Newsletters


Return to list
NATA News - Steve Dickson Sworn In As FAA Administrator
[SUBJECT]

  

 
 
Share this week's
edition of
NATA News
 
 August 12, 2019 — Volume 18, Issue 31 
  This Week's Top Stories 


Steve Dickson Sworn In As FAA Administrator

Today, COO Tim Obitts and VP of Government Affairs Jonathon Freye were present as Steve Dickson was sworn in as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator. Dan Elwell has been the interim administrator for a year and half and will serve as Administrator Dickson’s deputy.

 

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement today that she was grateful for Elwell's "steady and principled leadership during an especially challenging time in the FAA's history." Elwell has been at the helm throughout the Boeing 737 MAX crisis.

 

Administrator Dickson, a pilot who was most recently senior vice president of flight operations at Delta Air Lines, said in a statement that he looked forward to "ensuring our aviation system maintains its proper place, leading the world in both safety and operational performance."

 

“NATA looks forward to working with Steve Dickson in his new role as permanent FAA Administrator to advance our shared goals of supporting aviation businesses, advancing safety, and improving the national airspace system. The Association also recognizes Deputy Administrator Dan Elwell’s leadership and earnest collaboration with the aviation business community in his role as Acting Administrator,” stated NATA COO Tim Obitts.

 

Dickson retired from Delta Air Lines after serving as a Captain and most recently as Senior Vice President-Flight Operations with oversight of the safety and operational performance of Delta’s global flight operations. He’s been a steadfast advocate for safety and modernization having served as chairman of several industry stakeholder groups and two Federal Advisory Committees: The Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee (ATMAC) and the NextGen Implementation Task Force. Read more.


 

 


NATA and Industry Stakeholders Submit DEF Petition Request and Recommendations to the EPA and FAA

On August 7th, NATA and other general aviation industry stakeholders sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting the agency issue an emergency No Action Assurance and subsequent formal exemption regarding EPA emissions requirements that mandate the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in non-road, on-airport ground support equipment and vehicles, including fuel and maintenance trucks, that are used to service general aviation aircraft.

 

The letter also asks the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to work with the EPA and general aviation industry stakeholders to identify processes and procedures that will provide operators and manufacturers the ability to address a more permanent solution and ultimately remove DEF from airports for use in vehicles and equipment operating on airports that service general aviation aircraft.

 

In June 2019, NATA, in conjunction with an industry-led working group, released recommendations for aircraft operators, fixed base operators, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders to mitigate the possibility of DEF contamination in jet fuel. These recommendations include, education, storage, labeling, handling procedures, and limiting DEF inventory. NATA continues to raise awareness on jet fuel contamination with DEF and urges FBOs and other fuel handlers to view the NATA Safety Alert on DEF here. The safety alert includes links to the NATA Operational Best Practice (OBP) on DEF handling and information on the free NATA Safety 1st DEF training course.

  

 


 

NATA’s Regulatory Affairs team has created a new tool on our website called the Regulatory Support Center. The support center aims to serve members in need of assistance with a regulatory issue.

NATA members belong to one of the most heavily regulated industries in the nation. NATA regularly interfaces with several federal government agencies whose policy-making authority directly impacts the general aviation industry. The Association’s regulatory affairs staff leverages decades of agency, industry, and field experience to keep aviation businesses apprised of the regulatory climate and ensure that they receive equitable treatment. NATA members may use the website to contact our expert staff for advice and guidance on a range of issues impacting air charter operations, flight training (141/145), customs and security, and more.

If you are not yet a member of NATA and would like to access this important benefit, email membership@nata.aero and one of our staff members will be in touch. Learn more.



 

 


Emerging Issues in Excise Tax Audits of Charter Operators | Free Webinar on August 22

Join industry veterans Nel Stubbs, Vice President, Conklin & de Decker (a JSSI Company) and Ryan Waguespack, Vice President, NATA, for a webinar discussing “Emerging Issues in Excise Tax Audits of Charter Operators.” IRS audits of charter operators’ excise tax filings are uncovering issues that may affect the entire industry. On August 22 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT, operators and representatives impacted by the Federal Excise Tax on commercial air transportation will learn more about these audit findings and their potential impacts.

 

Nel joined Conklin & de Decker in 1999 and has been in the business aviation industry for more than thirty years. She consults with numerous companies and individuals on aviation tax related matters at both the federal and state levels and has extensive experience in the areas of tax planning, cost and financial analysis, budgeting, aircraft ownership, operating structures, and tax audits.

 

Don’t miss this FREE webinar, register today.


 




 
  FAA News:
 


FAA Fly Safe: Prevent Loss of Control Accidents

 

Last week, the FAA released a newsletter about their #FlySafe campaign, which educates GA pilots about the best practices to calculate and predict aircraft performance and to operate with established aircraft limitations.


A loss of control (LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight. LOC can happen when the aircraft enters a flight regime that is outside its normal flight envelope and quickly develops into a stall or spin.

 

LOC is the number one root cause of fatalities in GA accidents. More than 25 percent of GA fatalities occur during the maneuvering phase of flight. Of those accidents, half involve stall/spin scenarios.

 

Every month on FAA.gov, pilots are provided Loss of Control solutions developed by a team of experts — some of which are already reducing risk. Read more about the FAA’s initiatives to avoid LOC here.


    

 
 
   Association Highlights:
 


NATA’s Insurance Programs Provide Strength in Numbers 

 

In an effort to bring value and savings to our members, NATA is proud to offer several cost effective and high performing Insurance Programs. NATA works to protect your place of business and employees by offering three proven Programs:

 

   -  Workers Compensation Insurance Program — underwritten by QBE Aviation — offers tangible annual savings in the form of a Good Experience Return (GER), which often equals or exceeds membership dues. Over $6.6 million in GER was returned to Program participants this year!

