NATA News

The new bill provides historic funding levels for the FAA’s capital programs, including $16.2 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, nearly $13.4 billion for FAA Facilities and Equipment, and $1.35 billion for Research, Engineering, and Development. These funding levels will enable the FAA to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system and make capacity-enhancing improvements at the nation’s airports. In addition, the bill provides $38.9 billion for FAA Operations over the next four years.

The legislation increases the number of aviation safety inspectors, requires the FAA to inspect all certificated foreign repair stations twice each year and provides funding for runway incursion reduction programs and runway status light installation. In addition, the bill creates an independent Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office within the FAA. That office will be charged with receiving safety complaints and information submitted by both FAA employees and employees of certificated entities, investigating them, and recommending appropriate corrective actions to the FAA.

Click here to view the text of H.R. 915

Click here to view the committee summary of H.R. 915.

Click here to view NATA’s Legislative Report on H.R. 915.

Meanwhile, the committee held a hearing on the reauthorization legislation that consisted of 18 witnesses testifying within four panels. The Honorable Nancy LoBue, FAA’s acting assistant administrator for Aviation Policy testified on behalf of Acting Administrator Lynn Osmus. Inspector General for the Department of Transportation Calvin Scovel and the U.S. Government Accountability Office Dr. Gerald Dillingham were also among the hearings’ first panel. Members of Congress questioned the panel primarily on the FAA’s current and future plans for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Dr. Dillingham stated that the need to accelerate implementation of new and existing technologies, consider incentives for airlines to acquire those technologies, reconfigure facilities and enhance runways to take full advantage of NextGen’s benefits, and sustain the current system while transitioning to the new one should be the focus of the agency. In addition, the FAA faces a retiring air traffic controller workforce, the need for additional technical expertise to implement NextGen, and the need to improve relations with its labor unions.

On behalf of the general aviation industry, NBAA President Ed Bolen and AOPA President Craig Fuller testified before the committee and detailed how the current economy is affecting the general aviation industry. The importance of passing a long-term FAA reauthorization bill to ensure that key capital projects are funded and the benefits of NextGen to general aviation were also highlighted.

Click here to view NATA’s written testimony that was submitted for the record.

Click here to view more information about the hearing and written testimony.

NATA President James K. Coyne, on behalf of the association’s 2000 member companies, congratulated Senator Dorgan and Senator DeMint for being selected as the new leaders of the aviation subcommittee. 

Senator Dorgan is serving a third term in the U.S. Senate after six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a senior member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and is the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Interstate Commerce, Trade and Tourism. 

“NATA looks forward to continuing its work with Senator Dorgan on critical issues facing general aviation, including passage of a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill and standardization of regulatory interpretations by the Federal Aviation Administration, which are becoming more costly to aviation business every year,” Coyne said.

Senator DeMint was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. DeMint is also a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. 

“Senator DeMint has been a great advocate for small businesses and general aviation,” stated Coyne. “NATA is pleased to work with the senator on issues facing this important sector of the American economy.”

NATA, along with nearly two dozen other aviation industry groups, recently sent a letter to Capitol Hill leadership encouraging Congress to pass a comprehensive, long-term FAA reauthorization bill as soon as possible. The letter states that with the current economic crisis it is paramount that a long-term FAA reauthorization bill be approved “to expedite the modernization and expansion of our national air transportation system and foundation for future growth of the economy.”

To view the aviation industry’s letter to Capitol Hill, please click here.

NATA and representatives from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the National Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association met with congressional leaders late last week to discuss the industry’s mounting concerns with the Large Aircraft Security Program. Congressional leaders participating in the meeting included:

• Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Republican, House Committee on Small Business and Member, House Subcommittee on Aviation
• Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI), Ranking Republican, House Subcommittee on Aviation
• Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Member, House Appropriations Committee
• Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Member, House Committee on Small Business and Member, House Subcommittee on Aviation

For more information about this meeting or the Large Aircraft Security Program, please contact Eric Byer.

Members are strongly encouraged to submit comments on the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP). With the February 27, 2009 comment deadline now less than two weeks away, NATA urges its members to utilize its LASP Membership Comment Tool that is available for download from the association’s LASP Issue Page.

Members having questions about this document or the LASP should contact Eric Byer.

