NATA News

The IRS announced 2018 rates for certain commercial transportation federal excise taxes and fees that are subject to annual inflationary adjustment. For transportation in calendar year 2018, the Domestic Segment Fee is $4.20, the International Facilities Fee increases to $18.30 per passenger and the fee for transportation beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii is $9.20 per passenger.

The 7.5% tax on amounts paid for passenger transportation and the 6.25% rate for cargo are not indexed to inflation and remain unchanged. The 2018 rates are found on page 20 of the IRS Revenue Procedure 2017-58.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently published the Final Rule to the changes in its drug testing program. These changes include adding four new semi-synthetic opioids to the testing panel, which go into effect January 1, 2018.

The four semi-synthetic opioids are:

Last month, the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) issued a position statement on Super Absorbent Polymer or SAP (the media used in EI 1583 filter monitor cartridges), which recommended that filter monitors be phased out of all aviation fuel handling systems. The announcement came after eight separate, documented incidents in which SAP was found downstream in engine/airframe fuel system components. Following the initial position statement from IATA, several leading industry groups have issued their own statements. Parker’s Velcon Aviation Filtration Division issued Service Bulletin 1217-1, which seeks to clarify the various current positions. The bulletin includes the collective “best practices” of IATA, A4A, JIG, and EI along with Parker’s “go-forward” actions for their EI 1583 qualified monitor elements. For more industry recommendations on the monitor filter elements issue, please visit “The Safety Net” blog — a great place for trainers and administrators to share thoughts on safety and training issues, ask questions, share comments or even make suggestions for using Safety 1^st online training more effectively. Subscribe to “The Safety Net” to stay informed and engaged with the Safety 1^st community.

The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is currently accepting applications for: The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship and The NATA Business Scholarship. Multiple awards are available from $1,000 to $2,500 and the deadline to apply is the last Friday in December. For more information or to complete your application, click here.

Register today for the upcoming Advanced Line Service (ALS) Workshop to be held on January 24-25 at Gateway Aviation Services in Phoenix, AZ. ALS workshops are designed for Line Service Professionals, both experienced or relatively new to the industry. This two-day workshop includes discussions on motivation and leadership techniques, customer service training and the impact of human factors on aviation ground handling. Attendees will also learn about advanced aviation fuel handling and quality control, including hands-on training. The ALS Workshop is designed for Line Service Professionals who are experienced or relatively new to the industry. This program can assist managers, owners and even customer service representatives with knowledge and skills that will help them excel in their respective areas. 

McCreery Aviation, located at the McAllen International Airport, has successfully completed an International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) registration.

On December 9^th, Banyan Air Services hosted an Aviation Career Day at its Ft. Lauderdale, FL facility. Several flight schools and colleges participated in the event, offering insight on education and career opportunities within the industry. Attendees also received a guided tour of the Banyan Air Services complex, including visits to FBO Services, Maintenance, Avionics and Pilot Shop. Read more.

Register now for the 2018 Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA. The event takes place March 13-14, 2018. The Symposium is the annual gathering of the air charter and business aviation industry where current and emerging safety challenges are reviewed and discussed. This year’s theme is "Promoting the Highest Levels of Aviation Safety.” For more information, please click here.