NATA News

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Click on the events tab at www.nata.aero or click here  to view the final program and an event preview by James K. Coyne. Register onsite today.

NATA’s site, www.nata.aero, is your aviation business source for news, editorials, events, products, services, training and much more. This week, NATA unveils a new sleek look to the Web site along with improved navigation and enhanced features.

The new www.nata.aero includes:

• A quick list of the latest NATA blogs on the homepage
• A robust News section
• Easy access to event registration, online training and webinars 
• A prominent homepage advertising option
• A comprehensive products and services section
• Member-contributed content in the classifieds section under the Membership Tab (RFPs, press releases and job listings)

We hope you find the site to be even more intuitive, helpful and agile. Visit www.nata.aero today and return often! There is always something new to be found. If you have issues with or comments on NATA’s new site, please email lpylant@nata.aero.

The U.S. Senate has deemed legislation reauthorizing the FAA a top priority in its chamber in the first month of the 112 Congress. S. 223, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which was introduced last week, is being considered on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Senate Democrats are referring to the bill as a “jobs bill,” while Republicans have added amendments to repeal certain provisions of the Health Care legislation that was enacted last year. As the Senate continues to consider S. 223 on the floor of the U.S. Senate, numerous amendments are being proposed. The bill will remain open to amendments and for further debate. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman John Rockefeller (D-WV) have stated they hope the bill will be agreed upon by March 4, 2011.  

In the meantime, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance heard testimony from Gerald Dillingham, director of physical infrastructure at the General Accountability Office (GAO), on the status of the Airport and Airways Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Dillingham reviewed the current condition of the Trust Fund, anticipated Trust Fund expenditures for planning and implementation of improvements in the nation’s air traffic management system that are expected to enhance the safety and capacity of our air transport system, and options for ensuring a sustainable Trust Fund. When asked directly about the option to increase aviation fuels for general aviation, Dillingham could not project how much revenue would be collected and if the amount would be sufficient for the Trust Fund. He did, however, acknowledge the significance of the increase for general aviation being 61% more than the current fuel taxes. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to mark-up the tax title of the FAA reauthorization bill this Tuesday.

Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives spend a lot of time in Washington, but they also spend valuable time in their states and districts during scheduled congressional work periods and recess. Members of Congress take these opportunities to visit with constituents, making this the perfect time for NATA members to invite their Senators and Representatives to tour their facilities.

In 2010, NATA and the general aviation community worked tirelessly on numerous provisions negatively affecting general aviation. In 2011, we must remain vigilant and work together to educate the public and especially Members of Congress and their staff on the important role general aviation plays, including its economic value to our country. In addition, we will likely face a number of legislative hurdles this year, which is another reason to reach out to your elected officials and let them know how these issues affect YOU, their constituent. The inevitable passage of FAA Reauthorization and aviation security measures will likely be the most pressing legislative hurdles this year.

A tour of your facility is a valuable way to inform key congressional leaders on the principal issues confronting our national air transportation system while allowing you to address other issues affecting your business. This one-on-one interaction will give Members of Congress and their staff a better understanding of the value of America’s aviation businesses and airline services companies. In addition, NATA members can introduce their business to new and prospective Members of Congress, and forge stronger relationships with existing Members.

To learn more about how to host a Congressional tour, please click here.

Last week, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) affecting airports certificated under Part 139. The NPRM, titled Safety Enhancements Part 139, Certification of Airports, would require affected airports to:

• Provide training for all individuals with unescorted access to non-movement areas (ramps, aprons, etc).
• Institute a runway friction monitoring program that utilizes calibrated continuous friction measuring equipment with a self-wetting system
• Provide appropriate low-visibility surface enhancements and ground movement procedures if the airport is FAA approved for takeoff or landing operations below 1,200 feet RVR.

Additionally, the NPRM proposes a new rule that prohibits the making of any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on an application for a Part 139 certificate.

The training required under this proposed rule would have to address airport familiarization, including airport marking, signs and lighting, and procedures for access to and operation in the non-movement area. The FAA cited the facts that “[m]ost fatal [non-movement area] accidents involve ramp workers” and “[according to the Government Accountability Office] there are no federal or industry wide standards for ramp operations” as reasons for proposing this training requirement.

NATA staff will analyze the effects of this NPRM on the association’s membership as well as the industry in general and submit comments on the proposed rule to the FAA. This NPRM is open for public comment until April 4.

