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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.
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| California Judge Rules In Favor Of Fractional Community |
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| n November 30th, a California judge ruled in favor of the fractional aircraft community’s assessment that the state’s property law, created with the passage of California Senate Bill (SB) 87, is unconstitutional and unlawful. The fractional community argued that making assessments and collections prior to January 1, 2007 retroactive is unconstitutional. The fractional community also successfully argued that SB 87 “unlawfully assesses the tax against the aircraft managers, who have neither ownership nor control nor possession of the fractionally-owned aircraft.”
Orange County Superior Court Judge William Monroe’s ruling follows.
"The Parties asked for Statement of Decision. This is the Court's Final Ruling. Plaintiffs have advanced two valid arguments why SB 87's tax assessed on managers of fractionally-owned aircraft is unconstitutional and/or unlawful. First, it is unconstitutionally retroactive. Second, it is unlawfully imposed on managers who neither own, control, nor possess the aircraft in question. All motions are granted. Plaintiffs have shown that the tax imposed on managers of fractionally owned aircraft by SB 87 [California Revenue & Taxation Code 1160 et seq.] is unconstitutional and/or unlawful for the above reasons."
Although the ruling is a victory for fractional program managers and aircraft owners, the dispute is likely not over as the state is expected to appeal this decision.
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| Hawaii Flight Restrictions Announced For Presidential Visit |
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Although specific dates are not yet available, the FAA is providing operators with information on restrictions planned for the duration of the President’s expected holiday visit to Hawaii.
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be centered on the Koko Head VORTAC. A 10-nm ring and a 30-nm ring will be established surrounding the center point.
Within the 10-nm ring, only certain operations will be approved, including all-cargo Part 135 operators complying with the TSA All-Cargo Twelve-Five Standard Security Program and approved air ambulance flights.
Many more operations will be permitted within the 30-nm outer ring, including passenger and cargo flights arriving and departing local airfields. Sightseeing, seaplane operations, flight training and practice instrument approaches are permitted only if prior approval from the FAA is obtained. Details for obtaining this approval are not yet available.
All operators must maintain radio communications with ATC, use an ATC-issued transponder code and operate under an active IFR or VFR flight plan.
Any operator planning flights in the vicinity of the TFR should review the FAA Flight Advisory for more information and check NOTAMS regularly for updated dates and times for the TFR.
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| Part 135 Rest And Duty Webinar Generates Intense Interest |
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Last week, NATA hosted a webinar to discuss Part 135 pilot rest and duty requirements. The event was attended by approximately 100 different operators representing passenger, cargo and air ambulance operations.
There were many questions asked about how best to provide a pilot rest period that will withstand FAA scrutiny. All registrants received a copy of the presentation as well the FAA legal interpretations that were discussed.
If you missed this informative webinar, you can view the recording after completing a simple on-line registration. This webinar is available at no charge.
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| De/Anti-icing Training Proves Popular |
| Consistent Training Builds Confidence |
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Build confidence and consistency in your de/anti-icing process through standardized training best practices with the new Safety 1st online module. This winter weather training program is designed to familiarize your line service specialists with the responsibilities of their job and give an overview of the skills necessary for safe aircraft departures. So far, more than 100 seats have been purchased for this training.
Benefits of Safety 1st de/anti-icing online training:
- Vivid videos and photos tell the story
- Quizzes throughout reinforce major concepts
- Final exam ensures comprehension
- Most up-to-date de/anti-icing best practices and procedures
- Current FAA holdover tables
- Consistent training for all de-icing crews
- Program designed specifically for general aviation
NATA’s Safety 1st Online training is comprehensive – everything needed to train, test and track line specialists is included in convenient online modules. Pricing for online training is based on a sliding scale. Don’t let old man winter get the best of your operation. Visit www.nata.aero/onlinetraining to view a demo video and order your online training today!
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| NATA Announces 2011 Event Schedule |
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NATA kicks off its busy 2011 events schedule with two major events in February. The 2011 FBO Leadership Conference takes place February 7-8 in Savannah, Georgia. This conference was developed for leading executives and managers of fixed base operations, and features nationally recognized experts who will provide the latest intelligence, tactics and strategies to maximize NATA member FBOs’ business success.
"The 2011 FBO Leadership Conference offers preeminent opportunities for leaders to tap into the enormous wealth of industry knowledge," said NATA President James K. Coyne. "We are pleased to present political and industry forecasts from top leaders, a security update direct from the TSA, expert industry panels to discuss the latest developments in general aviation issues and NATA’s leading programs, various opportunities to network and much more."
NATA and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will once again coordinate the NATA FBO Leadership Conference with NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, also being held in Savannah, Georgia, on February 9-11, 2011. Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc to register for NATA’s event and www.nbaa.org to register for NBAA’s conference.
The association’s third annual Spring Training Week at the Cygnus Aviation Expo (formerly the Aviation Industry Expo) takes place later in the month, on February 21-24. Spring Training Week features the first of several training seminars for the year, including the popular Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar, NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar and Environmental Compliance Seminar. Several additional seminars and E-learn Webinars are planned to take place throughout the year. Among them are the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar and the FBO Success Seminar, each focusing on a new major business topic.
In early May, NATA holds its Spring Committee Meetings, Annual Meeting of Members & Election of Officers and industry awards ceremony, as well as its Day On The Hill. NATA’s annual Day On The Hill event provides an invaluable opportunity for NATA members to participate in and have an effect on the legislative process in our country. Individual meetings with representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate provide a great avenue to discuss the most important issues facing the general aviation industry today, especially those impacting business, both nationally and locally.
