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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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Professional Line Service Training |
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PLST Online provides the most up-to-date training available for line service specialists – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line service supervisors can conduct the new PLST Online training anytime and from anywhere there is access to the Web. continued |
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| Seventeenth Extension Passed For FAA Reauthorization Legislation |
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| The U.S. House of Representatives voted on December 2, 2010, to extend the current authorization for federal aviation programs through March 31, 2011. H.R. 6473, Airport and Airways Extension Act of 2010, Part IV ensures that aviation programs, taxes, and Airport and Airway Trust Fund expenditure authority will continue without interruption until a long-term FAA reauthorization legislation can be approved by Congress. The most recent long-term FAA reauthorization act, the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (P.L. 108-176), expired on September 30, 2007.
Commenting on the most recent extension, NATA President James K. Coyne said, "I am hopeful that as the 112th Congress convenes in early January we can get a fresh start on consideration and passage of a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that can be completed within the first few months of 2011. These continued delays hurt the growth and development of our national air transportation system and the flying public." | |
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| EPA Releases Data From Lead-Monitoring Studies At Airports |
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Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of data from two studies on airborne lead concentrations around airports. The EPA stated, "These two studies provide information on the potential for lead emissions from the combustion of leaded aviation fuel at airports to exceed the lead NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) as well as other information (locations of maximum emissions and lead concentration gradients) that may be referenced in the final rule."
The title of the first study is Development and Evaluation of an Air Quality Modeling Approach for Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft Operating on Leaded Aviation Gasoline. The second study, produced for the EPA by the California South Coast Air Quality Management District, is titled General Aviation Airport Air Monitoring Study.
Due to the size of the two documents, they are available only at www.regulations.gov under the NAAQS review docket (EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0735). For download assistance, contact mfrance@nata.aero. | |
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| General Aviation Caucus Co-Chairs Recognized At Industry Event |
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Last month, NATA along with general aviation industry groups including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International and the National Business Aviation Association hosted an event for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate General Aviation Caucuses. As part of the event, special recognition was awarded the three outgoing Members of Congress who have made significant contributions in supporting general aviation. U.S. Representatives Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Allen Boyd (D-FL), staunch advocates for general aviation, both served as co-chairman of the House General Aviation Caucus. Rep. Ehlers, a passionate aviator, has supported the general aviation industry throughout his 16 years in Congress. The industry is going to miss his leadership in creating and guiding the House General Aviation Caucus. Rep. Boyd was instrumental in bringing needed attention to important issues affecting general aviation to his colleagues in Congress throughout the year. In addition, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure James Oberstar (D-MN), who will not be returning for the 112th Congress, was also recognized for his steadfast leadership throughout his 36 years in Congress.
When the 112th Congress convenes this month, Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and John Barrow (D-GA) will serve as co-chairman of the House General Aviation Caucus. | |
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| Members Of U.S. House Of Representatives Recognize NATA's 70th Anniversary |
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| On December 28, 2010, NATA celebrated its 70th year. To commemorate the occasion, U.S. Representative John Duncan (R-TN) introduced House Resolution 1699 on September 28, 2010, highlighting NATA's rich history of ensuring the continuation of the general aviation industry in the United States. Last month, Representative Duncan spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives commending NATA prior to the resolution's passage. U.S. Representatives Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Thomas Petri (R-WI) also offered their praise of NATA and support for passage of the resolution.
House Resolution 1669 signifies NATA's history and contributions to improving general aviation safety. Since its charter on December 28, 1940, NATA has advocated for its members by providing a voice for aviation businesses within the federal government agencies and in Congress. The association has developed close ties with members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In addition, the association works closely with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer's blog post discusses NATA's 70th anniversary and its recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives.
To read Byer's blog, please click here. | |
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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.
Among the recommendations presented to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood by the committee last month were those that stated the federal government should 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, including:
- 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. | |
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| 2011 FBO Leadership Conference Agenda Announced |
| Register Now at www.nata.aero/fbolc |
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NATA is pleased to announce the agenda for its 2011 FBO Leadership Conference taking place February 7-8, 2011, in Savannah, Georgia. NATA's FBO Leadership 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. This year's event immediately precedes NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference and includes the following:
- Opening General Aviation Leadership Luncheon featuring NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne, NBAA President and CEO Edward M. Bolen, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President and CEO Craig Fuller.