During the U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee hearing last Wednesday, February 11, Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL) indicated that the Obama Administration had offered the FAA Administrator position to a candidate and that final details were ongoing. It is speculated that the candidate being considered is Randy Babbit, former president of the Airline Pilots Association. Babbit is currently the chairman and chief executive officer of Eclat Consulting. Babbit’s bio can be viewed by clicking here.

Speculation is that former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey is in the running for the deputy secretary position at the Department of Transportation. Garvey’s bio can be reviewed by clicking here.

On February 2, 2009, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority approved a proposal that would ban overnight flight operations between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at Bob Hope Airport (BUR). The proposed curfew would not include emergency medical, law enforcement or military flight operations. Currently, a voluntary curfew is in place at BUR.

To view the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s updated Part 161 application to the FAA proposing a noise curfew, please click here.

In response to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s proposed overnight curfew, NATA President James K. Coyne last week sent a letter to Catherine Lange, the FAA’s Acting Associate Administrator for Airports, condemning the proposal as a violation of several federal aviation regulations. Specifically, Coyne stated, “NATA contends that the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s request directly violates FAA airport sponsor assurances that require every airport that accepts federal grants for airport development and airport planning and noise compatibility program grants to ensure the fair and equal access to airports nationwide for aircraft operators.” 

To view Coyne’s letter to the FAA in its entirety, please click here.

Being politically active in Washington can be a challenge for many aviation businesses. NATA members own or operate full-time businesses and, especially during this current economic period, time is precious. However, when an important issue arises that requires legislative action becoming politically active is essential to addressing your cause. Whether in Washington or in your hometown, you need to reach out. 

A political action committee, or PAC, is, as the name indicates, a political committee organized to aid candidates running for government office who are supportive of issues important to that political committee. Trade associations, corporations, unions, and other entities organize PACs as a way to generate funds from their members or employees enabling them to contribute to these candidates’ campaigns. NATA’s PAC, known as NATAPAC, was established to contribute to candidates running for public office who are supportive of the general aviation industry and the issues it faces.

NATAPAC Chairman Greg Arnold has issued a letter to NATA members highlighting how NATAPAC will be instrumental in achieving NATA’s legislative agenda this year.

To view the 2009 NATAPAC letter, click here.

It is important to note that federal law requires all PAC donations to be personal contributions only. Company/corporate contributions are prohibited; therefore, company or corporate checks cannot be accepted. 

To join NATAPAC, please fill out the 2009-2011 authorization form by clicking here.

To visit the NATAPAC Web site, click here.

Presented by the Air Charter Safety Foundation, the symposium is Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3-4, 2009, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia.

Special early bird registration rates are available through Friday, February 20. Register now!

Confused about SMS programs and how international requirements impact you? FAA leaders responsible for SMS implementation and guidance along with Flight Safety Foundation President Bill Voss will walk you through how SMS programs are being required, what you can expect from the FAA and how you could experience international operational restrictions in the near future if you don’t have SMS programs.

NTSB Vice Chair Robert Sumwalt will explain how you can convince your owners and executives to begin SMS implementation now. Learn why SMS is really a “business plan for safety” that will not only improve operational safety but also have a positive impact on the bottom line.

There is plenty of talk about charter and general aviation security right now, but what are the true security risks facing operators? Lindsey McFarren from SH&E consultants will draw on her extensive experience to highlight real security risks and how you can mitigate them.

Risk assessment tools are just emerging in air charter and shared aircraft ownership, but the United States Coast Guard has integrated risk assessment into their operations for years. Commander Jeffrey Kotson will give attendees insight into the Coast Guard’s system for analyzing and mitigating operational risks.

Registration at the Air Charter Safety Symposium includes a special social event on Tuesday evening. All guests will be treated to complimentary dinner and drinks at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm. 

To learn more or to register, visit www.acsf.aero/symposium.

• Highly skilled and well trained staff
• Proven tools and techniques for understanding and properly managing your company’s finances
• Safe and secure operation – free from insurance and lawsuit risk and claims
• Understanding of what lies ahead for our industry
• Contact with leading industry experts and regulatory officials
• Opportunities to connect with your business associates and customers
• New ideas and sometimes even a return to basics for marketing and business plans

NATA provides three opportunities guaranteed to guide you through these challenging times and help you emerge victorious.

