NATA News

• NFPA Modifies On-Ramp Fire Extinguisher Requirements
• NATA To Serve On DHS Aviation Security Advisory Committee
• Senate Commerce Committee Reviews TSA’s Efforts In Securing The Nation’s Transportation System
• Inside Washington Blog
• Texas Recognizes November As “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
• Coyne Honored At NAA Annual Fall Awards Banquet
• Coyne To Address Members In New England At NATA Focus Group Meeting
• Missed The Emergency Response Webinar?
• FREE Webinar November 22 Highlights Workers’ Compensation Insurance Losses
• Mark Your Calendar For NATA’s 2012 FBO Leadership Conference
• NATA Flight Data Center 

Last week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issued a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to its Standard on Aircraft Refueling, NFPA 407. This TIA prohibited the use of fire extinguishers classified for type ABC fires. This prohibition leaves type BC as the only type of approved fire extinguisher for fuel trucks, fuel farms and other on-ramp areas. Additional material provided in the NFPA 407 TIA noted that type ABC fire extinguishers utilized a chemical that could cause corrosion in aluminum aircraft parts and clarified that carbon dioxide BC fire extinguishers should not be chosen for use as they have limited effectiveness in windy conditions.

The TIA became effective on November 8 and will continue to be a part of NFPA 407 until the next revision cycle in 2015 when it will be considered as a permanent revision.

For more information on the TIA or NFPA 407, please contact NATA Director of Regulatory Affairs Michael France at mfrance@nata.aero .

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Last week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). NATA Director of Regulatory Affairs Michael France has been named to a two-year term on the committee. According to a press release issued by the TSA last week:

“The Aviation Security Advisory Committee plays a vital role in helping TSA continuously enhance our ability to ensure the security of the traveling public,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “One of my main priorities since joining TSA has been strengthening our relationship with stakeholders, and I look forward to working with these key security and industry leaders as we continue evolving into a high-performance, world-class counterterrorism organization that focuses on risk-based, intelligence-driven, layered security.”

In addition to France’s appointment, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano named the following members to the committee:

For more information on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, click here.

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On Wednesday, November 9, members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation heard from Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole on the agency’s efforts to continue securing the nation’s transportation system. The administrator briefed the committee on:

• TSA Pre-Check to pre-scan passengers before their flight to expedite the travel experience
• Known Crewmember Program to identify the employment status of all pilots
• Expanded Behavior Detection program to analyze the behavior of passengers pre flight
• Pre-Screening pat-downs of children, its appropriateness and options that can be taken
• Credential Authentication Technology to provide the TSA with more knowledge of passenger identification and altered or fraudulent documents

Committee Chairman John Rockefeller (D-WV) applauded Pistole for his efforts to unite countries in making safety the number one priority of the traveling public. “I strongly believe we must have certainty that any funds raised for aviation security go directly to aviation security, because I believe most U.S. travelers want to be safe and secure above all else,” Rockefeller stated.

To read Pistole’s testimony and for more information on the safety programs, click here.

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NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer’s latest blog focuses on how someone needs to question the United States Secret Service and their blanket approach to TFRs.

To read Byer’s blog, please click here.

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General aviation organizations applauded Texas Governor Rick Perry for his efforts in signing a proclamation dedicating November 2011 as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” in the state.

Currently, there are more than 400 general aviation airports and about 150 NATA member FBOs who service aircraft in Texas. General aviation is recognized as an economic booster, generating more than $14.6 billion and supporting more than 61,000 jobs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. “General aviation supports local economies, law enforcement, medical care, and serves as a resource for countless other important services,” stated NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne.

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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) bestowed upon NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne a Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award at their Annual Fall Awards Banquet on November 7. Joining Coyne in this honor among others were General Jack Dailey, Leon Potts and John Cashman.

"As the Elder Statesman Award is synonymous with lifetime achievement, these four individuals together have contributed immensely to the advancement of our industry, the defense of our nation, and the fabric of sport aviation in the United States," said Jonathan Gaffney, chairman of the Selection Committee and president of NAA. "It is such a great honor to put their names on this most cherished award."

Above, NAA Chairman of the Board and aviation historian Col. Walter J. Boyne USAF (Ret) was on hand to present the trophy to Coyne.

Pictured below, NAA legal counsel George Carneal and former NATA Board of Director Richard Van Gemert pose with Holly and Jim Coyne during the festivities.

According to NAA, "The Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award was established in 1954 to honor outstanding Americans, who, by their efforts over a period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves. Previous winners have included Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Olive Ann Beech, Scott Crossfield, Carol Hallett, and Chuck Yeager. Click here for complete information on the award and a full list of previous winners."

With over 6000 hours in his log book, Coyne has had a wonderful lifetime experiencing the benefits of business aviation. Flying has been an important facet of his professional and private life. Two small, piston airplanes helped him expand Coyne Chemical in the 1970s. During his term in Congress, he flew from Washington to Pennsylvania several times every month, basing his Beech Baron at Washington National Airport. In the White House, he helped Department of Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis deal with the consequences of the PATCO strike and encouraged such innovations as the Contract Tower Program.

