|
|
| |
|
Share this week's
edition of
NATA News |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| View HTML Version of Newsletter |
October 2, 2017 — Volume 16, Issue 40 |
| |
| This Week's Top Stories |
|
FAA Funding Extended Through March 2018, Privatization Debate Continues
|
|
On Friday, President Trump signed into law legislation that extends the FAA’s current authorization for an additional six months until the end of March 2018. The move came after a week where an initial attempt last Monday to approve the legislation in the House on a fast-track basis failed and a subsequent version that gained House approval late in the week had to be reconsidered on Thursday after the Senate stripped out an extraneous provision related to flood insurance.
Major general aviation associations, including NATA, support the extension and in a recent letter to Congressional leaders also requested the House proposal to create a privatized air traffic control corporation be stripped from any long-term FAA reauthorization.
Speculation now centers around what happens next. House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) still expresses confidence his legislation, the 21st Century AIRR Act, containing the controversial ATC privatization proposal, will be considered as early as next week. The Senate version of the FAA authorization contains at least one contentious provision related to air carrier training.
It is important that NATA members visit NATA’s Legislative Action Center or utilize the GA industry advocacy hotline, 833-GAVoice (833-428-6423), and tell your Representative to oppose ATC privatization.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
FAA Associate Administrator Bahrami Confirmed for Aviation Business Roundtable
|
| |
NATA is pleased to announce that the FAA's new Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, Ali Bahrami is confirmed to speak at this year's annual Aviation Business Roundtable. We look forward to getting to know Administrator Bahrami and hearing his insights and perspectives on the FAA’s safety programs and initiatives.
The Roundtable, held in Washington, D.C. on November 7th and 8th, is the premier event focused on senior aviation leaders like you — featuring opportunities for executives to tap into a wealth of industry knowledge from business and government policy experts.
This year, attendees will:
- Gain insight from FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta on the current state of the nation's air transportation system and ongoing efforts to improve regulatory consistency across the FAA's regions and offices.
- Hear from CNN political commentator Matt Lewis on how the Trump Administration is affecting the political landscape in Washington, DC, including the potential impact on proposals to privatize ATC.
- Receive an inside look at the market and find out what is on the horizon for general aviation from top aviation industry analyst Richard Aboulafia.
For more information about registration and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.nata.aero/abr.
|
|
|
|
|
New NATA Podcast Discusses the Prospects for Tax Reform
|
|
|
In NATA’s latest podcast, Executive Vice President Bill Deere and Jorge Castro, Founder and Principal of Castro Strategies, LLC, discuss the release of the Trump Administration/Congressional Republican framework for reforming the tax code, its potential impact on aviation businesses and whether the proposal holds the key to finally resolving the tax treatment of aircraft management services.
An advisor to NATA on tax policy, Castro has been on the front line of issues such as the clarification of tax treatment of aircraft management services and has a unique combination of Executive and Legislative Branch experience, having held senior positions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives.
During the discussion, Castro notes — for businesses — the highlights of the framework are two-fold, “A significant reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20% and, secondly, for businesses that operate abroad, there’s a move toward a territorial, international tax system.” Jorge also highlights proposals that would benefit the aviation industry, such as, “The framework allows for immediate, 100% full expensing of new assets for at least five years, an important provision that NATA has championed.” Commenting on the path forward and his expectations for the success of tax reform, Castro advises, “The [Congressional] tax committees are going to need to move this large tax package and that is going to provide an opening to attach the FET legislation [clarifying the tax treatment of aircraft management services]. The Democratic leadership in Congress has expressed initial opposition to the framework, however, President Trump has shown a willingness to negotiate with them and that leaves an opening for tax reform. Anything is possible, and it is important for impacted industries to become engaged in the process.”
Listen to the podcast here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NATA's Successful Ground Handling Safety Symposium Fills Industry Void
|
| |
Last week, NATA held its two-day inaugural Ground Handling Safety Symposium at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia. Attendees heard from safety experts and aviation business leaders on a range of topics, including the importance of Safety Management Systems (SMS), how to cultivate an internal safety culture, and best hiring practices in safety-focused aviation businesses.
“The Symposium was first proposed by NATA’s Safety Committee as a forum for FBOs and ground handlers to explore safety issues and share experiences in an open format. While we have met that goal, we will use feedback from participants at this inaugural conference to continue growing this event,” stated Michael France, Managing Director of Safety and Training.
NATA Safety Committee Chairman Bob Schick added, “I appreciate the work of the NATA staff in helping to create a Symposium that exceeded the expectations of the Committee. The quality of speakers, depth of topics, and interaction between the attendees and speakers, resulted in a very successful event. Many participants have already committed to further discussion at next year’s Symposium. Already, this is a must-attend event for FBO managers, line managers and other safety personnel.”
Bill Deere, NATA Executive Vice President emphasized the importance of the event, “The Symposium’s success is a result of the Safety Committee addressing an industry void and providing input to develop a meaningful program agenda for ground handling professionals. Most important, this was not an event where people spoke at attendees, but rather one that depended on constant interaction among all the ground handling professionals in attendance.”
