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| December 23, 2019 — Volume 18, Issue 50 |
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| This Week's Top Stories |
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New Charter Guidance for Pilots and Passengers
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Last Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released new guidance and resources to educate pilots and air passengers on illegal charter, while warning that future non-compliance may result in FAA sanctions.
The updates posted to the FAA’s website include a detailed letter to Blackbird Air – a web-based app that connects passengers with pilots – in which the agency states that any pilot who provides charter flights without complying with Part 119 will be in violation of Federal Aviation Regulations. An additional document provides a series of questions and answers to help passengers and pilots understand the legal consequences of engaging in air transportation services without the operator holding the requisite certifications.
“This is a great example of a government organization listening to the industry and following through to address mis-information and noncompliance,” stated NATA COO and General Counsel Timothy Obitts. “When NATA first met with the FAA on illegal charter, we expressed a need for specific tools and training for inspectors and a clarification of rules governing legal and safe flight sharing for the industry. We are very grateful to Administrator Dickson and his team at the FAA for their efforts. Through these positive steps, together we are taking action to eliminate illegal charter activity.” Read more.
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Congress Fully Funds Aviation Workforce
Development Programs for 2020
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Last Wednesday, the Association applauded Congressional appropriators on the release of the final text of a bipartisan, bicameral funding agreement for fiscal year 2020, which began on October 1st. The legislation appropriates a total budget of just over $17 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration, with most programs funded above the level of the President’s FY2020 budget request. Aviation workforce development programs, a top NATA priority, will receive full funding at the authorized level of $10 million. The bill also provides robust funding for the Airport Improvement Program at the $3.35 billion level as authorized, and an additional $400 million from the general fund.
“Workforce development is an issue of critical importance to our members; we hear it from them all the time. NATA was pleased to be a part of the broad industry coalition during the effort to include this program in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization bill, and that our continued efforts to ensure the program is fully funded have paid off,” said Jonathon Freye, NATA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.
“NATA looks forward to working with our members and the FAA to identify and support competitive applicants when the FAA makes the funding available,” said NATA COO Timothy Obitts. Read more.
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NATA Supports Industry Letter Opposing Aircraft
Noise Reduction Act (H.R. 5423)
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Last Friday, the Association joined a coalition of aviation stakeholder groups on a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Sam Graves, as well as Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Rick Larsen and Ranking Member Garret Graves, expressing opposition to H.R. 5423, a bill introduced by Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2) called the “Aircraft Noise Reduction Act.” The bill was reported to be in response to noise complaints from constituents, what it really does is devolve federal authority to the sponsors of general aviation airports, allowing them to impose restrictions on the type and times of operations of aircraft for compensation or hire. At many airports, this could potentially include Part 135 air charter, regional air cargo, flight instruction, and regional air carrier service.
“NATA’s members rely on the efficiency of and access to the National Airspace System. The operational flexibility of general aviation in America sets us apart from other countries and fosters the economic value that GA flights bring to communities across the country. We will continue to strongly advocate in favor of federal policies that maintain access to our aviation infrastructure and reject attempts to restrict it,” stated Jonathon Freye, NATA’s Vice President of Government & Public Affairs. Read more.
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NATA Director of Regulatory Affairs Megan
Eisenstein Appointed to NFPA's Technical Committee on Airport Facilities
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NATA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Megan Eisenstein, has been appointed as a Principal to the Airport Facilities (AIS-AAA) Committee. This Committee is the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) technical committee for the NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars. The Committee has primary responsibility for documents on fire safety for the construction and protection of airport facilities involving construction engineering (excluding airport fixed fueling systems). These documents include: The Standard for Construction and Protection of Aircraft Engine Test Facilities (NFPA 423), the Standard on Aircraft Hangars (NFPA 409), and the Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways (NFPA 415). NATA’s Managing Director of Safety and Training, Michael France, also serves as an alternate on this committee.
“Megan Eisenstein has a keen understanding of the aviation business industry and a pulse on the needs of our membership. The Airport Facilities Committee will greatly benefit from Megan’s experience as a pilot, staff liaison to the Association’s Airport Business Committee, and a participant on various industry working groups,” stated NATA Chairman of the Board Curt Castagna. Read more.
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| Member Monday: |
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NATA Member Monday! | International Jet Aviation
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NATA’s Member Monday series highlights the diverse businesses that make up the Association's membership to show the positive impacts they have on their communities, the aviation business industry, and the world at large.
