NATA News

NATA awards several scholarships throughout the year to aviation college/university program and flight training students — as well as to 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.

In a recent NATA 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.”

NATA was built on a foundation of advocacy as the voice of aviation businesses. Follow aviation business issues and other important industry news in real time on NATA's Social Media channels.

The NATA Safety 1^st FBO Status Map is a web-based resource that assists aircraft operators in locating FBOs and ground handlers that are Safety 1^st qualified and IS-BAH registered. NATA created the map to supplement the existing processes used by aircraft operators when selecting an FBO. The map is searchable by airport ID, company name and address, and allows for additional details for each operation. Safety 1^st participants can enhance their existing record on a yearly, per location basis. The listing enhancement includes adding their website, logo, contact information and more. Interested businesses can get started by emailing Safety1st@nata.aero.

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.

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.

Duncan Aviation has installed its first Gogo Avance L5 WiFi system in a Gulfstream IV-SP, using its recently developed STC. This marks the first time the system has been installed in this aircraft type. “Duncan Aviation has been a leader in the industry when it comes to the integration of in-flight connectivity into business jets, having installed more than 600 Gogo air-to-ground services in more than 12 aircraft models,” noted Dennis Kruse, an avionics sales and service representative with the Nebraska-based company. Installation of the Avance L5 system, which uses a dual-band router to offer enhanced connectivity applications such as audio and video streaming, was performed at Duncan’s Battle Creek, Michigan facility. Read more.

Amid the growing global pilot shortage, the University of North Dakota (UND) announces the establishment of a $1.5 million scholarship endowment for high-achieving students to earn their wings. Made possible by matching $500,000 contributions from the non-profit UND Aerospace Foundation, UND Promise Scholarship Program and James C. Ray Foundation, the scholarship dollars will enable the next generation of pilots and other aviation and aerospace professionals to attend one of the nation’s leading collegiate aviation programs. “We are constantly looking for ways of attracting the best and brightest students to UND,” said UND President Mark Kennedy. “Endowments like this will help us by providing scholarship dollars specifically for recruitment.” Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018, UND Aerospace is increasing the pool of scholarship dollars specifically offered to high school seniors.