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 House Transportation And Infrastructure Committee Has New Members |
On December 11, 2012, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure incoming Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) announced the names of ten new Republican Members of Congress for the committee in the 113th Congress. They include Steve Daines (MT), Rodney Davis (IL), Thomas Massie (KY), Mark Meadows (NC), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Scott Perry (PA), Trey Radel (FL), Tom Rice (SC), Daniel Webster (FL) and Roger Williams (TX). Representative Webster is the only non-freshman of the incoming group.
Thirteen seats from the 112th Congress have opened due to defeated races and movement of committee members to the Senate. Currently, there are 33 Republican members and 26 Democratic members, but incoming Chairman Shuster announced that the full committee, as well as subcommittee chairmen, will not be announced until after Christmas. Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV) stated that the Democratic side of the subcommittees may take longer to determine their subcommittee leadership than the Republicans, stating that last time they did not make final decisions until January or February. Back to Top
Over the past few weeks, NATA is pleased to have welcomed six new members to the NATA Flight Training Committee. The new committee members come from varying backgrounds within the flight training industry, and each have extensive knowledge and expertise. The committee comprises staff members of flight schools, aviation organizations and suppliers of flight training products.
The Flight Training Committee stays up to date with the latest changes in the aviation industry by maintaining a constant dialogue between the government and industry. The committee participates in important rulemaking decisions by providing valuable recommendations and feedback. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Flight Training Committee, contact Collin Smith, NATA manager of regulatory affairs, at csmith@nata.aero. Back to Top
| New Guidance on PIC Proficiency Checks |
The FAA has recently published a notice that clarifies the policies for pilot-in-command (PIC) proficiency checks conducted under Part 61. Section 61.58 requires pilots to complete proficiency checks for those serving as pilot-in-command of a turbojet-powered aircraft or in an aircraft type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember. The guidance is intended for Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI), but it also serves as a useful resource for pilots who fall into this category. The frequently asked questions included in the document addresses the type of aircraft and operation that would require pilots to comply with Part 61.58. It also outlines the criteria that must be fulfilled for annual training to count as a PIC proficiency check.
Download Notice 8900.200, Pilot-in-Command Proficiency Checks in Accordance with Section 61.58. Back to Top
Last week, the FAA issued Advisory Circular (AC)145-11a, Repair Station Guidance for Compliance with the Safety Agreement Between the United States and European Union. This AC is available to download directly from the FAA Advisory Circular webpage or by clicking here.
According to the FAA, this AC “provides information and guidance regarding a repair station located in the United States obtaining, renewing, or amending a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 approval and an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) located within the European Union (EU) obtaining, renewing, or amending a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair station certificate under the provisions of the U.S./EU aviation safety agreement (the Agreement).” 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
| North Carolina DOT Study Shows Aviation Contributes $26 Billion To State’s Economy |
A study recently published by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shows the economic impact aviation plays on the economy, commerce and tourism of North Carolina. The “2012 Economic Contribution of Airports in North Carolina” study shows that the state’s 9 commercial airports and 63 general aviation airports contribute 108,850 industry jobs, nearly $26 billion in annual impact and $771 million in direct government revenue from sales, property, corporate and personal taxes due to airport activity. Aviation affects and serves everyone and every business in the state, including tourism, agriculture, military and first responders to medical, disaster and fire-related accidents. “Aviation and aerospace continue to be an integral part of North Carolina’s economic engine,” stated NCDOT Division of Aviation Director Richard Walls.
The NCDOT commissioned the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University to compile the agency’s report on how aviation impacts the state’s economy. The report, “Economic Contribution of North Carolina Airports,” focuses on the “direct, indirect, and induced” impacts aviation has on the people and businesses that represent North Carolina. “As a frame of reference for the magnitude of the airports’ contribution to the state’s economy, the contribution represents 6 percent of the state’s GDP,” the report concludes.
To view the press release from NCDOT, click here. Back to Top
| Florida Aircraft Maintenance Sales Tax Exemption To Take Effect January 2013 |
Effective January 1, 2013, the sales tax exemption for the replacement of parts, engines, equipment and labor of fixed-wing aircraft will be expanded to include aircraft that exceed 2,000 pounds in maximum certified takeoff weight. Previously, the exemption was limited to fixed-wing aircraft weighing in excess of 15,000 pounds in maximum certified takeoff weight.
For parts, repair or labor that has been made to a fixed-wing aircraft, dealers are required to document the FAA registration number and the maximum certified takeoff weight of the aircraft on a tangible evidence of sale, including an invoice or receipt.
