NATA News

NATA was saddened to learn of the passing of long-time NATA and Air Charter Safety Foundation member Thomas H. Miller, Director of Operations at Gama Aviation. Tom started his professional career in aviation over 30 years ago as a Lear Jet Pilot. In 1985, Tom joined what is now Gama Aviation LLC and was promoted to Chief Pilot and then to the position of Director of Operations. Tom was instrumental in the FAA SMS Pilot Program, ACSF, ISO 9001:2015 and IS-BAO registrations of the company. Tom’s passion for flying and willingness to lend a hand also drove him to volunteer for Eagle One Rescue, where he assisted as a helicopter pilot in many rescue operations, including Hurricane Katrina. A private burial took place on Saturday, January 7^th. Donations in his honor may be sent to: Eagle One, P.O. Box 616, Southport, CT 06890-0616.

“Tom’s generosity of his time and expertise as a member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation Board of Governors and his support of NATA events and programs over the years will not be forgotten. Safety was a priority for Tom and his dedication to promoting best practices throughout his organization as well as the industry was inspirational,” stated NATA Board Chairman Andy Priester.

NATA will soon call for nominations to acknowledge the individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating excellence in their field and the highest levels of customer service to the general aviation community. Each year, NATA presents awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations. Stay tuned for more information or contact Jake Legere at jlegere@nata.aero. 

NATA's Q4 Aviation Business Journal is available online. This issue highlights:

- Member Profile – Serious About Cirrus: flyADVANCED Lancaster
- Marketing: The Relentless Pursuit of Relevance
- Design Thinking for Aviation Safety
- Best Practices on Winter Preparation and Deicing
- 2016 NATA ABR Recap
- Pre-Buy Inspections

Click here to read.

NATA’s FBO Success Seminar returns by popular demand. Join your colleagues March 7-8, 2017 at the Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter in New Orleans, LA, to learn new FBO management techniques, gain essential operational and service knowledge, and connect with fellow attendees at a networking forum. This seminar is designed for FBO owners, operators, general managers, new managers, finance personnel and other key FBO employees who are interested in building a more successful FBO. Please visit here for agenda, hotel information and registration details.

April 7, 2017 — save $95! For more information, please visit www.nata.aero/abc. 

Last month, Jeff Kohlman acquired Paul Meyers’ interest in the Aviation Management Consulting Group (AMCG), which they cofounded in 1998. Meyers will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the company, but Kohlman expects that he will continue to work on business development and serve as a strategic advisor. Read more.

The 2017 ACSF Safety Symposium will take place March 7-8, 2017 at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA. Topics will include Reducing Risk, Emergency Response Plans, Leadership, Ground Handling and more. ACSF members can register for $685 (nonmembers $795). Registration includes admittance to the two-day event, all scheduled group meals, breaks, and social functions, and transportation to and from hotel to events. To learn more or to register, click here.