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 NATA President's Message Blog: Leadership Come Together to Recognize General Aviation in Alaska |
NATA President Tom Hendricks’ latest blog post, “Leadership Unite to Recognize General Aviation In Alaska,” recounts his visit with industry leaders in Alaska for an aviation rally. The post also includes a link to a video clip of Tom’s speech. Here is an excerpt:
“Last week, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues in Anchorage, Alaska, to celebrate the many contributions general aviation has made to the community and around the state. At a rally held at Signature Flight Support at Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC), Ed Bolen from the National Business Aviation Association, Craig Fuller from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Pete Bunce from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and I met with U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Alaska Department of Transportation Commissioner Mark Luiken to discuss how the efforts we are making here in Washington will affect the lifeline of Alaska’s residents and businesses to each other and the nation.“ Click here to read this post in its entirety.
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The FAA has published new guidance explaining operator options for crafting Initial New Hire (INH) training programs for pilots who may have previous aircraft and/or air carrier experience.
In late 2011, the FAA published a draft notice on this issue and accepted industry comments. The final version of the guidance, Notice 8900.197, will require inspectors to ensure that no Part 135 training programs contain provisions allowing for issuance of credit for prior training or evaluations. Inspectors are required to conduct a review of training programs under their supervision within 90 days and notify operators of any changes that must be made to conform to the guidance. Operators will then have to submit training program revisions to their inspector for approval within twelve calendar months.
As suggested in the draft version, the final guidance does allow for operators to craft multiple curricula for training that take into consideration the pilot’s prior experience and provides for a reduced number of training hours.
The FAA provides examples of the types of reduced training hour programs that an operator could develop, including:
- Pilots that have previous experience in Part 135 operations in the same aircraft and flightcrew member duty position;
- Pilots that have previous experience in Part 135 operations in the same aircraft, but in a different flightcrew member duty position;
- Pilots that have previous experience in Part 135 operations in a different aircraft; or
- Pilots that have previous experience in 14 CFR Part 91, subpart K (Part 91K) operations.
For nearly two years, the requirements for training newly hired pilots that have prior experience have been unclear as some FAA inspectors were requiring a full INH program even for those pilots that are current and qualified on the aircraft and that have current Part 135 experience. In contrast, many operators were previously permitted to provide some sort of "credit" to experienced pilots.
NATA encourages all Part 135 operators to review the guidance as soon as possible.
Click here to download Notice 8900.197, “Part 135 Training Program Review: Training/Checking Credit.”
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| Letter To President Obama Encourages Opposition To EU Emissions Trading Scheme |
A letter, co-signed by NATA, was recently sent to President Obama asking for his support in opposing the inclusion of international aviation under the one-sided European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Rejecting U.S. participation in the scheme is necessary to protect the nation’s sovereignty and jobs and to guard against implementation of future schemes in a variety of sectors that contribute to the U.S. economy.
The purpose of the scheme that was launched in 2005 is to combat climate change, and it is a major pillar of the EU climate policy. More than 10,000 stationary sources within 30 participating EU countries have been instructed to cap their emissions of carbon dioxide. Under the EU ETS, the EU auctions a specified number of emissions allowances for each multi-year period, and distributes a certain number of allowances for free. In 2012, civil aviation operators that land in or depart from the EU were mandated to participate.
As has been highlighted in previous letters, congressional hearings and ongoing legislation, the U.S. aviation sector is prominent in its fuel efficiency and emissions savings record. The letter details that fuel costs represent about 40 percent of the industry’s operating costs and that the industry has been highly incentivized to reduce its part in fuel consumption and emissions. The industry contributes only 2 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Imposing such a one-sided scheme on U.S. air carriers is the wrong way to monitor emissions. The signed organizations have been in constant connection with the International Civil Aviation Organization to develop a global framework for addressing aviation greenhouse gas emissions. Also, further development of new aircraft and engines as part of the Next Generation Air Traffic Management System is pending.
