NATA News

• Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation
• Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA),  Chairman, Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security
• Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance
• Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senator John Ensign (R-NV), Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Ranking Member, Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security
• Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Finance

The House has yet to appoint their conferees. 

The association has finalized its legislative report on H.R. 658, FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. The bill contains a number of NATA-supported provisions that will improve aviation safety and address the needs of the association’s membership. For example, U.S. Representative Robert 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.

To read NATA’s legislative report on H.R. 658, please click here.

Earlier this year, the association also issued its legislative report on S.223, the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act.

To view the legislative report on S. 223, please click here.

On April 5, 2011, the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 4, a bill that repeals the expanded 1099 reporting mandate that was included in President Obama’s Healthcare Overhaul legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The repeal of this reporting mandate is a victory, especially for small businesses. Specifically, the provision in PPACA mandated that small business owners file a 1099-MISC form to the Internal Revenue Service for all payments made to vendors totaling $600 or more in a tax year. The business community expressed outrage regarding these onerous paperwork requirements, which will add significant costs to their operations.

The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 3, 2011, with bi-partisan support. H.R. 4 is expected to be signed into law by the President.

Part 135 operators and/or aircraft owners are potentially liable for taxes in any state in which their aircraft is operated. Operators should familiarize themselves with the tax implications so proper planning and compliance can be accomplished.

It is important to realize that once an aircraft is taxable in a state it is possible that the air charter operator’s entire business could then be subject to so-called “doing business in the state taxes.” Many NATA members have been surprised to find that they are liable for corporate taxes in states where they have conducted charter operations.

NATA began a State Tax Issue Page two years ago to educate operators about the potential tax liabilities and to lobby for relief as appropriate. The association has updated this useful reference tool that can be viewed by clicking here. (NATA user name and password required. If you do not have an NATA user name and password, contact Linda Pylant at lpylant@nata.aero.)

The information presented on the issue page was compiled by NATA-member Conklin & de Decker and will continue to be updated as changes occur. Check back regularly for updates or for a reminder of the potential tax consequences for states you may not frequent.

NATA member companies have raised concern regarding the authority of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams to conduct security searches at FBOs across the country.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the purpose of VIPR teams is to “operate throughout the airport environment as an additional layer of security to enhance TSA’s ability to prepare for, protect against, or respond to acts of terrorism and to protect persons, facilities, and critical infrastructure in all modes of transportation. VIPR teams are to consult with all transportation entities directly affected by the deployment of VIPR teams, as appropriate, including air carriers, airports operators, local security and law enforcement officials and fixed-based operators.”

VIPR teams have visited dozens of NATA member companies in recent years, generally as a precursor to a major sporting or political events. Recently, however, some VIPR teams have appeared at NATA member locations unannounced and unwilling to reveal the intent of their inspections.

To provide NATA members with more background information, the association has prepared a white paper on these VIPR teams and what authority they have in conducting inspections. To view NATA’s white paper, please click here.

NATA members who have had problems with DHS VIPR inspections should contact Eric R. Byer, NATA’s vice president of government and industry affairs, at ebyer@nata.aero.

The FAA has issued a release discussing the first meeting held by the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT-ARC) on its webpage dedicated to the avgas issue. Click here to access the webpage. According to the FAA:

“The first meeting of the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) was held on March 16 – 17, 2011, in Washington D.C. It was attended by the 20 members of the committee comprised of representatives from FAA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), equipment manufacturers, fuel producers, fuel distributors, and owners/operators. The FAA sponsor, Peter White, Acting Manager of the FAA's Engine and Propeller Directorate, led the meeting. The Director of the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service, Dorenda Baker, attended the kick-off meeting and expressed her support for this effort. This ARC provides key stakeholders in the general aviation and avgas community with a forum to work toward a suitable unleaded avgas.”

NATA is participating as a member of the UAT-ARC.

Click here to read the full FAA release.

These companies will receive an award that can be displayed at their facility to demonstrate their efforts in providing high quality training to their employees, and will also receive recognition on NATA's Web site.

The AMT Employer Recognition Program requires participants to document training provided to employed AMTs. Status levels within the program provide One, Three or Five Star awards depending on the percentage of employed AMTs receiving training meeting the program threshold. This 2011 award recognizes a company's efforts in calendar year 2010.

"I am pleased with the success of this new program with 29 NATA member companies receiving recognition for their efforts in 2010," said NATA President James K. Coyne. "I look forward to expanding this program next year as more facilities follow the lead of this year's awardees and reinforce the belief that a quality training program for AMTs produces long-term benefits in safety, customer retention and their company's bottom line."

More information on the NATA AMT Employer Recognition Program is available at www.nata.aero/AMT.

5. Visiting with your Members of Congress and staff provides an excellent opportunity to invite them for a tour of your facility in their state or district.

4. Attendees will be able to hear from U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE), General Aviation Caucus co-chairman and member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, prior to scheduled congressional meetings. 

3. FAA reauthorization bill will likely be in conference committee, which is a prime opportunity for participants visiting with Members of Congress and staff not only to encourage final passage of a comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill but also to advocate for provisions important to aviation businesses.

2. Concerned about future security constraints and/or onerous federal regulations on general aviation? Well, this is your opportunity to discuss them with your legislators who are directly involved with these issues.

1. Let Members of Congress and their staff know that, as their constituent, general aviation is a critical component of our nation’s economy as well as the global air transportation system.

The 2011 Day on the Hill event also includes the association’s Annual Meeting and Election of Officers. As a benefit to NATA members, we are combining these events along with the Industry Excellence Awards Dinner and Spring Committee Meetings (May 4) so only one trip is required.

The events of the week provide outstanding opportunities for participants to network with other community peers to learn the latest industry news and developments. If you have never before joined the association during a Day on the Hill event, take the first step now towards developing an important new relationship by meeting the staff of your U.S. House Representative and U.S. Senators. We have many returning Day on the Hill participants and knowledgeable staff members to help you learn the ropes. For more information about the 2011 Day on the Hill, including how to register, please click here.

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.

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/events for information on future NATA events.

The 2011 NATA Air Charter Summit will take place June 6-8 in Chantilly, Virginia, at the Marriott Westfields, convenient to Washington 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 view 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.