Finishing out their 40th year of service, and as the oldest and most experienced air charter company at Centennial Airport, International Jet Aviation (IJet) is highly qualified to provide their customers with the level of expertise and service that they expect. IJet’s exemplary safety record is a result of its people's commitment to make safety the number one priority. A number of their employees have been with them for decades, which gives International Jet Aviation a high level of quality while still providing the personalized customer service and attention to detail that are only seen from smaller, private jet companies. As a locally owned and operated business, International Jet recognizes its responsibility to give something back to the community. One of their very special charities is the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, and they are proud to support the Foundation's functions throughout the year. In February of 2014, “Dream Chaser IV” flew to five US cities and brightened the lives of over 50 Make-A-Wish children.
Read more here, and search #NATAMemberMonday on our social media for more stories like this.
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| Association Highlights: |
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Happy Holidays From NATA!
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The team at the National Air Transportation Association would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1. Additionally, NATA News will not be released on Monday, December 30. It has been a busy year for the Association and its members with successes in advancing workforce development, combatting illegal charter operations, promoting sustainability, advocating for safe and sound aviation business practices and policies, and so much more. Please visit our website at www.nata.aero for more information about our initiatives, products, and services. Once, again, best wishes as you wrap up 2019, and we will see you next year as we celebrate the anniversary of our 80th year of service!
If you need help renewing for 2020, please email membership@nata.aero.
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NATA’s 2020 Drug and Alcohol Random Testing Rates Announced
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The FAA has announced the 2020 random testing percentage rates for aviation employees covered by federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. For the period of January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, the random drug testing rates are:
- Drug testing = 25% of safety sensitive employees
- Alcohol testing = 10% of safety sensitive employees
These rates remain unchanged from 2019 and reflect the lowest rates permitted under the law. More information on drug and alcohol testing programs is available on the FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program webpage.
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IRS Announces 2020 FET Rates
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The IRS announced the rates for certain fees applicable to commercial air transportation that are subject to annual inflationary adjustment. For transportation in calendar year 2020, the Domestic Segment Fee is $4.30, the International Facilities Fee increases to $18.90 per passenger and the fee for transportation beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii is $9.50 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 rates are detailed on page 20 of IRS Revenue Procedure 2019-44.
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| Events: |
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NATA Seeking Sponsors, Exhibitors,
and Training Facilities for 2020 Events
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NATA is currently seeking FBO member locations to host our 2020 training workshops, professional development seminars, and regional town halls and forums. Please note, the meeting 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 our members. In addition to hosting other 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 and will receive a complimentary registration where applicable.
Alternatively, paid sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for NATA events start at $250. Sponsors and hosts also have the option of promoting their business with marketing flyers and/or giveaways.
If interested in hosting, sponsoring, or exhibiting, please contact Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@nata.aero or (202) 774-1513. Please fill out this 5-minute survey for review and consideration.
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| Membership Spotlight: |
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McCreery
Aviation Achieves Stage 2 IS-BAH Registration
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McCreery Aviation has been awarded a Stage 2 International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) registration designation after successfully completing a comprehensive safety audit. IS-BAH was established through the efforts of the International Aviation Business Council (IBAC) and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as a global code to identify and promote the use of industry best practices by means of a progressive Safety Management System (SMS) for both FBOs and Business Aircraft Handling Agencies (BAHA). It follows the structure of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Program. Read more.
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Duncan Unveils Eye-catching Paint Job
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Duncan Aviation put its aircraft customization skills to the test on one of its own company jets. The Cessna Citation 560XLS, recently unveiled in a private ceremony, carries an elaborate paint scheme from artist Nancy Friedemann Sánchez, who like Duncan itself, is based in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was commissioned by Robert Duncan, the family-run company’s chairman emeritus, and his wife Karen, art aficionados who had admired Sánchez’s work at an art show. The design process took an entire year, as Sánchez began with small sketches of various elements, which were eventually added over the Citation’s medium blue base color by stencil or hand drawing. The aircraft exterior was divided into 14 sections, and a team of six workers masked and unmasked areas as needed, explained paint master specialist Stacy Finch. “Since everything is covered, it was a challenge to remember where each color went,” Finch explained. “It’s like working on a big puzzle.” Read more.
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| Air Charter Safety Foundation: |
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Fall 2019
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