President Obama has all of the tools to reject such a negatively impactful scheme. NATA is committed to working with Congress and the administration on finding a constructive and collaborative way to tackle this important issue of aviation and climate change.
For more information on the EU ETS, click here to view a report released by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation.
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The NATA Airports Committee, which met in Dallas, Texas, two weeks ago, began considering ways that the association and its members could assist veterans in finding work in our industry. Former service members have always played a large role in aviation and the committee looked at ways in which NATA could assist veterans looking for a new career in general aviation.
NATA currently has an online jobs board that is available to member companies. The Airports Committee is seeking input from member companies that currently use innovative methods to help bring veterans into our industry, either through full-time employment or internship opportunities. Additionally, the committee is looking for veterans groups that might be interested in participating in an initiative to help service members join our industry.
If your company has ideas, internships available or is interested in participating, please contact NATA Director of Regulatory Affairs Michael France at mfrance@nata.aero.
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| Time Is Running Out To Complete Survey On Consistency Of Regulatory Interpretation |
The Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) is seeking industry input in the form of an industry stakeholder survey.
Consistent with a mandate in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 313, the FAA established the ARC, comprising both government and industry representatives, to address the issue of consistency in regulatory application, particularly with regard to the certification and application processes. As a component of its tasking, the ARC will develop recommendations and submit a final report to the administrator by December 31, 2012. The administrator is required to submit the agency’s report to Congress by February 15, 2013.
As the committee works to formulate recommendations to the administrator, the members believe it is important to solicit feedback and collect data from aviation industry stakeholders. The Industry Stakeholder Survey is designed to afford an opportunity for stakeholders to submit information to assist in the formulation of final recommendations.
The industry stakeholder survey is available until September 25, 2012, and can be viewed by clicking here.
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| NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fact Of The Week |
As of January 1, 2013, NATA will be endorsing Beacon Aviation Insurance Services and Companion Property and Casualty Insurance Company as the new providers of the NATA Worker’s Compensation Insurance Program.
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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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On September 17, NATA, along with U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Department of Transportation Commissioner Mark Luiken, and national aviation organizations celebrated general aviation in a state where 82 percent of Alaska’s communities are without roads. Alaskan residents met with local, state, and federal public officials as well as industry leaders to discuss the many successes general aviation has had in the state as well as pending issues that will affect the future of the state’s main lifeline.
At the start of the event, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the FAA’s Airport Division played a video for the attendees outlining the lifeline that general aviation provides Alaska’s residents, businesses and service organizations to each other and to the world. The video features interviews with village residents and service providers who describe how important aviation is in their lives. The video serves as a valuable educational tool for federal partners, congressional leaders, legislators, and the public.
Senator Begich emphasized general aviation as the “lifeblood of Alaska” and how the industry’s importance to the way of life of the people of Alaska, and others around the country, played a part in the formation of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, which Begich co-chairs. He urged his counterparts to cooperate on issues, including rejecting President Obama’s proposed $100 per-flight user fee, and suggested that they visit the state to learn how reliant people are on general aviation.
Aviation in the last frontier state contributes $3.5 billion to the state’s economy, including 8 percent of the gross domestic product. Alaska is home to 230 Part 135 operators, a fleet of 10,947 aircraft and a workforce in the industry of roughly 10 percent. The total economic impact of general aviation amounts to $700 million or $571 per capita, placing Alaska among the top 10 states for total economic impact by general aviation.
Recently, Governor Sean Parnell recognized general aviation’s importance to the state by declaring September 2012 as General Aviation Appreciation Month. The proclamation encourages Alaska residents to “appreciate the achievements of those who make aviation possible” and to celebrate the industry as a vital resource.
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| Michigan and Connecticut Governors Recognize Aviation |
Recently, governors from Michigan and Connecticut recognized the value of aviation in their states by declaring September 2012 as Aviation Month. These proclamations mark the 43rd and 44th states to highlight this important industry’s contributions to their state’s economies, job and business growth, and national competitiveness.
In Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder urged the state’s residents to learn more about the state’s annual Air Tour show and to recognize and celebrate Michigan’s rich aviation history. Michigan is home to 235 public-use airports, 70 flight schools, and 6,800 registered aircraft. Annually, aviation and related activities contribute more than $10 million to the economy – a major economic impact on the state.
Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy underscored the state’s fourth place rank among all 50 U.S. states with general aviation, contributing nearly $2.4 billion total or $726 per capita. “This month is an opportunity for aircraft owners, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and others to share an appreciation for the freedom of flight, the camaraderie of the aviation community, as well as the past and future of aviation in Connecticut,” the proclamation read.
“It is important that governors realize the impact aviation has on every facet of their states’ infrastructures,” stated NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks. “NATA will continue to work with these officials to ensure that aviation continues to serve as a vital link to the public and the businesses and commerce that support the state.”
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| Utah Governor Recognizes A Vibrant And Supportive Aviation Community |
Utah Governor Gary Herbert proclaimed September 2012 as Aviation Appreciation Month in the beehive state, highlighting the industry’s critical role in the lives and economic prosperity of Utah’s citizens. The proclamation was presented at the annual convention of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Salt Lake City earlier this month.
Utilizing Utah’s 46 public use airports, general aviation plays a critical role by contributing to the efficiencies and opportunities of people in the rural areas of the state that are not served by commercial aviation. General aviation and community airports are depended upon heavily for the continued flow of commerce, tourism and visitors. The Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Division of Aeronautics states that general aviation results in 9,257 jobs and payrolls of more than $260 million. A study conducted by UDOT found that 16 percent of responding businesses surveyed in Utah stated that their business activities depend on general aviation.
Across Utah, there are 25 charter flight companies, 55 repair stations, and 17 flight schools that operate 60 aircraft, and there are 42 fixed base operations across the state, all according to the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
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| NATA Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing – Prep Your Team With Online Training |
Winter weather training programs like NATA’s Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing module are designed to familiarize your line service specialists with the responsibilities of their job and give an overview of the skills necessary for safe aircraft departures.
What’s covered in the online training?
- Introduction: reviews the crucial reasons for deicing and the affects of icing on aircraft flight.
- Deicing & Anti-Icing Fluids: covers the types of fluids and their characteristics and primary usage.
Deicing & Anti-Icing Application: covers specifics on when and how to apply the different fluid types.
- Deicing and Anti-icing Safety: discusses personal protective equipment requirements and procedures for the safe operation of your deicing equipment.
- Deicing Procedures: discusses techniques to deice aircraft effectively and best practices to follow.
- Anti-icing Fluid Application: stresses what to do and what NOT to do when applying anti-icing fluids.
- Final Preparations For Departure: covers your responsibilities as well as what to expect from the flight crew after de/anti-icing and prior to aircraft departure.
What are the benefits of de/anti-icing online training?
- Vivid videos and photos tell the story
- Quizzes throughout reinforce major concepts
- Final exam ensures comprehension
- Most up-to-date de/anti-icing best practices and procedures
- Current FAA holdover tables
- Consistent training for all deicing crews
- Specifically designed for general aviation
Review our recorded webinar on NATA’s Safety 1st De/Anti-Icing module by clicking here.
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| SMS Seminar Coming To Dallas In October: Guest Speaker Randy Babbitt |
FltPlan.com is now taking registrations for a free educational event. FltPlan.com will be hosting an SMS Informational Seminar in partnership with the Air Charter Safety Foundation. This is a live event, not a webinar. It will take place in Dallas on October 17, 2012, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. ET. This SMS seminar will provide helpful information in regard to the development and implementation of your company's SMS program. We are pleased to announce that Randy Babbitt, former FAA administrator, will once again be a guest speaker at our upcoming SMS Seminar. Registration is required to attend.
To register click here. Each attendee is required to register separately. After receiving the registration form and being qualified as an SMS participant, further details will be provided via email.
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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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