|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
| NATA Welcomes Passage Of House FAA Reauthorization Bill; Commends Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA) For Amendment Supporting Part 135 Community |
|
| Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 658, the Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2011. The legislative process now moves to conference to resolve differences between H.R. 658 and S. 223, the U.S. Senate’s FAA reauthorization bill.
“I applaud Chairmen Mica and Petri, as well as Ranking Members Rahall and Costello, on leading this bill to passage in the House,” stated NATA President James K. Coyne. “H.R. 658 contains a number of NATA-supported provisions that will improve aviation safety and address the needs of the association’s membership.”
Among the 33 amendments offered during Floor discussion yesterday, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA) successfully offered an amendment that would prohibit the FAA from finalizing a Notice of Proposed Interpretation to revise existing Part 135 interpretations that permit flight crews to extend their duty day when unexpected circumstances beyond their control occur. The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts made by Congressman Woodall in leading the effort to block this unnecessary Notice of Proposed Interpretation,” commented Coyne. “NATA, in comments submitted earlier this year, highlighted its concerns with the FAA's rejection of prior interpretations and the agency's effort to apply Part 121 interpretations to Part 135. The association continues to advocate that the FAA should conduct a full re-write of the existing Part 135 flight, duty and rest rules to effect changes in how crew duty is assigned and managed rather than resort to manipulation of the issue via legal interpretations.”
Congressman John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, also took to the House Floor, on behalf of the association, to address his growing concern with airports competing against private businesses. Duncan highlighted the need for government not to compete against private businesses, including fixed base operators. Duncan has received a commitment from House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure leaders to convene a series of meetings on the subject to address this important NATA issue.
“NATA thanks Congressman Duncan for leading the effort to address governmental entities, including airports, competing against private sector businesses such as FBOs and airline services companies,” Coyne stated.
The association also supported an amendment offered by Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA) that would require the FAA to recognize that the aviation industry is composed of a variety of different segments with different operating characteristics and that would direct that the agency tailor its regulations to address the unique characteristics of each industry segment. The amendment also requires the FAA to conduct appropriate cost/benefit studies on all proposed regulations and only enact regulations upon a finding that the costs are justified by the benefits. The association joined with other groups in a letter of support for the amendment. The amendment passed by a vote of 214 to 209.
NATA joined an industry effort opposing an amendment offered by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) that would impose a nighttime ban on all aircraft operations at both the Burbank (BUR) and Van Nuys (VNY), California airports. The Schiff amendment was defeated by a vote of 243 to 178.
The association also joined an industry effort opposing an amendment offered by Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) that focuses on foreign repair station security. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 263-161.
“As the process now moves to conference, I strongly encourage House and Senate leaders to resolve differences between the two bills within the current 60-day extension so the aviation industry can finally have a long-term measure,” Coyne concluded. | |
|
| Congress Approves 60-Day Extension |
|
|
On Tuesday, March 29, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term extension that will continue to fund the FAA and related projects through May 31, 2011. The current funding expired on April 1.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-FL) said that this extension “will ensure that aviation programs continue to operate while Congress continues its work on legislation to set the policies and priorities for this critical leg of our nation’s economy.“ Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Thomas Petri (R-WI) agreed, stating that ”there is a strong commitment and much needed momentum to complete the bill.”
This extension was the last before final passage of the House bill, H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. The bill will now be considered in a conference committee along with the Senate’s FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (S. 223). | |
|
| NATA Criticizes Changes To Tail-Number Blocking Program |
|
|
NATA has submitted comments to the FAA on its proposal to change drastically the ability for aircraft owners to have their tail-numbers blocked from public view.
The Block Aircraft Registration Request program, commonly known as BARR, is a system that permits aircraft owners/operators to have their aircraft data blocked when conducting IFR flights in the United States. This popular program, administered by the National Business Aviation Association, is frequently used by those concerned about their aircraft movements being tracked in real-time. It is possible, using various Internet flight tracking services, to know the aircraft location, altitude, airspeed, destination and estimated time of arrival of an unblocked aircraft.
Flight tracking services obtain this data through a Memorandum of Agreement with the FAA. The FAA proposed to amend that MOA to permit blocking only under very specific and limited conditions.
Under the proposed revision to the MOA, only a business that can certify that a “Valid Security Concern” exists related to the owner’s or operator’s aircraft or passengers would be blocked. Alternatively, a business that has met the Department of Treasury’s requirements for a “bona fide business-oriented security concern” could also be blocked.
NATA’s comments strongly objected to the proposed change as it will unnecessarily expose the private movements of numerous individuals in near-real time.
