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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. |
Want to advertise in NATA News? Click here for more information.
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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 Responds To Senator’s Request For Hearing On Part 135 Safety |
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| Last week, NATA President James K. Coyne sent a letter to U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) responding to the Senator’s request that a congressional hearing be held on the safety of “on-demand” aircraft operations.
In the letter to Lautenberg, Coyne stated:
While the tragic collision of two small aircraft that recently occurred over the Hudson River was devastating, these occurrences are extremely rare. NATA remains concerned with the intense scrutiny being placed on the airspace in which general aviation aircraft operate in the New York City area and the characterizations being made about air tours specifically and on-demand operations in general.
As can often happen in such situations, there is excessive speculation and a natural desire to assign blame. We urge you not to fall into these traps but, instead, to take this opportunity to learn more about this unique industry that employs millions while the experts at the NTSB complete their investigative work.
To view Coyne’s letter to Senator Lautenberg in its entirety, please click here.
To view Lautenberg’s hearing request letter, please click here. | |
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| FAA Panel Reviews Hudson River Corridor Safety |
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| The FAA recently convened a working group to review operating procedures in the visual flight rules corridor over the Hudson and East Rivers in the wake of the August 8 midair collision. The “New York Airspace Working Group” is expected to present its safety recommendations to top FAA management this week.
According to the FAA, “FAA air traffic and safety experts will review and analyze a variety of proposals to change the operating procedures in the Visual Flight Rules corridors over the two rivers. Both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters currently operate in the same airspace at or below 1,100 feet.”
To view the complete FAA press release on this new working group, please click here.
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| President’s Vacation Creates Significant Airspace Restrictions |
| TFR In Effect Through August 30 |
| President Obama’s vacation on Martha’s Vineyard has resulted in a temporary flight restriction (TFR) more akin to the one in place for the Olympics than for previous presidential movement. All non-scheduled passenger operations planning to arrive or depart the Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) must obtain permission at least 72 hours in advance and will be subject to special security screening. Aircraft bound for MVY must stop at one of three designated portal airports for screening.
The severity and duration of the restrictions have caused a negative reaction within the industry and in the local community. Travel by aircraft is one of the primary means of access to Martha’s Vineyard because it is an island, and the relatively late notice provided before the TFR took effect has caused some with vacation plans to make last minute adjustments. The TFR also has shut down the island’s Katama Airfield. NATA President James K. Coyne was interviewed by the local paper, the Vineyard Gazette, and voiced his concern with the TFR and the impact it has on the local community. Read the Vineyard Gazette’s article.
An overview of the TFR is provided below. The FAA provides additional information, including the NOTAM text, graphic depictions of the TFR and a plain language explanation at http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_4835.html.
All operators are reminded to check NOTAMS prior to flight to ensure compliance with all requirements. Any aircraft not adhering to the NOTAM will be intercepted.
The TFR is in effect from 1030 EDT August 23 through 1700 EDT on August 30.
Within 10 NM of MVY
- Part 91 or Part 135 passenger-carrying operations are authorized ONLY if they comply with waiver and portal airport screening requirements.
- Part 135 all-cargo carriers complying with TFSSP are permitted and need not comply with the portal requirement.
- Exemptions are available for emergency medical flights if coordinated in advance of flight.
Portal Screening Requirement
- Part 91 and 135 wishing to arrive at MVY during the TFR must obtain a waiver and be screened at a portal airport. Flights departing MVY will be screened at MVY.
- Waiver requests must be submitted via https://waiver.c3.faa.gov/.
- Screening must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance of flight.
- Screening for arrivals will be at Westchester (HPN), Barnstable (HYA) and Green State (PVD) airports.
- Screening will be available from 0600 – 2000 local at MVY and the three portals
Within 10-30 NM of MVY
- Most operations related to arrivals and departures at affected airports are permitted
- 2-way COM, flight plan, discrete transponder code required
- Local arrival/departures only, transit flights not likely to be approved. Flight training and glider flights (among others) are not authorized.
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| EU Emissions Trading Scheme Update Now Available |
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| The first submission deadline for U.S. operators affected by the European Union’s (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is less than one week away. Some U.S. aircraft operators will be required to submit emissions monitoring and benchmarking plans to their competent authority by Monday, August 31. Because of the speed of the implementation of aviation’s inclusion into ETS, several significant grey areas regarding compliance have arisen.
