 2003 Part 125/135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee already has a comprehensive recommendation drafted that has been ignored for more than five years.
In 2003, the FAA convened a different ARC, the Part 125/135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee. This ARC had the monumental task of conducting a comprehensive review and update to the regulatory system governing on-demand operations. Among the most in-depth parts of that ARC was the Flight, Duty and Rest Working Group. The working group comprised members from FAA Flight Standards and Chief Counsel’s Offices and nearly every segment of the Part 135 industry, as well as representatives from organized labor, even though only one of those participants actually represented a pilot community within Part 135.
The ARC Working Group developed a comprehensive, sound proposal that addressed every one of the FAA’s stated concerns with the current regulations. It established predictable rest cycles (which like today’s Part 135 rule may not be reduced under any circumstances), tightened restrictions on contacting crew members during rest, defined duty time (for the first time in regulations) and imposed hard limits on duty as well as many other beneficial safety improvements. Recognizing the good work that many other regulators have accomplished regarding flight, duty, and rest, outside of the United States, the ARC recommended that the new rule also incorporate the ability for an operator to develop a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to use in lieu of the prescriptive limits currently in place. As you are aware, FRMS principles involve the application of the best fatigue science available to ensure that only adequately rested pilots fly a flight – which is everyone’s goal.
The rule proposed was thorough and tough, but fair for all sides. While this rule accomplishes much, the one thing on which every member of the group would agree is that it did not address the needs of the scheduled airlines and their pilots. While not perfect, the proposal significantly improves the current regulation and does so in a way that addresses the unique nature of on-demand and fractional ownership operations.
To view Coyne’s letter to FAA Administrator Babbitt in its entirety, please click here. | |
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| Christopher Hart To Be Nominated To National Transportation Safety Board |
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| President Obama plans to nominate safety expert Christopher Hart to be a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Hart has a law degree from Harvard Law School and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Princeton University. He previously served as an NTSB member from 1990 to 1993. Since 1995, Hart has worked at the FAA and, at one point, was assistant administrator for the FAA Office of System Safety. He holds a commercial pilot certificate, with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
Hart’s appointment would bring a wealth of aviation safety expertise to the NTSB. | |
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| NATA Asks FAA to Extend Comment Period On Proposed Nighttime Curfew At KBUR |
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| Last week, the FAA published a notice and request for comment on the proposed nighttime curfew at Bob Hope Airport (KBUR) in Burbank, California. The notice stated that the FAA had deemed KBUR’s application to impose a nighttime curfew complete and that the agency had begun a 30-day comment period on the proposal. FAA’s notice of application completeness does not imply a tendency toward approval or denial, just a statement that all required information needed to review the proposal has been received.
NATA has asked the FAA to extend the comment period from 30 to 60 days to give its members and other affected parties the opportunity to evaluate KBUR’s proposal fully against existing statutes and regulations. NATA will be submitting formal comments to the FAA on the proposed curfew in the near future.
KBUR’s proposed curfew would ban all aircraft operations between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except for police, fire, military, medical emergency flights and aircraft operating with a declared in-flight emergency. The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority has spent $6.5 million and 9 years completing the Part 161 study.
Click here to view the FAA’s Notice and Request for Comment.
Click here to view NATA’s request for an extension to the comment period.
Click here to view KBUR’s completed Part 161 study. | |
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| Congress Introduces General Aviation Security Enhancement Act |
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| On June 26, Congressman Charles Dent (R-PA) introduced the General Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2009 . The legislation would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to engage in a negotiated rulemaking if extensive new security requirements for general aviation are established.
On October 9, 2008, the TSA transmitted to the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Large Aircraft Security Program, Other Aircraft Operator Security Program, and Airport Operator Security Program.” In this NPRM, the TSA abandoned its traditional risk-based approach to addressing security concerns and instead attempted to adapt large, commercial aviation standards to these small, independently owned and chartered aircraft.
This legislation would require that, should the TSA move forward with a rulemaking addressing general aviation, the TSA use a negotiated rulemaking process. A negotiated rulemaking typically requires (1) the establishment of a Rulemaking Committee of stakeholders (chosen by the secretary); (2) a written record; and (3) written recommendations. While negotiated rulemakings do not bind the TSA to accept the Rulemaking Committee’s recommendations, if the TSA abandons reasonable recommendations they would have to provide justification for that decision. | |
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| Status Update On Employee Free Choice Act |
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| Leadership in the U.S. Senate stated last week that H.R 1409/S. 560, the Employee Free Choice Act or “Card Check” bill should make it to the floor for a vote in July. Senate Democrats feel they have gained additional support for the bill with Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) changing parties and becoming a Democrat, as well as potential support from Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said the Senate will vote before the House takes up the bill because the Democratic majority in the House ensures it will pass.
NATA strongly encourages its members to be outspoken in opposition to the Card Check bill. It will take a lot of influence in both the House and Senate to persuade lawmakers that this legislation will negatively affect small businesses and large employers in the U.S.
