| Topics in this Volume
 Congress Approves Transportation Funding Bill |
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate approved a final conference bill combining the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation appropriations bills. The bill also included a continuing resolution for nine remaining outstanding bills to ensure that government funding continues through December 16, 2011.
The transportation appropriations bill includes funding for the FAA and provides the necessary funding for investment in upgrading our nation’s air transportation system or NextGen. Funding is also provided for research for an initiative to transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline and the Block Aircraft Registry Request is restored, reversing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s action to eliminate that program.
NATA will release a detailed legislative report on the bill this week.
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| House Members Send Letter To Super Committee Opposing Passenger Security Tax |
U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) sent a letter signed by 29 other House members to House and Senate leadership as well as the co-chairmen of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction or “super committee.” The letter expresses strong opposition to the increase in the passenger security fee, which would have a devastating impact on the aviation industry as we work toward the shared goal of improving the economy and creating jobs. The overarching concern is that an increased security tax would impact every individual traveling by air throughout the country but the increase in fees would not necessarily have an impact on the efficiency of the Transportation Security Administration.
Airline passengers currently pay more than 20 percent of their domestic round-trip ticket in fees and federal taxes. Annually, airline and airline passenger fees generate $3.5 billion in payment to the Department of Homeland Security. The letter requests that the super committee reject this increased tax proposal as they work toward finding a way to trim the federal budget by $1.2 trillion. The super committee deadline to reach an agreement is November 23, 2011.
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| Senator Asks Congress to Prohibit LightSquared Rollout |
On November 16, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) introduced an amendment within the Financial Services and Government Affairs Appropriations Bill that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stop any and all appropriated funds from being provided to LightSquared to expand its broadband network. Roberts believes that too much is at stake regarding interference with the global positioning system (GPS) and that implementation of the network could interfere with our national security.
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business requested that the FCC not proceed with LightSquared’s waiver until federal testing ascertains that there will be no interference with all types of GPS devices. A similar bill, introduced by Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS) and Rep. Steve Austria (R-OH), was approved earlier this year in the House.
Senator Roberts’ press release can be found here.
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| U.S. House Releases Report Calling For Reform Of TSA |
Leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform recently released a report highlighting the failures and mismanagements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) over its ten-year existence. The report, “A Decade Later: A Call for TSA Reform,” states that the agency has lost touch with its intended purpose and has turned into a reactive organization, instead of a proactive source of security for our nation’s transportation system. This report and its findings are the first step in developing legislation to reform the TSA.
Key findings within the report include:
- The TSA lacks administrative competency and is made inefficient by its massive bureaucracy
- Agency operations are outdated and neglected
- The TSA is failing to develop and deploy effective technology
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported that despite massive TSA presence, more than 25,000 security breaches have occurred at U.S. airports since November, 2001. According to Rep. John Mica (R-FL), chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, billions of dollars have been spent on numerous operational and technology failures. “TSA must become the kind of agency it was intended to be – a thinking, risk-based, flexible agency that analyzes risks, sets security standards and audits security performance,” Mica stated in the report. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) concurs, stating that the agency needs a vision and purpose that goes beyond wasting expensive equipment and costing millions of taxpayer dollars.
To read the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s press release, click here.
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| Massachusetts Declares November “General Aviation Appreciation Month” |
NATA, along with the Alliance for Aviation Across America and other general aviation organizations commended Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick for signing a proclamation declaring November 2011 as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” in the state. NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne recognized Governor Patrick’s dedication, stating, “We welcome Governor Patrick’s proclamation, which is an important recognition of the immense value of the general aviation industry here in the United States.”
General aviation in Massachusetts accounts for nearly $3.8 annually in economic activity and provides approximately 28,000 jobs at the state’s 39 public-use airports. NATA currently has 35 members in Massachusetts.
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| Slips & Falls Webinar – Don’t Miss Out Tuesday |
Join USAIG and NATA’s Safety 1st for a free webinar on Slips and Falls; the second most severe type of claims experienced by NATA/USAIG Workers’ Compensation Program participants. USAIG’s John Matthews and Victor D’Avanzo will identify common types of costly slips-and-falls-and-falls-from-elevations claims and present a case study that highlights loss categories.