NATA has released an update on ETS initial compliance. The update covers the latest information on ETS eligibility, exemption and compliance dates and also provides links to official EU documentation on ETS. NATA’s is available here or at www.nata.aero. All aircraft operators who operate flights into the EU are urged to review the update and contact the appropriate authorities to ensure ETS compliance. | |
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| Update To NFPA 407 |
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued a proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to NFPA 407 – Standard on Aircraft Fuel Servicing. TIAs are changes to the standard that occur outside of the normal standard revision cycle and are used to address serious or emergency situations. The TIA issued for NFPA 407 addresses aircraft refueling trucks that are equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration equipment. Diesel-powered trucks equipped with DPF equipment require occasional filter regeneration, a process that creates extremely high exhaust system temperatures. The proposed TIA includes the following provisions:
- Requirement for DPF refueling truck to have a lockout mode that prevents automatic regeneration when in the vicinity of aircraft
- Exhaust system shielding requirements
- Tailpipe diffuser requirement
- Requirement that DPF regeneration only be performed in approved areas by approved staff.
- Requirements for an approved regeneration area
The proposed TIA for NFPA 407 is available here. The NFPA will be accepting comments on the proposed TIA for NFPA 407 until September 11, 2009. | |
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| Reminder: Have You Completed NATA’s FAA Standardization Survey? |
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| One of the biggest burdens confronting the general aviation industry is the varying interpretation of FAA regulations by the agency's Regional, Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards District Offices.
To gauge the impact of these variations, NATA has launched a special survey. Obtaining survey responses is of great importance, as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now conducting a review of inconsistencies in how field inspectors interpret and apply requirements on regulated entities.
Complete the survey now!
NATA is highly supportive of this review and asked Members of Congress to request the study to address the mounting dilemma member companies face in dealing with the lack of regulatory interpretation standardization between local FAA offices.
All interested aviation businesses that are certificated by the FAA are asked to complete a brief anonymous survey that will allow the association to present summary data related to this important issue.
NATA will compile the survey data received and provide a summary of the results to the GAO. The association is hopeful that the final GAO report will prove the significance of the issue, highlight a need for change within the FAA, and propose solutions that can address the problem.
NATA pledges to keep all information strictly confidential unless the submitter specifically agrees to be contacted and to have their information used in an identifiable way.
Click here to begin the survey. | |
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| Want To Assist An Army Veteran Before His Deployment To Iraq? |
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| Late last week, the office of Congressman Peter King (R-NY) contacted the association looking for assistance for a member of the U.S. Army in transporting his English Bulldog from Oklahoma to Hawaii. Army Specialist Blake Murphy and his family (wife and three young children) were recently transferred from Fort Sill, OK, to Hawaii as he trains for his deployment to Iraq in early September. While the family has made the move to Hawaii, their English Bulldog was not able to fly commercially because domestic carriers do not allow this breed of dog to fly in the cargo-hold of aircraft when temperatures are 75 degrees or greater. The dog weighs approximately 35 lbs. and is presently being boarded at a kennel in Fort Sill.
Specialist Murphy has asked Rep. King for his assistance in bringing the dog to Hawaii while he is away on tour. The request is being made with some urgency so Specialist Murphy’s three young children are not without both their father and dog. Murphy departs in a few weeks.
NATA is asking its members for assistance to help relocate Specialist Murphy’s dog from Oklahoma to Hawaii. Those interested in assisting Specialist Murphy are urged to contact Eric Byer, NATA’s Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs, via email at ebyer@nata.aero or by via cell at (703) 863-8818.
The association greatly appreciates your consideration and any assistance your organization may be able to provide. | |
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| Quiz The ALSST Seminar Instructors This Wednesday |
| Free Preview Of The Advanced Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar |
| Find out what the Advanced Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar is all about August 26. Seminar instructors Frank Surface and Walter Chartrand will host a free webinar to give you a chance to get to know them, provide a closer look at the agenda topics and answer your questions about the program. Find out more about why this seminar is a must-attend event. The special August 15 discounted registration rate will be extended for those interested in learning more during the webinar.
Click here to register for the free webinar or send a message to webinars@nata.aero to receive an invitation by email.
Or click here to register now for the September 23-24 seminar. | |
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| 85% Of Poll Responders Agree That Federal Excise Taxes Are Confusing |
| Are You One Of Them? Register For The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar |
| Last week, NATA asked members if they felt federal excise taxes were well understood and the significant majority of respondents said they were not.