NATA’s Education Week at the Aviation Industry Expo
March 9-12
Las Vegas

NATA is partnering with the Aviation Industry Expo to bring you an information-packed week of workshops, training seminars, product and service displays, networking opportunities and motivational events designed specifically to improve the performance and profitability of your aviation business.

Education Week offers hands-on opportunities for service personnel, supervisors and managers to gain knowledge and skills on aviation legal compliance issues, environmental compliance issues, line service supervision, excellent customer service, Safety 1st training, financial management, and OSHA requirements and training.

Air Charter Summit
(Held Back-to-Back with the FBO Leadership Conference)
June 8-10
Chantilly, VA

Chief pilots, directors and company executives of Part 135 operations are invited to receive an exclusive FAA regulatory briefing by the agency’s highest-ranking officials. Charter providers will gain a clear market edge by meeting face-to-face with the DOT’s and FAA’s top regulatory officials and learning about key market drivers affecting their economic future from industry experts. As a representative of one of the most heavily regulated industries in the U.S., you must stay one step ahead of the regulatory and business conditions on the horizon.

The Summit’s agenda includes sessions on certificate revocation, your rights in responding to enforcement actions, planning for Safety Management Systems, and the latest developments on the Large Aircraft Security Program.

The second day of the Summit overlaps the first day of the FBO Leadership Conference and offers several early sessions vital to every aviation business including: a panel on the future of general aviation manufacturing, marketing to a Ritz Carlton standard and clientele, and rebutting the public and media blitz against business aviation. NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards will be presented in a morning ceremony.

FBO Leadership Conference
(Held Back-to-Back with the Air Charter Summit)
June 9-11
Chantilly, VA

Managers and senior-level executives of fixed base operations and vendors are invited to attend top-notch sessions, including courting your customers for repeat business, working with your airport for mutual success and using the economic stimulus package as a source of long-term growth instead of just a short-term solution, plus a panel on the future of aviation manufacturing, high-end customer service and rebutting the media blitz sessions.

You will also receive knowledge on the economic front, broaden your scope of new business, and exchange best practices with industry peers. The 2009 FBO Leadership Conference is the best opportunity for you to explore new and better ways to manage your FBO, maximize your business success and win in a tightening market.

Visit the events calendar at www.nata.aero for more information or to register.

What People Are Saying About This Seminar:

“Mark Chambers and Phil Botana have decades of experience in the field. They have been there, done that, and can tell you how to do it better.”

“This seminar was the best preparation for becoming a general manager. I still have the manual and refer to it frequently”

“The case studies were not only entertaining, but also valuable in creating lasting relationships with business associates - business resources you just can’t find anywhere else.”

“Phil and Mark took the mystery out of financial management and increased my comprehension in easy to understand terms.”

Three More Reasons to Attend NATA’s Financial Management Tools and Techniques for Aviation Service Business:

Develop Winning Business Strategies
If you don’t know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Successful businesses result from developing a sound business plan. Learn how to use strategic financial tools to create your company’s roadmap to success.

Learn How to Use the Numbers as a Scorecard
Understanding what the numbers are telling us is the key. To reach your goal, you need to have a road map (or plan) and the ability to track your progress toward your goal. This course provides you the tools.

Critical factors that drive a business’ success are called metrics. Determining, tracking and understanding your company’s important metrics will lead you on the path to success. Learn more about metrics and put them to work.

Participate in a New Aviation Negotiation Segment
Learn the key fundamentals to successful negotiations. Learn why “win-win” strategy may not deliver you the best result. We will dispel the myths, teach winning strategies, practices and techniques.

Register for this seminar and one other session at NATA’s Education Week at the Aviation Industry Expo in Las Vegas and you get to attend the rest for FREE! Click here for more information on this seminar. Click here for more information on all of NATA’s Education Week seminars and workshops.

Should airports be allowed to purchase ground support equipment with local, state and federal funding in order to compete against private businesses to provide ground handling services at commercial airports?

Participate in survey.

Fact:
Is your company compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure regulations? 

Learn more about SPCC requirements by clicking here.

NATA will be closed Monday, February 16, 2009, in observance of President's Day. NATA offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17.