As NATA president, Coyne has visited nearly a thousand FBOs and aviation service businesses across the country. He also regularly presents the viewpoint of our industry before congressional committees, the FAA, Transportation Security Administration, and other federal agencies. He works closely with NATA members across the country, as well as NATA sister aviation associations in Washington. In recent years, he has worked to develop strong relationships with pro-business, pro-aviation governors and state legislators. Local aviation issues are equally important. Coyne serves on an airport commission and regularly helps airport managers and commissioners understand the importance of their business and general aviation users and tenants. His efforts have led to the creation of aviation advocacy groups at airports across the country.

"On behalf of the NATA Board of Directors and the association’s members, I congratulate Jim on this great honor for his outstanding service to the association and the general aviation industry at-large," stated NATA Chairman of the Board Todd Duncan.

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Do you have an idea for a new program, or would you like to discuss your membership experiences with NATA? On Friday, November 18, NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne will meet with members at FlightLevel Aviation (KOWD) at a focus group meeting to discuss those subjects and to gain information on how the association can better serve you.

Location:         FlightLevel Aviation Boston
                      125 Access Road
                      Norwood Memorial Airport (KOWD)
                      Norwood, MA 02062

Time:              11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
                       Lunch will be provided

Hosted by:      FlightLevel Aviation Boston

If you would like to participate in the focus group, contact Rebecca Mulholland at (703) 647-6407 or rmulholland@nata.aero.

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Last week, NATA hosted the Emergency Response Plan webinar. This one-hour session covered key areas that air charter operators should consider when developing their response plan, including:

• Why do you need an ERP?
•  What should your ERP look like?
•  How do you know your ERP will work?
• What should you do if something bad happens?
•  Lessons learned from The Real World.

If you were unable to join the webinar, you can view a recording for $49.95. Your purchase includes a link to the webinar recording as well as a PDF file of the presentation slides.

Click here to purchase the Emergency Response Plan webinar now.

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NATA/USAIG Workers’ Compensation Program partner, USAIG, began hosting a FREE series of webinars this year to address the types of workers’ compensation insurance losses that participating aviation members are experiencing. This webinar series follows on the heels of a study that USAIG conducted of 10 years worth of workers' compensation insurance-related accident data. USAIG is utilizing this data to address workers’ injuries specifically and recommend training to assist in the reduction of future workplace accidents. 

The first webinar in the series focused on “back strain,” including back strain statistics and how they “measure up” to other industries, as well as a real-world case study that reviewed accident circumstances, seasonal influences affecting losses, and USAIG’s comments on the case study accident. Remedial actions and training resources, including a resource “road map” for participants were also reviewed. Click here to view the recording of this webinar. Click here for additional resources from this webinar.

The second webinar in the series is scheduled for November 22 and will be led by John Matthews and Vic D’Avanzo. They will discuss slips and falls, and the resulting injuries that workers compensation participants experience. They will also discuss the statistics from two separate categories of slips and falls as well as falls from elevations. Matthews and D’Avanzo will delve into real-world case studies, review the accident circumstances and provide commentary on what can be done to prevent these accidents in the future with resources and available training. Please take an hour out of your day to keep your employees safe, reduce insurance and loss costs/claims and maximize your good experience return as a NATA/USAIG Worker’s Compensation Program participant. Join USAIG and NATA on November 22 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Click here to register.

These webinars are important to USAIG, NATA members, and program participants to help combat frequent incidents and accidents and make aviation workplaces safer. Future webinars in this series will be announced in NATA News and on the Events calendar at www.nata.aero.

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NATA’s 2012 FBO Leadership Conference (March 28-29) kicks off our Capital Week for Aviation Business event featuring NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards Dinner (March 28), Day on the Hill Luncheon/Congressional Appointments (March 29) and Spring Committee Meetings (March 30). NATA’s FBO Leadership Conference will address the most pressing regulatory and business topics. 

Among the topics to be covered:

• The Disney Institute: Quality Service and Innovation for Business Growth
• Oil Company Outlook
• Future of Avgas
• GA Security Update
• Airports Competing with FBOs
• Anti-Government Competition Legislation 

Who should attend:

• FBO Owners
• Presidents
• General Managers
• FBO Department Managers and Managers-in-Training
• Senior Staff of airports offering FBO services

Contact Diane Gleason to purchase table-top displays and sponsorships (703-575-2050/ DGleason@nata.aero). For more information or to register today, visit www.nata.aero/fbolc.    

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In an effort to provide information on how the industry is performing, NATA has partnered with FltPlan.com to provide the following information to its members. 

Top 10 Airports

Top 10 Aircraft

Source: FltPlan.com

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03/05/2012 - Las Vegas, NV
2012 Spring Training

03/28/2012 - Washington, DC
FBO Leadership Conference

NATA E-Learn Webinars

11/22/2011 - NATA and USAIG Slips & Falls Webinar