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Member News
 State Deadlines for UST Operator Training Quickly Approaching |
August 8 marks the deadline for many underground storage tanks operators to complete state-required training. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 required the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidelines for states to introduce the UST operator training requirement. These guidelines were published by the EPA in 2007. Most states have completed the regulations requiring training for UST operators.
There are minor differences in each state’s requirements for training, and NATA members operating UST should contact their state UST Division or Department of the Environment as soon as possible to determine the training requirements in their state.
Click here for NATA’s listing of state UST training requirements and contact information.
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Last week, the FAA released a draft revised policy regarding residential-through-the-fence (RTTF) operation at federally obligated airports. The original policy, published in March 2012, prohibited all new RTTF agreements and set up guidelines for managing existing RTTF agreements. The revision published this week was made necessary by language in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) that overruled agency’s prohibition of RTTF access at general aviation airports. While allowing RTTF access agreements at general aviation airports, the FMRA does require that RTTF access may only be provided by a written agreement between the airport and property owner that includes:
- Payment of access fees to the airport of an amount similar to what other airport users pay
- A requirement that the property owner must pay for and maintain the infrastructure used to access the airport
- A prohibition on providing commercial services from a property subject to the RTTF agreement
- A requirement that the property owner prohibit other adjoining property owners from accessing the airport through his RTTF access point
NATA strongly supported and lobbied for the inclusion of these restrictions into the final FMRA language to ensure that RTTF access points would not become a means for commercial aeronautical service providers to gain an unfair economic advantage over on-airport service providers.
The FAA draft revised policy outlines the FAA’s interpretation of these restrictions and includes the FAA’s assertion (with which NATA concurs) that the FMRA languages provides for agency review of all general aviation airport RTTF access agreements to ensure compliance with the FMRA limitations. The draft revised policy is open for public comment until August 29, 2012.
Click here to view the FAA’s Draft Revised Policy On RTTF Access.
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| Aviation Associations Ask FAA Administrator To Support Avgas Transition Recommendations |
Last week, NATA President James K. Coyne joined the heads of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and National Business Aviation Association in asking for FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta’s leadership in implementing the recently released recommendations of the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT ARC). In the letter, the associations noted the value of the UAT ARC’s recommendations and called for moving forward with an FAA avgas program:
“We greatly appreciate FAA’s leadership in establishing the UAT ARC and years of fundamental R&D activity in this area. The industry strongly believes that the establishment of an avgas program that goes beyond the previously planned R&D activities to include the key elements of the UAT ARC recommendations is critical. We respectfully request that these efforts be implemented through a comprehensive [FAA] unleaded avgas program that includes centralized policies, procedures and testing activities necessary to support safety qualification of candidate fuels and fleet wide certification approval.”
The group’s request to Huerta asks for $5.5 million in funding for fiscal year 2014 in “support of the first year of a 5-year program which would accomplish the agency’s Flight Plan goal of identifying an unleaded avgas replacement that meets the needs of the majority of the fleet by 2018.”
Click here to view the association letter to FAA
Click here to learn more about the UAT ARC recommendations.
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On July 31, the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed S. 1956, the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Prohibition Act of 2011. Introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD), the language reiterates the negative impact of a tax on U.S. aircraft operators and consumers for the benefit of EU treasuries. A letter from the aviation and travel industries was sent to Senators before the legislation’s passage that explained the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to reduce aviation emissions and decrease fuel consumption. An onerous tax imposed by the EU will not expedite this process. The most effective way to decrease aviation emissions is through the international agreement that is progressing through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the letter states.
NATA also participated in an industry letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Transportation Raymond LaHood praising them for their efforts in hosting a July 31-August 1 meeting of countries and industries that are opposed to the one-sided imposition of the EU-ETS on international aviation. The letter urged the secretaries to work with ICAO and take necessary actions to overturn the scheme and maintain the global framework that the U.S. and its allies have worked so hard to maintain.
NATA thanks the committee for passing this important legislation. “The EU needs to focus on a global solution to emissions problems and not one that has a detrimental impact non-EU flights. ETS is simply a revenue raiser for Europe, one that negatively impacts both commercial and general aviation, and imposing a tax on flights that do not originate in Europe kills jobs and puts regulatory burdens on the aviation industry,” stated NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne.
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| Huerta Nomination Approved By Senate Panel |
On July 31, the nomination of the Michael Huerta to become FAA administrator was approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The administrator position carries a five-year term.
Huerta’s nomination will now move to the entire U.S. Senate for its consideration and approval. It is uncertain when this action will take place as Congress adjourned last week for its summer recess and there are very few days remaining on the legislative calendar for Congress.
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| General Aviation Caucus Strengthens – Invite Members to Your Facility |
The General Aviation Caucus, one of the largest in Congress, has once again surpassed previous membership number goals. Currently, there are 184 Representatives and 37 Senators over 47 states that understand the value of general aviation to their state’s transportation, economic, job and business growth. NATA encourages all members to invite their Members of Congress who serve on the General Aviation Caucus to tour their facility over the summer recess.