- Political Leadership Session exploring how the political landscape for 2011 will change and how those changes affect our industry.
- General Aviation Security Update on issues such as the Large Aircraft Security Program with Transportation Security Administration General Manager, General Aviation Security, Brian Delauter.
- Get The Most Out of NATA's Safety 1st and Workers' Compensation Programs includes a review of key areas with the greatest impact on operational safety from USAU and a discussion by NATA Director, Safety & Training Amy Koranda on how to address these key areas through the wealth of NATA Safety 1st industry standard resources.
- Tuesday's motivational breakfast on Winning Business and Life Strategies features PGA golfer, sportscaster and pilot Bobby Clampett.
- An industry panel on The Future of Aviation Gasoline will review the history and future of lead in aviation fuel regulation as well as the efforts our industry is undertaking to work proactively towards a lead free future.
- In the Airport Minimum Standards - A Value to the Future of Your Business session, experts discuss the value of comprehensive Airport Minimum Standards in protecting the future of your business and how to work with your airport during the development or revision process to secure your interests.
- The concluding session, Maximize Your Time and Increase Productivity at the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, provides a smooth transition into one of NBAA's premier events.
The preliminary brochure will arrive in your mail over the next few weeks. To view a copy of the preliminary 2011 FBO Leadership Conference brochure and to register, visit www.nata.aero/fbolc. Several sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Diane Gleason at dgleason@nata.aero to discuss options. | |
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| FAA Extends Airport SMS Comment Period |
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The FAA has announced that it will extend the comment period for the Airport Safety Management System (SMS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The comment period had been scheduled to end on January 7, 2011, but is now extended until March 7, 2011. The Federal Register notice announcing the extension is available here.
The NPRM seeks to require all airports certificated under Part 139 to develop and implement an SMS program. The NPRM also states that the FAA intends to require the SMS program to cover all non-movement areas of the airport including tenant ramps. NATA has produced a Regulatory Report on the Airport SMS NPRM, which is available here.
In the coming weeks, NATA will work with its members who operate facilities at Part 139 certificated airports to ensure that the proposed rules account for possible economic and administrative effects of airport tenants. | |
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| 2011 Spring Training Week Lineup |
| Held in Vegas at the Cygnus Aviation Expo |
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NATA is pleased to host the third annual Spring Training Week (February 21-24) in conjunction with Cygnus Aviation Expo. Spring Training is a line service camp featuring all-star seminars designed to enhance safety practices, provide major league knowledge and help you coach your team to a winning season.
Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar
Monday, February 21 - Tuesday, February 22
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $495
NATA's Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar, taught by industry experts, will provide a mix of the latest technical and managerial skills needed by every supervisor. The technical portion includes everything your supervisor needs to know about fuel production and distribution, fuel quality, filtration, fuel delivery systems, and fuel additives. The management portion enables supervisors to come away with proven effective techniques for motivating employees. Additionally, they are taught skills to discipline positively, and develop the confidence to interact productively with different personalities on a daily basis.
NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar
Wednesday, February 23
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $275
Our comprehensive Safety 1st seminar guides you through how to implement NATA's Professional Line Service Training (PLST) program effectively. We know that putting together a training program is a lot of work, but it is essential for every professionally run FBO to have one. NATA has done the hard part by creating an industry benchmark training program for you. We will even train your trainer how to use it successfully in a short amount of time. In just one day, learn how to present NATA's PLST program and be motivated to guide your organization through the PLST process.
Environmental Compliance Seminar For Aviation Facilities
Thursday, February 24
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $250
The all new NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities is the only event that focuses solely on environmental compliance issues confronting FBOs and general aviation airports. With mounting pressure from the media, the federal government and the public at-large, this seminar is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operations.
Visit www.nata.aero/springtraining for more event details and http://www.cygnusaviationexpo.com/NATA_home.po to register for one or more of NATA's seminars. | |
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| Follow NATA Government Affairs On Facebook |
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| Last month, NATA launched a second Facebook page titled "NATA Government Affairs" to keep you up-to-date on current and ongoing issues the association is working on with Capitol Hill and the federal and state agencies. In addition, the page will highlight Members of Congress who actively support the industry and the association's involvement with and events of the General Aviation Caucus. Follow NATA Government Affairs today.
If you're not already following the association's main Facebook page, please click here. | |
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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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