Also, in this one-hour webinar, John and Victor will:
- Point out the compelling connection between employee tenure and number of injuries.
- Review the average cost of claims and resultant time away from work that in turn places the burden of work on other employees.
- Discuss more about the transient risk factors that contribute to and affect the rate of slipping.
Join us on Tuesday, November 22, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Click here to sign up and have your employees hear vital safety information.
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| Learn More About NATA’s Presidents Council |
NATA’s Presidents Council provides executives of member companies with the opportunities, knowledge and connections to excel as leaders, while developing a closer affiliation with their peers and NATA’s leadership.
The NATA Presidents Council promotes significant professional growth. As a council member, you will receive executive governmental updates and exclusive opportunities to develop key relationships with industry leaders. The opportunities to connect with council members and high-ranking officials benefit your personal business portfolio and advance the success of your operation.
For a yearly Presidents Council Membership/participation fee of $3,000, members receive the following privileges:
- Monthly conference call with NATA president
- Regional Town Halls as NATA president’s schedule allows
- Invitation to Aviation Business Roundtable
- Exclusive Presidents Council plaque and lapel pin
- Recognition of your contribution within the Presidents Council Annual Report in NATA’s Aviation Business Journal
- Acknowledgment of council participation on NATA’s site and at events
- Invitation to private golf and dinner events
To join, or for questions on the council, contact Daniel Gurley, director of membership and business development, at (703) 575-2049 or dgurley@nata.aero.
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| Disney Institute Featured At NATA’s 2012 FBO Leadership Conference |
The 2012 FBO Leadership Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. on March 28-29 during NATA’s Capital Week for Aviation Business.
The presentation by Disney Institute will focus on the impact of the current economy on the industry, how businesses plan for new strategic growth and business solutions for attendees to adapt from Disney best practices.
Attendees will take away the following from the presentation:
- Benchmark best practices of The Walt Disney Company related to quality service and people management that can be adapted.
- Learn how alignment of the organizational identity can be used in the development of any new product or service.
- Understand the use of alignment in strategic risk taking and decision making.
- Identify examples of Disney’s effort to expand its organizational identity.
- Learn the importance of providing employees with a supportive and caring environment to create pride in the organization and retain quality employees during difficult times.
Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc for event updates and a link to register.
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| Q4 Aviation Business Journal Now Available |
The fourth quarter Aviation Business Journal is in the mail and is also now available at www.nata.aero or by clicking here.
In This Issue:
- Member Profile: L.J. Aviation
- Falsification: A Deadly Sin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SPCC Rule
- Municipalities Competing with Private FBOs: Fair or Foul?
- Just in Time for Winter: De/Anti-icing Training Updates
- New Column: NATA Maintenance Perspectives
- FBO Finance Fundamentals Seminar
- And much more…
The new issue will arrive in your mailbox soon. In the meantime, please flip through online. Visit www.nata.aero/Aviation-Business-Journal/ABJ-Past-Editions.aspx to take a look at past editions.
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| New NATA Sponsorship Packages Announced |
NATA’s sponsorship opportunities offer you high visibility by your target audience, the aviation business community. Our event and seminar sponsorship packages are designed to help you build brand loyalty, drive sales and provide meaningful access to your customers. The attention to your business garnered as a result of these programs makes them much more than just spending sponsorship dollars – they are true marketing tools. NATA's seminar and event sponsorship packages are ideal for reaching your audience and demonstrating your commitment to continuing education.
NATA's sponsorship opportunities are designed with you in mind.
- Achieve high visibility
- Gain meaningful access to your customers
- Build brand loyalty
- Drive sales
- Get a return on your dollar
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Every sponsor will be listed in brochure/program materials distributed to event attendees.
- NATA will provide signage for all sponsors.
- A company logo will be shown on items sponsored, such as tote bags, lanyards, and giveaways specific to each event.
- Sponsors may also be eligible for discounts on event registration, based on sponsorship amount.
Please contact Diane Gleason, NATA director of meetings & conferences, with any questions and/or to confirm your sponsorship at dgleason@nata.aero or (703) 575-2050. You can click here for a detailed list of packages.
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| NATA Offices Closed For Thanksgiving Holiday |
NATA’s office will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, November 28.
The NATA Board of Directors and staff extend best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
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