The FAA Notice regarding the MOA changes is available here.
Click here to view NATA’s comments. | |
|
| NTSB Issues Safety Recommendations Following Investigation Of Runway Overrun Accident |
|
|
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a number of safety recommendations as a result of its investigation of a runway overrun accident involving a Hawker Beechcraft 125-800A at Owatonna, Minnesota, on July 31, 2008. The accident flight was operated in accordance with FAR Part 135. The pilot, co-pilot, and six passengers were fatally injured.
In the final report of its investigation, the NTSB concluded that the probable cause of the accident was “the captain's decision to attempt a go-around late in the landing roll with insufficient runway remaining.” The report also concluded that “contributing to the accident were the pilots' poor crew coordination and lack of cockpit discipline; fatigue, which likely impaired both pilots' performance; and the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require crew resource management training and standard operating procedures for Part 135 operators.”
The NTSB issued 14 recommendations to the FAA in its report. Some of the more significant recommendations would:
- Require manufacturers of turbine-powered aircraft to incorporate in their Aircraft Flight Manuals a committed-to-stop point in the landing sequence beyond which a go-around should not be attempted. This information would be required to be incorporated by FAR Part 121, 135, and 91 subpart K operators and Part 142 training schools.
- Require FAA inspectors of FAR Part 135 and 91 subpart K operators to ensure that pilots use the same checklists in operations that they used during training for normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions.
- Require that FAR Part 135 pilot-in-command line checks be conducted independently from other required checks and be conducted on flights that truly represent typical revenue operations, including a portion of cruise flight, to ensure that thorough and complete line checks, during which pilots demonstrate their ability to manage weather information, checklist execution, sterile cockpit adherence, and other variables that might affect revenue flights, are conducted.
- Require FAR Part 121, 135, and 91 subpart K operators to ensure that terrain avoidance warning system-equipped aircraft in their fleet have the current terrain database installed.
- Require manufacturers and FAR Part 121, 135, and 91 subpart K operators to design new, or revise existing, checklists to require pilots to call out clearly and respond with the actual flap position, rather than just stating "set" or "as required."
The following recommendations, if adopted, would require FAR Part 135 and 91 subpart K operators to:
- Establish, and ensure that their pilots adhere to, standard operating procedures.
- Receive initial and recurrent education and training on factors that create fatigue in flight operations, fatigue signs and symptoms, and effective strategies to manage fatigue and performance during operations.
The NTSB also recommended that the FAA revise regulations and policies to permit the appropriate use of prescription sleep medications by pilots under medical supervision for insomnia, and to review its policy standards for all common sleep-related conditions.
Other recommendations focused on disseminating information regarding severe thunderstorm terminology, developing technology to reduce or prevent runway excursions, and providing enhanced landing assessment guidance for wet, ungrooved runways.
To view the entire list of NTSB recommendations, go to http://www3.ntsb.gov/Recs/Letters/2011/A-11-018-031.pdf | |
|
| Preview The Air Charter Summit Advance Program |
| Soon To Arrive In Your Mailbox |
|
The 2011 NATA Air Charter Summit will take place June 6-8 in Chantilly, Virginia, at the Marriott Westfields, convenient to Dulles International Airport. NATA has put together a solid program featuring the most vital issues affecting the Part 135 and 91k industries today.
Session highlights of this year’s summit include:
- FAA Regulatory Review
- Most Frequently Issued FAA Part 135 Violations
- Open Forum with the FAA Part 135 Branch
- Transportation Security Administration Update
- Twelve-Five Standard Security Program Session (TFSSP Operators Only)
- Alleviating Part 135 Audit Confusion
- Bankruptcy Has Its Clawbacks
- Charter Broker Guidance Session
- Dinner with Special Guest Speaker – David Feherty, CBS Sports Broadcaster
- Optional Monday Tour of the National Air And Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Welcome Reception And Networking Luncheon
For more details on these sessions, click here to preview the advance Air Charter Summit program. The program will arrive in your mailbox over the next few weeks. You can always visit www.nata.aero/acs to register for the summit today.
New for this year’s summit, NATA has partnered with McFarren Aviation Consulting to raise funds for the Veterans Airlift Command. Visit www.nata.aero/acs for more details on how you can help. | |
|
| Make Your Voice Heard On May 5 |
| Register For The Day On The Hill Event |
| Every spring, NATA hosts its Day on the Hill event. It provides NATA member company representatives with a great opportunity to bring critical issues affecting our industry before key congressional policy makers and their staff. This year’s NATA Day on the Hill is slated for May 5, 2011, and NATA encourages all members of the general aviation community to join us to have our voice heard on the wide array of issues affecting our industry. In addition, this community must keep educating Members of Congress and their staff on the immense value and economic impact the general aviation industry provides to this great country. And, the best way to remind our congressional leaders of this is to bring the local message to the federal level here in D.C.