The change in weight of aircraft that will be eligible for tax exemption puts Florida FBOs and maintenance facilities on a level playing field with businesses in nearby states, allowing for revenue to stay in the state and making Florida businesses more competitive.
The existing exemptions for the repair or maintenance of rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 10,000 pounds, as well as for the replacement of engines, parts and equipment used in the maintenance or repair of a rotary-wing aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 10,300 pounds, still stand.
More information and the official alert can be found by clicking here. Back to Top
The NATA Spring Training Week kicks off with the Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar on March 11-12, 2013.
Dr. Todd Dewett is a well-known leadership speaker with relevant and applicable insights on how to be a successful manager. Dr. Dewett and other speakers including Reed Fuller of Ascent Aviation Group and Christine Hill and Larry Schuman of ServiceElements will provide training on strategic planning, supervising staff, motivating employees, communicating and coaching a team. Self-assessments will allow attendees to identify strengths and weaknesses, and group debates, peer discussions and various case studies are utilized to improve their management style.
Online Fire Safety Training must be completed prior to attending this seminar. We will confirm your registration in the seminar and send access credentials to complete the FAA required 14 CFR 139.321 Online Fire Safety Training.
For more information, or to register, click here. Back to Top
| Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training – Presale Ends December 21 |
Don’t miss your chance to get NATA’s newest online training program for 15% off.
Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT) is designed for employees with any degree of operational control – specifically schedulers, dispatchers and flight crews. AFCT is a certification program that provides core flight coordinator knowledge with an emphasis on safety.
There are a myriad of technical factors that can affect a flight, so it is crucial for a flight coordinator to have a strong understanding of the operational environment. AFCT includes training on weather, regulations, airport limitations, maintenance requirements and much more to keep employees in key positions well-informed and up to date. AFCT is available online anytime and provides self-paced, reliable training. This program allows you to reduce training time and paperwork while increasing productivity and profit.
AFCT is being offered at a pre-sale price of $935 for NATA members and $1,105 for non-members through this week only! After December 21, the price will increase to $1,100 for members and $1,300 for non-members.
Click here for an AFCT order form. Forms can be faxed or mailed. Back to Top
| ACSF Releases Safety Symposium Session Topics |
The 2013 Air Charter Safety Symposium will be held at the NTSB Training Center on February 26-27, 2013. To be effective, a true culture of safety must be integrated throughout an organization, continuously improved, and regularly audited and assessed. Operators that make this level of safety commitment instill confidence in their employees and customers.
The Air Charter Safety Foundation will host a variety of industry experts and leaders to explore the value of safety through leadership, proactive approaches to risk management, effective implementation and execution of safety programs, and best practices that create a high performance safety culture. Register for the 2013 Air Charter Safety Symposium to find out how safety is an investment that produces tangible results for your company.
Click here to view the preliminary brochure.
Click here to register. Back to Top
| NATA’s Tackling Supervisor Challenges Webinar – A Successful And Lively Discussion |
Last week, nearly 20 companies joined Bob Hobbi, ServiceElement’s president and CEO, for an interactive webinar aimed at supervisors and the many challenges they face. Hobbi pointed out the different skill sets required of supervisors, particularly the need for great people skills versus the technical knowledge that elevated them to this position. After Hobbi spoke, he encouraged attendees to participate and spent more than 45 minutes with enlightening answers to myriad questions.
Webinar attendees asked many extensive questions including:
- “How do you address co-workers who are very independent (a lot of push back to change) and operate in their own method? What’s the best way to bring them in line with your vision of how things should be done”
- “Can you please give a relevant scenario utilizing positive or engaging questions?”
- “Can you explain how my role will change now that I am a supervisor? I have been working with the same people for several years, and I can't imagine it would change that much.”
The great news is you haven’t missed out on this webinar. You can still take advantage of the recorded webinar session by clicking here. Back to Top
| Guidance For The NTSB Investigation Process |
At this year’s Aviation Business Roundtable, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Robert Sumwalt encouraged NATA members to familiarize themselves with the NTSB Investigation process. Member Sumwalt subsequently provided the following document titled “Information And Guidance For Parties To NTSB Accident And Incident Investigations” to share with roundtable attendees as well as our membership at-large. Please click here to view the NTSB document.
This document provides essential information on how the NTSB’s “party” system for investigations of accidents and incidents functions. The roles and responsibilities of all parties to an investigation are described in detail. NATA encourages its members to review and disseminate this information to key employees as appropriate.
For more information, visit the NTSB website by clicking here. Back to Top
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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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