| Topics in this Volume
 Congress Reaches Deal, Moving Closer To Final Passage Of FAA Reauthorization |
Congressional leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate reached an agreement late last week on a long-awaited bill to reauthorize the FAA. Republican leaders agreed to remove the offending labor language in the FAA bill that would have rescinded a National Mediation Board (NMB) rule set under the Obama administration that makes it easier for rail and aviation workers to unionize. In exchange for Republicans dropping the NMB rule rescission, Democrats have agreed to include a provision that would raise the required threshold percentage of rail and aviation workers expressing interest in forming a union from 35 percent to 50 percent. This would mark the first time that an FAA reauthorization included any NMB changes.
The FAA bill has been extended 22 times since September 2007. The current extension expires on January 31. A compromise on a final bill is still needed, which means that one more extension may be needed to allow for completion that will likely take place in February.
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| Inside Washington Blog |
NATA Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer offered his thoughts that election day does not come soon enough. To read Byer’s blog, please click here.
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| NATA Maintenance Committee Issues Best Practices On Seating Configuration |
hen it comes to operating an aircraft under 14 CFR Part 135, the number of passenger seats available is the distinguishing factor chosen by the FAA to define maintenance requirements. The FAA recently issued controversial guidance material that has resulted in intense industry attention as well as FAA safety inspector confusion. This quarter, we will review the regulation and guidance material that frame up the issue and attempt to provide some direction for those who need help in interpreting how it may affect their operation.
To read the Best Practice paper, please click here.
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| 2011 NATA Industry Excellence Awards Due By January 31st |
NATA will close its 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 on January 31, 2012.
“Bestowing NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards is one of the association’s most important highlights each year. NATA members play the most vital role in the awards program by nominating those worthy of such high recognition,” said NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne.
These awards cover five categories:
Airport Executive Partnership Award
Aviation Journalism Award
Excellence In Pilot Training Award
FAA Customer Service Excellence Award
ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award
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.
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| Don’t Forget To Complete Your NATA AMT Employer Award Program Application |
Now is the time to take a few minutes from your busy schedule to download and complete your application for the 2012 NATA Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award application. The Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award program recognizes companies that encourage and support aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training. The award is based on the percentage of AMTs employed (directly or indirectly) by a company that participate in qualified training events. To be eligible to be counted, an employed AMT must complete at least 12 hours of training in a calendar year. The 2012 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award covers training provided in calendar year 2011.
The application deadline for the Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award Program is January 31, 2012.
Download the award program information packet.
Download the Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award application.
For more information on the program, please contact Michael France at mfrance@nata.aero .
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| O’Toole Promoted To NATA Comptroller |
NATA has announced the promotion of Johanna O'Toole to comptroller. O'Toole, who has been with NATA since 1998, previously served as the association’s director, administration and financial services.
"We are thrilled to promote Johanna to the position of comptroller," stated NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne. "As comptroller, Johanna will lead an experienced team in the administrative/financial segment of NATA, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the association."
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Register Today For January 26 Webinar – Negotiating Aviation Agreements
2012 Negotiating Aviation Agreements Webinar - Only $49.95 per location |
This webinar will explore standard customer and vendor agreements used in FBO, Part 135 and Part 145 operations at airports, including key terms and conditions, and pointers on how to negotiate favorable terms. The webinar will also discuss indemnity issues and how this one issue can make or break your business.
Speaker: Leonard Kirsch, Esq., McBreen & Kopko
Date/Time: January 26, 2012, at 12:00 EST
Register today at www.nata.aero/webinars.
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| NATA 2012 Spring Training Week – March 5-8 In Vegas |
NATA is pleased to host our 4th annual Spring Training Week in conjunction with the Cygnus Aviation Expo in Las Vegas. Spring Training is an aviation industry educational camp featuring all-star seminars designed to enhance safety practices, provide major league knowledge and help you coach your team to a winning season. NATA’s Spring Training Week provides all-star skill-building and conditioning for your whole team.
Visit www.nata.aero/springtraining for more information on Spring Training Week.
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| Disney Institute Featured At FBO Leadership Conference |
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:
- Adaptable benchmark best practices of The Walt Disney Company related to quality service and people management.
- Knowledge of how the alignment of the organizational identity can be used in the development of any new product or service.
- Understanding of the use of alignment in strategic risk taking and decision making.
- Examples of Disney’s effort to expand its organizational identity.
- Knowledge of 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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| Register Today For The Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium |
“Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility” is the theme for this year’s Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium, to be held February 28-29 at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Training Center. The symposium will feature Dr. Tony Kern along with a full program of timely subjects and safety speakers.
Attendees at the two-day safety event will be able to network with other charter and fractional companies, and leaders from the NTSB and the FAA. The symposium will include an update on the ACSF’s upcoming aviation safety action program (ASAP), Industry Audit Standard and other safety initiatives.
Join ACSF today and receive one FREE symposium registration. To register for the symposium, go to: www.acsf.aero/symposium.
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