NATA News

On May 31, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing to examine the efforts of the FAA to consolidate air traffic control facilities and provide long-term cost savings to help the aviation industry transition to the NextGen air traffic control system.

Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI) based the hearing on an investigation of FAA facilities that took place in 2005, where a witness testified that in order for NextGen transformation within the FAA to be implemented facility consolidation would have to occur. Without such action, the FAA would be forced to maintain outdated facilities, technology and radar boundaries. The recent enactment of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 contains a provision in which the FAA must develop a report showing how it plans to transition to NextGen through facility consolidation and to reduce maintenance, administrative and operating costs to the agency without affecting safety.

The chairman noted that the subcommittee is looking for ”a clear description of the FAA’s implementation timeline and cost estimates, how the FAA is working with labor groups and industry stakeholders, and the agreed upon metrics for determining progress.”

To read the chairman’s remarks and witness testimonies, click here.

Back to Top

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) recently published a report, as requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, examining the “global business jet industry” and its worldwide competitiveness and structure  over a five-year period, from 2006-2011. 

The report, titled “Business Jet Aircraft Industry: Structures and Factors Affecting Competitiveness,” reviewed the industry’s characteristics, structure and deliveries, workforce in the U.S., global market impact, financial record, research and development, business innovation, certification, and future competitiveness. The results of the study show that the U.S. is still the world leader in the business jet industry, both in size and market. However, the U.S. share of global production and market declined during the five-year period as a result of the economic downturn. As the U.S. and international economies recover, more opportunities will be made for increased profitability and purchasing opportunities of small and medium-sized business enterprises.

NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne welcomed the report and its findings. “The report conducted by USITC highlights the importance of business and general aviation and its impact on the industry’s economic development, competitiveness, efficiency and productivity in the global market,” he said. “In order to further the integrity of this first-rate industry, we must work with Congress and government agencies to promote, protect and defend against unnecessary procedures.” 

Back to Top

 

On May 29, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a proclamation declaring May 2012 as “Aviation Appreciation Month” in the empire state. New York becomes the 40th state to recognize the importance of aviation to the economy, business and job growth, and connectivity throughout the state and country. The declaration comes amid the passage of a resolution adopted by both chambers of the state assembly, introduced by Senator William Larkin (R-39th District) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-126th District), co-chairs of the New York Legislative Aviation Caucus.

New York’s aviation industry accounts for more than $50 billion of economic activity annually and employs more than 394,500 residents throughout the state. General aviation contributes more than $1 billion in economic impact yearly in New York, and supports 8,600 jobs.

NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne commended the governor’s actions in a press release, stating that in addition to the industry’s vast economic contribution general aviation aircraft “support the efforts of police, firefighters, emergency medical responders, search and rescue teams, non-profit organizations and natural disaster relief crews which help to ensure public safety.” Coyne and NATA applaud Governor Cuomo for highlighting the importance of this critical lifeline.

Back to Top

FAA Clarifies Shared Use Of Seatbelts

The FAA published a clarification on an interpretation regarding the shared use of a single restraint by multiple occupants. The clarification states a seatbelt and/or seat may be used by more than one occupant only if the seat usage complies with the limits stated in the approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). If the information is available, the pilot-in-command must also verify whether the seatbelt is approved for such use and that the structural strength of the seat is not exceeded.

The clarification also emphasizes the individual use of seatbelts. The original interpretation was published following a fatal airplane crash that occurred in March 22, 2009, involving a Pilatus PC-12. Thirteen passengers were flown in the airplane with only eight seats available, forcing some passengers to share a seat and seatbelt. Had the impact been less severe, the National Transportation Safety Board predicts that the chance of survival may have been greater for those who did not share a seatbelt.

To read the clarification, click here.

Back to Top

Weekly Regulatory Update

Relevant updates from the FAA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security are compiled each day from the Federal Register. The latest notices, rules and proposed rules can now be found in a single source by clicking here.  

Back to Top

On June 28, find out the most important question to ask a customer, and get your questions about the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar answered in back-to-back webinars.

The Most Important Question to Ask a Customer
During this webinar, we'll discuss ways to determine your SQ (Service Quotient) score. Similar to what an IQ score reveals about a person, an SQ score can reveal a lot about your FBO and how well you are meeting the needs of your customers. We'll discuss ways to benchmark your customer service efforts and reveal to you the secret question you should always ask a customer.

Speakers: Ron Jackson, The Jackson Group
John Enticknap, Aviation Business Strategies Group
Date/Time: June 28, 2012 at 12:00pm EDT

Click here to register. Registration for this webinar is $49.95 per location and includes a copy of presentation materials and link to a recording of the webinar.

Tax Seminar Preview Webinar - Free
During this webinar, we'll discuss the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar (August 7-8, 2012, at Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona), which covers taxes that commercial operators face every day in their operations, such as federal excise taxes, fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, personal property taxes, income taxes, international fees and more. For a closer look at this popular seminar, NATA's Jacqueline Rosser and Conklin & de Decker's Nel Stubbs will host a preview one-hour webinar on June 28 to go over the benefits and give the audience a chance to ask questions about the agenda and speakers.

Speakers: Jacqueline Rosser, NATA
Nel Stubbs, Conklin & de Decker
Eileen Gleimer, Crowell & Moring, LLP
Date/Time: June 28, 2012 at 1:00pm EDT

Click here to register.

Back to Top

NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. continue to offer the only tax seminar for commercial operators. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar (COTS) deals with taxes that you, the commercial operator, face every day in your operations. Federal excise taxes, fuel taxes, sales & use taxes, personal property taxes, depreciation, international fees and more are covered in this seminar. In addition, a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Regulations and topics that should be included in charter/management and management agreements is included. Ample time will be allowed for questions and answers during each session as well as prior to the conclusion seminar.

Featured Speaker:
Jacqueline Rosser, NATA Director, Regulatory Affairs

Jacqueline (Jacque) Rosser has extensive experience representing the general aviation industry before Congress and the federal agencies. She currently serves as NATA’s director of regulatory affairs and oversees association activities involving on-demand air charter and fractional ownership program operations. She works directly with officials of the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, as well as the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration and other agencies impacting air transportation. In her role as staff liaison for the NATA Air Charter Committee, Rosser works with industry leaders on a regular basis to ensure that their aviation business concerns are addressed and the association is responsive to the industry’s needs. Since joining NATA in 1997, she has been an active participant on several FAA rulemaking projects including committees tackling fractional ownership, air carrier flight, duty and rest regulations, and the Part 135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Rosser is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and holds degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Flight. She is also a commercial pilot and certificated flight instructor.

This year's COTS seminar takes place August 7-8 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. To find out more about this seminar by registering for the June 28 preview webinar, click here. To take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Rate ($100 off per registration), click here.

Back to Top