NATA’s Air Charter Summit is scheduled for June 6-8 at the Westfields Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. The Summit provides an opportunity for Part 135 on-demand charter companies to stay a step ahead of regulatory and business conditions on the horizon.
Visit the events calendar frequently at www.nata.aero for updates to the schedule.
NATA offers several sponsorship opportunities for each event and a few new sponsorship packages to help you stake out and coordinate your presence at the 2011 events. Contact Diane Gleason, NATA’s director of meetings and events at (800) 808-6282 to secure your sponsorship today!
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| FAAC Makes Recommendations To DOT Secretary LaHood |
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| The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) established the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC) in March 2010. It was tasked with providing information, advice and recommendations to the DOT secretary on ensuring the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry and its capability to address the evolving transportation needs, challenges and opportunities of the U.S.
Last week, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood received the FAAC recommendations on how to address challenges faced by the U.S. aviation industry. Among the recommendations presented by the committee were that the federal government assist in funding NextGen equipage on aircraft, ensure greater transparency for consumers in airline pricing, expand the sources of safety data available to the FAA, and ensure that global airline alliances enhance the viability and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry. Twenty-three other recommendations were presented to Secretary LaHood on how to ensure the strength, competitiveness and safety of aviation.
Other specific recommendations include:
- Developing improved methods of predicting safety risks;
- Incorporating safety standards into planning for NextGen, the FAA’s overhaul of the national airspace system;
- Improving links between airports and other forms of transportation;
- Enhancing science and technology training for the future and current aviation workforce;
- Ensuring that aircraft operators are able to realize the benefits of NextGen as quickly as possible; and
- Reducing aviation’s impact on the environment through use of sustainable fuels and improved aircraft technology, as well as accelerating the use of NextGen equipment to promote greater efficiency.
The DOT will review the recommendations and develop a plan for their implementation. Members of the FAAC will be invited to attend periodic briefings to update them on the progress in implementing their recommendations. NATA will further analyze the recommended proposals for its members this week.
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| Is Membership In The NATA Worth The Price Of Admission? |
| By Jack Evans, Total Airport Services, Inc. |
| Let’s face it, times are tough and every expense has to be weighed against its impact on your bottom line. I recently spoke to one company CEO who has been in the business a long time. When I asked him why his company wasn’t represented in NATA, his response was a little surprising. He said, “I don’t have time for all those conferences and sitting around talking.” I believe NATA membership is more than that and I can give you two specific examples of where it has helped our company.
The first is in Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Once again this year, we have done a cost comparison to try to reduce costs. NATA has partnered with USAIG to provide some very good rates to members. Our savings from the difference in rates is more than worth the cost of NATA membership. If your insurance broker isn’t touting your NATA membership in their rate quotes, you might think about talking to another broker.
The second is NATA’s ability to represent the industry in aviation-related matters. One of the most recent instances to come to mind for us is in cargo security. NATA worked very closely with the TSA to guide and influence the way congressionally mandated rules on cargo security are implemented. Without industry representation, this wouldn’t have had a chance of being implemented in a way that was good for passengers without being burdensome for airlines and their service companies. Having worked inside “the beltway” of Washington D.C. for eight years, I believe this was the model of government/industry cooperation and success.
There are many other examples that I could point to, but these have been significant for us. So when you’re looking at cutting costs to try to stay competitive, don’t sell your NATA membership short. It really can produce immediate savings in things like the insurance and in the long-run through influencing government programs.
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| Byer’s Blog |
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NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer’s latest blog post thanks members for their loyal support and wishes everyone a happy holiday season.
To read Byer’s blog, please click here.
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| NATA Fuel Handling And Quality Control Guide Now Available For Pre-Order |
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 The 2011 revision of NATA’s popular publication “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” is now available for pre-order for NATA members. The 2011 revision is a complete rewrite that includes full-color photographs and a new easy-to-read format. “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” is referenced in FAA advisory circular (AC) 150/5230-4A, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling and Dispensing on Airports as an authoritative source for “information about fuel safety, types of aviation fuels, fueling vehicle safety, facility inspection procedures, fueling procedures, and methods for handling fuel spills.”
The goal of this guide is to provide airport fuel service providers a comprehensive, easy-to-understand review of the many complex standards and requirements for the handling of aviation fuel. The incorporation of full-color photographs adds to the usefulness of the 2011 revision as a teaching tool for new and seasoned fuel handling technicians alike.
The 2011 revision is expected to be available for delivery in the coming weeks. The price for this guide is $195 for NATA members and $250 for non-members. However, NATA members placing a pre-order now can receive this invaluable guide for only $150. Don’t miss your opportunity to get this industry-leading guide for a pre-publication price. Click the link below to order now.
Pre-order your copy of NATA’s “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” now.
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| Survey Question |
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Does your company participate in the Safety 1st PLST online training program?
Participate in survey.
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| Fact Of The Week – Industry New |
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Pilots have long been accustomed to utilizing simulators as part of their training. Most professional pilots visit simulator training facilities on a regular basis. The use of simulation allows training to be condensed into shorter time periods while also exposing pilots to emergency situations that would be too dangerous to practice in an actual airplane.
ABC news in Los Angeles recently reported on the utilization of a simulator for the training of air traffic controllers. Located at Hawthorne Municipal airport, the simulator is currently programmed to replicate conditions at Los Angeles International airport. Using the simulator, Air Traffic Control trainees are able to simulate handling emergencies and adverse weather conditions. For more information including a video of the air traffic control simulator, click here.
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