Visit NATA’s Twitter and Facebook pages for Ground Handling Safety Symposium photos and video clips.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Association Highlights |
| |
Digital Version of the 2017 3rd Quarter ABJ Available | Buyers’ Guide Edition
|
| |
NATA's 2017 Q3 Aviation Business Journal is now available online. Highlights from this issue:
- Member Profile — Sheltair: Expansionary Mode
- Introduction to NATA’s 2017 Board Members
- 2017 Buyers’ Guide
- NATA’s Maintenance Committee Assists FAA with Standardized Compliance Checklist
- 2017 Aviation Business Conference Wrap-Up
- Guidance on ADS-B Compliance
- Selling Your FBO
- Safety 1st Update
- And more!
The printed ABJ should arrive in your mailbox soon. Copies will also be available at the NBAA conference publication bins next week. As always, we thank our advertisers and Member Support Level participants. Click here to read.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
NATA Seeking Sponsors and Training Facilities for 2018 Events
|
NATA is currently seeking FBO locations to host our 2018 training workshops, professional development seminars and regional town halls. Please note, the training space must have room to fit a minimum of 20-25 attendees comfortably.
This is a great opportunity for FBOs looking for direct contact with other aviation businesses. In addition to hosting our NATA members at your facility, your business will be featured on the event’s webpage, on signage, in NATA News, and in other advertisement opportunities. In exchange for the use of your facility, your company will be named a sponsor.
Alternatively, paid sponsorship opportunities start at $250. Sponsors and hosts also have the option of promoting their business with marketing flyers and/or giveaways.
If interested in hosting or sponsoring, please contact Karissa Uko at kuko@nata.aero or (202) 774-1513.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
National Air Transportation Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications
|
| |
NATA awards several scholarships throughout the year to aviation college/university program and flight training students — as well as association members looking to continue their education. The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is currently accepting applications for: The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship, The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship and The NATA Business Scholarship. Multiple awards are available from $1,000 to $2,500 with application deadlines in November and December 2017. For more information or to complete your application, click here.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Find or Post Your Next Opportunity with NATA Classifieds
|
| |
Did you know that NATA posts RFPs, job openings and internship opportunities on its website? Interested companies can either post their open positions or send them to Jake Legere at jlegere@nata.aero. Previous postings include: Chief Inspector, Line Service Shift Supervisor, General Manager, Customer Service Agent and numerous internships. Click here to view more classified listings. This resource is available to NATA members by logging onto www.nata.aero.
|
|
|
| |
| Industry Updates |
| |
FAA Fly Safe: Prevent Loss of Control Accidents
|
| |
The FAA, along with NATA and other general aviation groups, have launched a national safety campaign this flying season called #FlySafe to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents. LOC can result when an aircraft enters a flight regime that is outside its normal flight envelope and may quickly develop into a stall or spin. The latest campaign focuses on how to safely return to piloting an aircraft after a period of inactivity.
|
|
|
| |
| Events |
| |
NATA Holds Final 2017 Advanced Line Service Workshop on November 14-15 in Ft. Myers, FL
|
| |
On November 14th and 15th, NATA will hold its final 2017 Advanced Line Service (ALS) Workshop at Base Operations Page Field in Fort Myers, FL. This popular two-day workshop includes discussions on motivation and leadership techniques, customer service training and the impact of human factors on aviation ground handling. In addition, attendees will learn advanced aviation fuel handling and quality control, including hands-on training.
Register now for the November ALS Workshop in Fort Myers, FL!
|
|
|
| |
| Member Spotlight |
| |
Nel Stubbs Honored with NASAO President's Award
|
| |
Last month, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) honored Conklin & de Decker Vice President and Co-Owner Nel Stubbs with the association’s President’s Award. Presented during NASAO’s 86th Annual Convention and Tradeshow in Point Clear, Alabama, the award is one of NASAO’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have made long-standing contributions to the association and to state aviation. Stubbs has spent 30 years providing industry expertise on federal and state tax issues, as well as advising on tax planning, cost and financial analysis, budgeting, aircraft ownership, operating structures and tax audits. She has served with Conklin & de Decker since 1999 and is actively involved with a number of aviation associations and is frequently a speaker at industry events. “Throughout the years, Nel has maintained an unwavering commitment to, and passion for, NASAO and state aviation, with her unmatched expertise and invaluable counsel on state aviation taxes and revenue,” said NASAO President and CEO Mark Kimberling. Read more.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
ExcelAire Adds Hawker 800 to Fleet
|
| |
ExcelAire recently announced the addition of a Hawker 800 to its fleet. "The new Hawker 800 provides our customers with yet another option for domestic and international travel," said Rob Sherry, Senior Vice President of Operations for ExcelAire. The Hawker 800 seats eight passengers and features state-of-the-art entertainment systems, which includes Gogo and other passenger amenities. Read more.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
City Council Moves Forward with Augusta Airport Development
|
| |
NATA member Augusta Municipal Airport will soon begin construction on new T-hangars, after a project study recommended two 10-unit hangar buildings with one mechanical room per building and insulation on the roof, exterior walls, and the bi-fold doors. Assistant City Manager Cody Sims reported that there are 10 planes on the current waiting list for a T-hangar. "There is value to the T-hangars. They are helpful to the operation of the airport and would generate revenue," added City Manager Josh Shaw. Read more.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
Follow NATA on
|
| |
|
|
| 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. |
| About NATA | Membership | Committees | Products & Services | Events | News | Safety 1st | Government Affairs |
|
NATA News is a weekly e-newsletter offering top industry, legislative, regulatory and association news.
|
| |
|
|
 ##TrackImpression## |