NATA, along with other industry associations, requested the comment period extension “because the [NPRM] explains that [the proposed SMS requirement] will eventually be applied to other certificate holders, including manufacturing and maintenance certificate holders, Part 135 operators and Part 141 and 142 flight schools. Thus, the expected reach of [this NPRM] will likely extend far beyond [Part 121] air carriers” and “comments will require significant data collection and coordination.” The new comment period for the Part 121 SMS NPRM will close on March 7, 2011.

Click here to view the Part 121 SMS NPRM.

Click here to view the FAA Comment Period Extension.

“NATA intends to present the various federal agencies that regulate our industry a list of regulations and issues that we feel need to be addressed under the President's new Executive Order. I would like to ask you to help. Please let us know what your concerns are regarding federal regulations. NATA has established a dedicated email account to enable you to submit examples of regulations that prevent your business from growing or hiring more employees. I would ask you to take a few minutes and let us know what regulations concern you,” said Coyne.

Click here to view the full member update.

Your suggestions for regulations in need of change can be submitted to badregulations@nata.aero.

Last week, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt signed the charter for an aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) that would address the issue of transitioning the industry to an unleaded aviation gasoline. The ARC has been tasked with:

• Investigating, prioritizing, and summarizing the current issues relating to the transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline.

• Providing recommendations for collaborative industry-government initiatives to facilitate the development and deployment of an unleaded aviation gasoline with the least impact on the existing piston-engine aircraft fleet.

During its investigation, the ARC is required to consider the following factors relating to unleaded avgas:

• Aircraft and engine performance requirements
• Properties and composition
• Airworthiness approval
• Environmental impacts
• Distribution infrastructure requirements
• Production issues
• Economic issues

This ARC has been created in response to a request from the General Aviation Coalition for the FAA to take a leadership role in industry efforts to develop and deploy an unleaded aviation gasoline. The General Aviation Coalition is an industry stakeholder group comprising NATA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the National Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the American Petroleum Institute that have been working to identify the path to an unleaded future for general aviation.

NATA has published its annual call for nominations to acknowledge the individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating excellence in their field and the highest level of customer service to the general aviation community.

Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of five of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations.

These awards cover five categories:

The Airport Executive Partnership Award recognizes an airport manager for outstanding efforts to nurture the relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.

The Aviation Journalism Award identifies a journalist, writer, or publication that excels in consumer education or editorial support that is beneficial to the general aviation industry.

The Excellence In Pilot Training Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in the field of pilot training.

The FAA Customer Service Excellence Award recognizes an FAA facility or facility staff member who represents the highest degree of customer service and elevates the quality of interaction between the FAA and aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, Part 135 certificate holders, airport service organizations, and flight schools.

The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.

Last year’s winners were:

• Airport Executive Partnership Award – Eric Frankl, executive director, Blue Grass Airport
• Aviation Journalism Award – AINalerts
• Excellence In Pilot Training Award – Arlynn McMahon, director of training and marketing, Aero-Tech Aviation
• FAA Customer Service Excellence Award – South Florida Flight Standards District Office
• ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award – Pat James, field service engineer, Cessna Aircraft Company

All nominations for these five awards must be received by NATA no later than March 18, 2011. The nomination form is available by clicking here. Members may also obtain a nomination form by calling the NATA headquarters at 800-808-6282 or by e-mailing Celeste Clark.

The awards will be presented during the 2011 NATA Day on the Hill and Spring Committee Meetings to be held in the Washington, DC area.

NATA is pleased to host our 3rd annual Spring Training Week in conjunction with the Cygnus Aviation Expo (formerly the Aviation Industry 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. On February 24 during Spring Training Week, George Gamble of 2G Environmental, LLC will lead the only NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar of 2011. Don’t miss it.

The 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.
 
Why Attend?

• Increase awareness of all applicable regulations
• Ensure compliance with new environmental mandates
• Avoid costly errors and negative press
• Discuss best management practices
• Review procedures, equipment and requirements

Who Should Attend?

• FBO Owners / General Managers
• Aviation / Airport Managers
• Regulatory Compliance Managers
• Environmental Compliance Managers

What Will Be Covered?

• Spill Prevention, Control And Countermeasures (SPCC) Regulations
• Storm Water Permitting And Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
• Waste Issues (hazardous waste, universal waste, waste oil and waste fuel)
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Update on new and proposed Environmental Regulations

Click on the Events tab on www.nata.aero or click here for more details on NATA Spring Training Week seminars and events.