To help charter operators navigate the convoluted maze of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), as well as federal, state and local tax issues, NATA and Conklin & de Decker have created the Commercial Operator Tax Seminar.
Who needs to pay tax on what charges and to whom are the taxes owed? How often are they paid and who collects? Adding to the confusion is the additional tax complexity of Part 135 charter flying versus Part 91 owner flying. Throw in charter broker flights and it’s no wonder operators can feel overwhelmed. These are all questions for which simple answers are hard to find, so Conklin & de Decker and NATA have put together this informative two-day tax seminar to cover it all.
The Commercial Operator Tax Seminar is September 23-24 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Westin Riverwalk.
The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar covers the entire range of today's tax and regulatory issues confronting business aircraft management companies and charter operators. This seminar answers the complex questions regarding federal excise taxes, state taxes, international fees, FARs and IRS regulations so attendees walk away with real clarity on all these issues!
The Tax Seminar is a must-attend for the director of operations, CFO or controller of all commercial aircraft operations and management companies. This seminar will be extremely helpful to anyone who has an aircraft on a Part 135 certificate or is considering doing so. Additional details, including scheduled speakers, agenda and registration are available on the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar event page. | |
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| Advertising With NATA Pays Off |
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| NATA offers numerous advertising opportunities to fit any budget. Advertising with NATA offers high visibility, optimum value, and direct access to more than 5,000 industry executives throughout the world. Opportunities are available to advertise on the nata.aero website, in any of NATA’s electronic newsletters and in the quarterly Aviation Business Journal. For more information, please contact Linda Pylant at (703) 845-9000 X112 or click here.
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| Enhance Your Professional Skills With Online Training |
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| Through continuing education, you and your team can enhance the professional skills needed to maximize personal and professional contributions to the day-to-day efficiency of your operation. As part of NATA’s continuing effort to provide quality, low cost alternatives to traditional classroom-style learning, we offer several online learning opportunities:
Professional Line Service Training (PLST)
PLST Online is the best way to train, and recurrently train, the men and women out on the tarmac who marshal, fuel and manage the aircraft, crew and passengers who are the lifeblood of any FBO. Click here to learn more or to access training.
139 Fire Safety Training
This fire safety course has been certified by the FAA to provide the training required by 14 CFR 139.321 for all aviation fuel handlers every 24 calendar months. Click here to learn more or begin training.
Teterboro Airport Flight Crew Briefing
This briefing is a customized online training tool that provides pilots and other flight crew members flying into and out of Teterboro Airport access to critical safety information about the airport, including its location, layout, operations, regulations, and safety and security procedures. Click here before visiting Teterboro Airport or to incorporate this briefing into your training program. | |
| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| NATA’s weekly surveys are part of an effort to obtain more information from our members to serve their daily needs better. These surveys range from specific policy topics to programs, products and services that the association provides or should provide. The association strongly encourages members to take a few moments to review and complete this online survey in each week’s edition of NATA News.
Question:
Should the TFR that was recently unveiled for President Obama’s trip to Martha’s Vineyard, MA, later this week be as prohibitive towards general aviation operations as is currently prescribed?
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.
As discussed in previous NATA news editions, the use of lead as an additive in aviation fuel is coming under increased fire and it is likely that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will eventually promulgate regulations to prohibit lead additives in aviation gasoline. Our industry has been working on finding solutions to this issue for the last 20 years, but currently, no simple solution has been found.
This week, NATA will gather with other major industry stakeholders to discuss possible paths to eliminating lead from aviation fuels. The goal of this group, Future Avgas Strategy & Transition (FAST) sponsored by the General Aviation Manufactures Association, is to develop an industry-supported plan and timetable for eliminating lead additives from use in aviation gasoline.
Following the FAST plan meeting, NATA staff will also attend the Coordinating Research Council’s (CRC) unleaded Avgas development meeting. The CRC is a non-profit organization that directs engineering and environmental studies on the interaction between transportation equipment and petroleum products. This meeting will help set the CRC’s future agenda on unleaded avgas research and development. NATA staff will have the opportunity to brief CRC participants on NATA’s membership and the effect the elimination of lead additives may have on those members.
NATA will provide its membership with follow-up from both of these meetings in the coming weeks. | |
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