From August 6 through September 7, Representatives and Senators will be working in their districts and states on pertinent issues close to home, as well as visiting with constituents. This is one of the last big efforts Members will make to visit with those whom they represent before elections in the fall. Visit NATA’s Congressional Tours page on our Web site to find sample letters and suggestions for planning, carrying out and following up a facility tour.
This valuable time with your elected officials provides them with a better understanding of the value of America’s aviation businesses and airline services companies, and it also provides you the opportunity to build relationships with your congressional leaders.
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| 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.
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NATA launched a State Advocacy Network (SAN) in an effort to increase awareness of state and local issues among the general aviation industry The network highlights ongoing state legislation, events, and opportunities for NATA members to raise issues or pose questions for association and industry assistance. The goal of the network is to have at least one NATA volunteer representative in each state who will serve as liaisons between member businesses, state legislatures, and the association.
Many legislatures are done for the 2012 year, so now is the time to prepare for the next session to ensure that pending legislative issues that affect general aviation are resolved. SAN provides up-to-date information on imminent bills and ways network volunteers can work with their state officials to support bill passage.
To find out if your state is represented, if you would like to volunteer, or for more information on SAN, visit www.nata.aero/SAN or email SAN@nata.aero.
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It Is Not Too Late To Register
Commercial Operators Tax Seminar Starts Tomorrow |
NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. 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 and 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 seminar's conclusion. Click here to learn more about this popular seminar.
This year's COTS seminar takes place August 7-8 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Don’t miss your chance to learn the latest on commercial operator taxes. Register on site starting August 7.
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| NATA 2012 Electronic Membership Directory is Now Available |
Click here to access the NATA 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory.
In a continuous effort to provide the most up-to-date information available, the NATA 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory is being offered as a user-friendly online document. Available from any Internet browser, this electronic version allows better access to member information as well as the opportunity for NATA to provide periodic updates, including the addition of new members.
The new format of NATA’s 2012 Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory enables members to share access to this valuable resource with everyone in their operation. The option to click on advertisements and Internet addresses of members is available, and searching the directory is easier via a clickable member index. Members also may download the directory in PDF.
If you have any changes to your listing, please contact NATA at (800) 808-6282 or email membership@nata.aero. You can also log on to the NATA Web site to make changes.
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Top Three Reasons To Purchase NATA’s CR Toolkit
(Reason Four: Special Pricing Through August 31) |
The Community Relations Toolkit ($99 for members) was developed to help airports expand community outreach efforts to airport neighbors and key stakeholders and to provide a guideline for community relations efforts. There is a wealth of information contained in this updated version, but here are a few of the best reasons for ordering a copy for your operation today:
- A key philosophy of this handbook is the need to think beyond the traditional methods of relating to airport neighbors. This revision expands on how to use technology-related tools appropriately to reach airport neighbors and stakeholders.
- This manual emphasizes the importance of evaluating the unique issues and concerns of local airport neighbors. The benefits of general aviation need to be translated into quality of life benefits that mean something to the neighbors of your particular airport.
- The importance of delving into the concerns identified by airport neighbors is also emphasized. Researching those concerns may identify that will reduce or eliminate the concern as well as provide an opportunity to explore what mechanisms might be most effective in reaching out to the community.
Learn more about the right tools for public outreach in the Community Relations Toolkit. Click here to get your copy at the best price offered in 2012.
NATA also has steep discounts on the following publications through August 31, 2012:
Negotiating Aviation Agreements: A Guidebook for Building and Protecting Your Business ($299 for members)
Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations ($109 for members)
These three publications come as a bundle in the FBO Managers Resource Kit, which is only $469 for members until August 31, 2012.
All NATA publications are available for purchase at the NATA Store.
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| EJM RENEWS ACSF INDUSTRY AUDIT STANDARD |
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that Executive Jet Management (EJM) of Cincinnati, Ohio, has renewed its status on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. EJM recently completed an IAS audit and maintains “Registered” status with the ACSF.
“By renewing its status on the IAS Registry, EJM has demonstrated its commitment to high standards,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “We congratulate them on their continued dedication, commitment and support of our standard.”
The IAS is the first and only extensive audit program specifically created for on-demand operators by a committee of Part 135 and 91K industry leaders. It is conducted every 24 months and is in-depth in its evaluation of regulatory compliance and the operator’s SMS program against both FAA and international standards.
Customers should look for the ACSF IAS registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program. The ACSF makes its operator registry and key company details available at no charge, so verification of IAS registration is quick and easy. Charter consumers can view the registry by clicking here.
Supporting materials are available by clicking here. Operators interested in more information about the audit process should contact Russ Lawton at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).
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NATA Fall Committee
Meetings take place
September 10-11 at the
Wyndham Dallas Love
Field in Dallas, Texas.
Click here to register.
The NATA room rate at
the Wyndham Dallas
Love Field is good until
August 17. Please call
(214) 357-8500 to make
your reservations.
NATA E-Learn Webinars
Click here to view a listing of archived webinar recordings.
NATA is the National Air Transportation Association
Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members' prosperity.
National Air Transportation Association
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 800-808-6282
Fax: 703-845-8176
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