 |
Top News
State Advocacy Network News
Events
Member News
 2013 Drug And Alcohol Testing Rates Announced |
The FAA has announced the 2013 random drug and alcohol testing percentage rates for aviation employees covered by federal drug and alcohol testing regulations.
For the period of January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013, the random drug testing rates are:
- Drug testing = 25% of safety sensitive employees
- Alcohol testing = 10% of safety sensitive employees
These rates remain unchanged from 2012 and reflect the lowest rates permitted under the law.
More information on drug and alcohol testing programs is available from the FAA by clicking here. Back to Top
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the 2013 federal excise tax (FET) rates for commercial aviation. The new rates are in effect beginning January 1, 2013.
The commercial FET rates subject to annual inflationary adjustment are the Domestic Segment Fee, International Facilities Fee and the fee for flights to Alaska and Hawaii. Other rates (e.g. noncommercial fuel taxes, 7.5% for commercial passenger transportation and 6.25% for cargo) remain in effect unchanged and are not subject to inflationary adjustments.
The adjusted FET rates are:
- Domestic Transportation of Persons Segment Fee : $3.90
- International Facilities Fee: $17.20
- Fee for flights to Alaska and Hawaii: $8.60
The revised fee rates are listed in IRS Internal Revenue Bulletin 2012-45. Back to Top
| NATA Safety 1st System Upgrade |
The NATA Safety 1st Online Training Learning Management System underwent a minor face-lift of the User Interface. Participants will notice slight changes in the administrator features, but the student portal has remained the same. We made the changes with input from many of our users and with streamlining and simplifying uppermost in our minds.
If you are a Safety 1st participant and would like to view a short webinar about the changes made to the system, please click here. We have also included the changes in the Administrator and Student Guidance located in the Training Resource Tab when the user is logged onto the training site as an administrator.
As always, please let us know your thoughts by emailing safety@nata.aero. Back to Top
Relevant updates from the FAA, the 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
| State And National Legislatures Gearing Up For 2013 Legislative Sessions – Voice Your Industry Needs Through NATA’s State Advocacy Network |
Aviation businesses are confronted with a host of local, state and national issues, including airport and land use, security, taxation, aircraft noise and emissions, and other priorities that arise. NATA’s State Advocacy Network (SAN) is composed of volunteers from each state that play an important role in the association’s efforts to stimulate and encourage greater involvement among its members. SAN’s goal is to build a strong network to defeat unwarranted policies at every level of government. The network’s website has been used as a platform to gain awareness and support for issues facing members and their businesses, and it provides news and updates on ongoing legislation.
If your business or state is experiencing industry problems that require the association’s support or assistance, to view a list of SAN volunteers, or if you hear of problems that may arise and need more information, contact the State Advocacy Network via email at SAN@nata.aero or by calling (800) 808-6282. Back to Top
| AIA Year-End Review And Forecast Report Points To U.S. And Europe Economies for Industry Success |
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) released a report earlier this month highlighting the successes and downfalls of 2012 and projecting the forecast of aviation in 2013. The “2012 Year-End Review and Forecast” report states that 2012 was a productive year for the industry and positively contributed to the year’s economy. Sales of aircraft in 2013 are expected to rise over three percent, contributing to the industry’s nine consecutive years of growth. Exports were up, jobs increased by nearly 630,000 and more specialists were acquired.
The AIA report states that the industry’s forecast for 2013 is looking bright but the fiscal cliff and sequestration loom and could cause significant negative impacts on the civil and military sectors of the industry. In 2013, the sales of larger business jets will lead the industry and account for nearly 40 percent of all general aviation aircraft deliveries over the next ten years. The key market drivers in 2013 will continue to be the price of fuel and the health of the domestic and international economies.
AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey stated in a corresponding press conference that much still needs to be done to ensure the long-term health of the aerospace industry. Top policy priorities for the association that should be considered in ensuring a strong, stable industry include the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, extension of the research and experimentation tax credit, and a review of the export control reform, to name a few.
For more information on and analyses of AIA’s 2012 Year-End Review and Forecast report, click here. Back to Top
| 2013 Air Charter Safety Symposium Program Available |
The preliminary program for the 2013 Air Charter Safety Symposium is now available online. Programs will be in your mailbox in the next few weeks. Click here to view the pdf version.
For more information and to register, click here.
Following the Air Charter Safety Symposium, there will be an ACSF Auditor Workshop on February 27-28 for individuals interested in becoming Industry Audit Standard (IAS) accredited auditors, current auditors wishing to renew their accreditation status, or operators interested in learning about the IAS audit standards and process.
For more information on the ACSF Auditor Workshop, click here. Back to Top
Navigating the world of environmental regulations and mandates can be tricky and confusing. The NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar, March 14, is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operations. George Gamble, founder of 2G Environmental, LLC, will cover topics including Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations, waste issues (hazardous waste, universal waste, waste oil and waste fuel), underground storage tanks, updates on environmental regulations, and more.
This seminar is geared towards FBO owners and managers, airport managers, and regulatory compliance and environmental compliance managers. This is a great opportunity to get clarity on the procedures, equipment and requirements for your business to meet environmental compliance regulations.
Click here for more information or to register. Back to Top
| Spring Training Seminar Spotlight – FBO Success Seminar |
NATA’s FBO Success Seminar is one of the most popular educational events NATA has to offer. This two-day seminar, taking place on March 11-12, teaches new FBO management techniques and essential aviation operational and service knowledge. This seminar offers a great opportunity for FBO owners, managers, supervisors and finance personnel to learn tricks of the trade that will not only benefit their business financially, but also improve their image in the industry.
FBO Success Seminar topics include fuel sales strategies, customer service tips to maximize profits and customer retention, business finance and insurance, legal aspects of running an FBO, employee relations and more. Attendees have the chance to participate in roundtable discussions with their peers and exchange best practice ideas. The FBO Success Seminar is hosted by the writers of ACUKWIK’s FBO Connection blog, John Enticknap and Ron Jackson, as well as Leonard Kirsch, an expert in aviation law.
See what other attendees are saying:
“The FBO Success Seminar instructors are very professional and knowledgeable. They provided valuable input on pricing strategies and I found the overall seminar to be worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this seminar to any manager of a small to large FBO.” - Bob McMillan, General Manager, Abilene Aero
“I learned everything from fuel purchasing to what it means to provide excellent customer service. The facilitators are true industry experts. I hope to attend future FBO Success Seminars and would recommend this seminar to other FBO professionals who want to stay up‐to‐date on industry best practices.” - Matthew McVicker, Assistant Airport Manager/ Marketing, Wood County Regional Airport in Bowling Green, OH Back to Top
| Workers' Compensation Insurance Program Fact Of The Week |
Back to Top
| All NATA Committee Members Invited To Attend Business Management Committee Meeting |
The NATA Business Management Committee meeting, taking place January 22, 2013, is being held in conjunction with NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. All NATA Committee members attending Schedulers & Dispatchers are invited to attend. Immediately following the committee meeting will be a NATA Board of Directors reception. To register for the meeting and reception, please complete this form and fax it to 703-845-8176 or email it to cclark@nata.aero.
NATA Business Management Committee Meeting and Reception
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Meeting: Noon – 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room 8
Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 11
Location of Meeting & Reception: Marriott Rivercenter, 101 Bowie Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Housing arrangements may be made through the NBAA website under events for the NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference, January 22-25, 2013. Back to Top
| NATA Office Holiday Closings |
NATA’s office will be closed Monday, December 31, and Tuesday, January 1, for the holidays.
The NATA Board of Directors and staff extend their best wishes to you for happy holidays! Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|