 

   -  P&C Insurance Program provides a full suite of insurance coverage for members. This broker-driven program delivers flexible coverage options with a quick and simple enrollment process. Coverages include Commercial Property, Business Auto, Cyber, Crime, Tanksafe, and more!

 

   -  Loss of License Insurance Program further protects your pilots — a crucial advantage in the current challenging environment for pilot staffing and retention. All participants are treated as one entity through the NATA plan, allowing for an easy underwriting experience and premium reductions created by the larger buying pool. The NATA Loss of  License Insurance Program includes NATA’s FAA Medical Certification Services at no additional cost. 

 

Email insuranceprograms@nata.aero or fill out this form to speak with a Program representative today.
   
 
 
 
   Events: 
 


Become a Certified QC Inspector with NATA Workshop | September 10-11, Van Nuys, CA

 

This fall, the Certified QC Inspector Workshop will provide attendees with a comprehensive advanced education in fuel handling topics. On September 10-11 (Van Nuys, CA), attendees will enhance their knowledge on fuel characteristics, filtration, sampling and testing, maintenance, and setting up a conformant inspection program. Additionally, this course will cover the importance of QC record keeping and documentation, along with how to prepare for a QC audit. To register, read testimonials, or for more information including the agenda, click here.

  

 
 
   
 


Join NATA for the Premier Event for Executive & Senior Level Aviation Business Leaders | November 5-6 at the MGM National Harbor

 

Join NATA and your colleagues for the November 5-6 Aviation Leadership Conference (ALC) at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD. The ALC is the premier event focused on senior aviation leaders — featuring opportunities for executives to tap into a wealth of industry knowledge from business and government policy experts.

 

The event also offers many opportunities to network and interact in meaningful discussions on enhancing business operations and addressing industry issues. 

 

The program begins with an opening lunch keynote on Tuesday, November 5 and resumes on Wednesday, November 6 with breakfast keynote and a half day of sessions, ending at noon. Registration is available at www.nata.aero/alc.

   

 
 
 
   
 


Remaining 2019 NATA and Safety 1st Events Calendar

 

NATA has multiple events this year across the country. Review the remaining 2019 events calendar and don’t miss your opportunity to network within the industry, enhance your professional/technical skills, and let your voice be heard.

 

Conferences and Symposiums
2019 Ground Handling Safety Symposium

October 1-2 | NTSB Training Center | Dulles, VA

 

2019 Aviation Leadership Conference

November 5-6 | MGM Hotel | National Harbor, MD

 

Town Halls and Forums
Air Charter Forum

October 3 | Teterboro, NJ

 

Industry Town Halls
September 12 | West Houston Airport | Houston, TX
October 1 | Boca Raton Airport | Boca Raton, FL

 

Professional/Technical Development

NATA Safety 1st Certified Quality Control Inspector Workshop

September 10-11 | Aeroplex/Aerolease | Van Nuys, CA

 

NATA Certified Customer Service Representative Program

December 10-11 | Chateau LeMoyne – French Quarter | New Orleans, LA
   

 
 
   Membership Spotlight:
 


72 Euro Jet Ground Personnel Are Now Safety 1st Certified

 

Euro Jet has announced that they broke a record by having 72 key ground personnel successfully pass NATA’s Safety 1st Pilot Line Service Training (PLST). As soon as Euro Jet was established 11 years ago, it was an immediate goal to have their airport agents certified in NATA Safety 1st training. Euro Jet is the first support company in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to have its handling agents certified. “It is our belief that in aviation you can never stop learning. Ground handling, safety, and customer service are limitless in their scope of knowledge, understanding of the smallest details, and changing rules and regulations. Continued training is essential to ensuring you have the best team out there,” says CEO Karol “Charlie” Bodnar. Read more.

 

 
 
 
   
 


Avfuel Adds Two Washington FBOs to Branded Network

 

Avfuel Corporation has announced two new partnerships with full-service FBOs in central Washington as it welcomes Pangborn Flight Center (KEAT) and McCormick Air Center (KYKM) to its branded network. Mark Haynes, Vice President of Sales for Avfuel Corporation, said, “We’re proud to offer customers flying and fueling in the Avfuel Network two new premier locations in the Pacific Northwest. Both FBOs have an upstanding reputation for service and a passion for aviation, serving as choice gateways to their respective communities.” Read more.

 

 
 
    
 


Pentastar Aviation Recognized as a Crain’s Cool Place to Work

 

Pentastar Aviation is pleased to announce they have been recognized for their corporate culture by being named one of Crain’s Detroit Business Cool Places to Work in Michigan for 2019. Input from Pentastar employees on an engagement and satisfaction survey, administered from the third-party Best Companies Group, led to their recognition and placement on the list. “We have a culture that breaks down barriers and promotes open communication and collaboration, so everyone has input while getting to do what they love to do,” said Greg Schmidt, Pentastar’s President & CEO. “It also empowers our employees to make decisions to assure our customers are completely satisfied, which leads to a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction.” Read more.

 

 
 

 

 


Spring 2019

Follow NATA on 

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

     
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
Sitemap | Press Room | Contact Us | Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved.

NATA News is a weekly e-newsletter offering top industry, legislative, regulatory and association news.
To subscribe to NATA News, please Click Here. To unsubscribe from NATA News, please click here to Opt Out

 
    
##TrackImpression##