Call, write, or visit your representatives today via NATA’s Legislative Action Center. | |
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| House Passes Comprehensive Climate Change Legislation |
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| Last week, prior to adjourning for the Fourth of July recess, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). ACES mandates an economy-wide carbon dioxide emissions cap 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, 42% below by 2030 and 82% lower by 2050. In addition, the bill includes a renewable electricity standard and expanded production of electric vehicles, and mandates significant increases in energy efficiency in buildings, home appliances, and electricity generation. On a positive note, the bill originally included a provision requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set carbon emissions standards for new aircraft and new aircraft engines by 2012 but that provision was removed from the final version of the bill.
To learn more about ACES, please view NATA’s Legislative Report by clicking here. | |
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| House Passes FY 2010 Homeland Appropriations Bill |
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| Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $44 billion spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The funding level is $2.6 billion above fiscal year 2009 and $200 million below the President’s budget request. The bill includes $7.69 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including $5.266 billion for aviation security, and $800 million for Explosives Detection Devices (EDS), as well as provision for air cargo and aviation regulation and enforcement.
To view NATA’s Legislative Report on the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, please click here. | |
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| Fuller, Coyne To Appear At GA Serves America Town Hall Meeting In Charlotte, NC, on July 20; Support General Aviation Serves America Today! |
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| Recently, NATA became a partner and major contributor to 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.
As part of this partnership, AOPA President Craig L. Fuller and NATA President James K. Coyne will jointly appear at a GA Serves America Town Hall Meeting on Monday, July 20, 2009, in Charlotte, NC.
To learn more about this event, please click here.
NATA is also asking its members to support this critical new initiative in three ways.
- Showcase General Aviation Serves America educational materials at your 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.
- Contribute directly to the General Aviation Serves America campaign by clicking here.
- Host a fundraising event featuring AOPA President Craig Fuller and/or NATA President James K. Coyne. To do so, contact 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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| 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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| 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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| Core Training For Strength And Stability |
| NATA’s Updated 2009 Seminar Schedule |
| NATA’s Updated 2009 Seminar Schedule
Core training is building strength from within. It provides greater efficiency, improved stability, better overall operation, and increased confidence, while reducing the risk of injury, incidents and accidents. This type of training is critically important to a lean staff in lean times to develop their knowledge, creativity, confidence and skills most efficiently and effectively to help keep your operation healthy and launch it into future growth. In these times, we are challenged to be even more creative in generating new customers, discover new ways to conduct business, foster the safest work and business environment, and concentrate on delivering THE best customer service ever for return business – with very little budget.
With all of that in mind, NATA has modified our Seminar and Workshop schedule for the remainder of 2009 to focus on the training and skills that are most important to helping you achieve a strong business core, keep you competitive at all times and prepare your staff for success in recovery. And in an effort to provide even more convenient and cost-saving educational opportunities, we will soon add Webinars to our events schedule. Visit the Events Calendar tab on our homepage at www.nata.aero for the latest listings and information and to register.
Upcoming NATA Seminars And Workshops (As Of June 26, 2009):
September 23 & 24: Commercial Operators & Management Tax Seminar, San Antonio, TX
September 23 & 24: Advanced Line Service Supervisor Training (ALSST), San Diego, CA
December 2 & 3: Line Service Supervisor Training (LSST) Seminar, Pittsburgh, PA
December 4: NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar, Pittsburgh, PA | |
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| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| The EU Emissions Trading Scheme will require some U.S. operators to purchase emissions credits for flights, even when most of the flight occurs outside the EU, as long as the flights end at an EU airport. Should the Congress be more proactive in curbing European Trading Scheme requirements affecting U.S. operators?
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.
In May 1925, the U.S. Surgeon General imposed a temporary ban on the use and sale of leaded gasoline after the deaths of over 15 workers who produced the additive. A formal commission was established to investigate the health issues arising from lead exposure from automobile gasoline. The commission, which was heavily composed of individuals from the automobile industry, found that there were "no good grounds for prohibiting the use of (leaded) gasoline,” but questions surrounding the health effects of exposure to lead continued.
In the early 1970s the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued regulations that phased out the use of lead as an additive in automobile fuels. Since that time, lead has become the focus of many environmental groups and has been phased out of use in almost all industries, except one.
Lead is still used as an additive in aviation gasoline (avgas) to prevent detonation in higher powered engines. Because aviation is the last large scale industry in America still using lead it has become a target for many environmental groups. While there are currently no regulations pending banning the use of lead as an additive in avgas, it is only a matter of time until our industry is forced to find an alternative.
Teledyne-Continental, a leading producer of avgas-powered reciprocating engines, has begun researching the effects of using unleaded fuels in its engines. Currently, Teledyne-Continental is testing 94UL (94 octane Unleaded) which is simply 100LL without the lead additive. In late March, Teledyne-Continental test flew a Beechcraft Bonanza with a 550-cubic-inch engine fueled with 94UL. The aircraft was outfitted with various sensors to provide data on engine performance as the aircraft was tested in various flight profiles. The data is still being analyzed, but it seems that 94UL could become certified for use in most piston-engine aircraft.
There are still, however, hurdles to be overcome. 94UL has not yet been tested on larger radial engines, such as those used in some fire fighting aircraft or in some higher powered turbocharged engines.
Video of Teledyne-Continentals test flight using 94UL | |
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