To complement our Day on the Hill event, NATA will also recognize outstanding leaders from our industry during its annual Industry Excellence Awards Dinner the evening of May 4.
Please take a moment, block out May 4-5 on your calendar, and make your voice heard! Visit http://www.nata.aero/Events/2011-Day-On-The-Hill-and-Committee-Meetings.aspx to register today. | |
|
| Don’t Miss The Only OSHA 10-Hour Seminar In 2011! |
| Held Back-To-Back with Popular LSST Seminar in Windsor Locks |
Safety & Health Training For Ground Operations Seminar – Only One In 2011
NATA’s Safety & Health Training for Ground Operations (OSHA 10-Hour Course) will be offered once this year, on May 26-27 immediately following NATA’s popular LSST Seminar in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. NATA’s OSHA 10-Hour Course has been specifically designed for all employees with safety and health responsibilities. Attendees will be introduced to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and general industry policies, procedures and standards, as well as gain a working knowledge of OSHA regulations. Our instructor will provide real-world OSHA guidance and aviation case studies. Attendees will be provided audit and checklist templates as well as the knowledge to implement and improve their facility compliance programs. Participants will receive a course completion certificate from NATA as well as a course completion card from OSHA.
Seminar Topics:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of safety and health concepts
- Obtain a working knowledge of OSHA regulations as well as general industry policies
- Increase your awareness of the link that exists between risk and safety
- Review and take back a practical checklist that will increase your ability to perform your day-to-day duties safely
- Learn correct safety procedures and standards
Click here for more details and a link to register for NATA’s OSHA 10-Hour Course.
Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar – Only LSST In Northeast In 2011
NATA’s Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar will once again take place at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on May 24-25. This seminar, specifically designed for Line Service Supervisors, provides the training you need to become more proficient in strategic planning, supervising staff, motivating others, communicating and coaching a team. This high-impact, high-energy seminar includes guided group debates, role playing, interactive games and various case studies designed to take you to a new level of leadership. You will also take part in self-assessments to explore your strengths and weaknesses and their effect on your management style.
Don’t miss the chance to attend the LSST in Windsor Locks. Click here for more details and a link to register.
Visit www.nata.aero/event.aspx for information on future NATA events. | |
|
| FET Overview Webinar Available For Purchase |
|
|
Recently, air charter operators attended NATA’s FET Overview for Air Charter Operators webinar. If you were not able to participate live, you can still view the recorded webinar.
This one-hour webinar included an overview of the federal excise taxes (FET) encountered by Part 135 on-demand operators.
Specific topics addressed were:
- Commercial and Noncommercial FET rates
- Items subject to and exempt from FET
- Operations exempt from FET
- Fuel credits
- IRS Forms and Publications
Click here to order the FET Overview for Air Charter Operators webinar and other webinars in the NATA e-Learn series. | |
|
| Byer’s Blog |
|
|
NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer’s latest blog discusses the good, the bad and the ugly with last week’s passage of H.R. 658.
To read Byer’s blog, please click here. | |
|
| Fact of the Week – Industry News |
|
|
Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an exemption from existing rules to LightSquared, LLC, allowing the company to construct and operate 40,000 transmitters as part of a new 4G cellular network. The aviation industry along with GPS manufacturer, Garmin, protested the FCC’s fast-tracking of the exemption process due to possible inference with aviation GPS systems from LightSquared’s transmitters. The industry asked that the FCC consider LightSquared’s request in a more formal rulemaking process that would allow for thorough evaluation of possible interference with aviation GPS systems. However, the FCC ignored the industry’s recommendation and proceeded with issuing the conditional exemption.
This week, according to Flightglobal.com, the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have issued a strongly worded letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing concerns with the commission decision in the LightSquared issue. “We are concerned with [the] lack of inclusiveness regarding input from federal stakeholders. In particular, active engagement with DOD and DOT, the national stewards and global providers of [GPS], is essential to protect this ubiquitous defense, transportation and economic utility [of this system]” DOD and DOT stated in the letter.
The FCC has not yet responded to the DOT and DOD request that an extensive study of possible GPS interference be conducted.
Click here to read the full article at www.flightglobal.com | |
|
|
NATA Sustaining Members:
| |
|