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 NATA Safety 1st Releases Online Supervisors Training Program |
Last week, NATA announced the availability of its Line Service Supervision & Training Management Online (Supervisor Online) program. The Supervisor Online program provides the training that fixed base operators’ (FBO) line supervisors and managers need to become more proficient in lesson planning, supervising staff, motivating others, communicating and coaching a team. Additional modules cover vital topics, including fuel servicing, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and fire safety.
Completion of this program fulfills the FAA’s 139.321 supervisory requirements, and certificates will meet both the 14 CFR Part 139 Section 321 (e)1 supervisor fire safety training requirements and the NATA’s Safety 1st Line Service Supervisor Training requirements.
Click here to read NATA Policy Playbook Blog on the Safety 1st Supervisor Online Training.
Click here to learn more about this program or to register for training. Back to Top
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a prepublication version of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the manufacture, sale and use of aircraft emergency locater transmitters (ELT) that broadcast at 121.5 Mhz. In 2010, after satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs ceased, the FCC proposed prohibiting the manufacture, importation, sale and use of those ELTs. The FCC’s actions would have forced all aircraft owners to upgrade their ELTs to newer, more expensive, models that broadcast at 406 MHz ELTs and are monitored by satellite. Following input from the FAA and industry, the FCC decided to suspend the implementation of its proposal.
The recent NPRM reaffirms the FCC’s position that “a phase-out of 121.5 MHz ELTs is in the public interest.” The NPRM asks for comments on the impact and effects of the proposed prohibition on the manufacture, importation, sale and use of 121.5 MHz ELTs. The FCC will accept comments on this NPRM for 30 days following its publication in the Federal Register, which is expected to occur in the next week.
The prepublication release document may be modified prior to publication in the Federal Register. Back to Top
| FAA Changes Course On Maintenance Duty Time Interpretation |
Late last year, the FAA, in a letter to the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), withdrew a 2010 legal interpretation on the maintenance rest provisions contained in the regulation governing airlines (14 CFR Part 121). The regulations in question require that maintenance personnel working on Part 121 aircraft are required to be provided “a [rest] period of at least 24 consecutive hours during any seven consecutive days, or the equivalent thereof within any one calendar month.” The 2010 legal interpretation stated, “FAA would not consider compliant a work schedule in which maintenance personnel were required to work several consecutive weeks without an uninterrupted, consecutive 24-hour rest period during any seven consecutive days” even if the equivalent amount of rest was provided within the calendar month.
ARSA led an industry response arguing that the 2010 legal interpretation amounted to rulemaking as it changed the plain meaning of the regulatory text. In last month’s letter, the FAA agreed and withdrew the 2010 interpretation. Back to Top
New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW) requires reservations from aircraft operators for airport use February 1 - 4, 2013, for the Super Bowl XLVII event on February 3. A heavy volume of air traffic is expected during this time, so the airport established a parking reservation system to insure that ramp space will be available for arriving aircraft. All aircraft parking at Lakefront Airport will need a Prior Permission Required (PPR) number. Your PPR number will indicate your parking location, and you must give this number to air traffic control so they can direct you to the correct turnoff point on the runway. FAA Safety Team Notice Number NOTC4515 provides this information.
For more information on aircraft operations into New Orleans during the Super Bowl, click here. 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. You will find the latest notices, rules and proposed rules in a single source by clicking here.
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| Michigan Aeronautics Commission Submits Letter Opposing GA User Fees |
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission recently sent a letter to the Michigan state legislature in opposition to the proposed $100-per-flight user fee used as a means of fund-raising. The December 14, 2012 letter emphasizes strong ties between local job growth and continued prosperity of the state’s general aviation industry and highlights the industry’s contributions on local and national levels, showing the positive impact general aviation has to economic development opportunities and jobs.
The letter offers the fuel tax alternative as a favored means of tax collections and outlines the costly and burdensome bureaucracy that would need to be implemented for collection. “While not perfect, the fuel tax is the easiest and most efficient way to fund the Federal Aviation Administration and its programs that benefit all users of the system,” the letter states.
Michigan Business Aviation Association (MBAA) Chairman and Michigan Aeronautics Commission Member Roger Salo emphasized the importance of the state’s representatives and senators understanding of the issue and the negative repercussions the tax puts on the industry. “We have to educate our legislators, because they constantly turn over,” he stated, noting that this is about preserving jobs.
“NATA will continue to work with state and federal officials to promote, protect and defend against unwarranted policies, including this onerous tax implementation,” stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. “It is important that our elected officials are aware of the negative setbacks user fees will have on an industry that positively contributes to our local, state and national economies and comminutes.” Back to Top
| Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training Giveaway At S&D |
Visit NATA Booth #433 at NBAA’s Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference and enter to win the newest NATA Safety 1st online training for free. Drawings for the Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT) will take place on Wednesday, January 23, and Thursday, January 24, at 3 p.m.
AFCT sets a new standard in training for schedulers, dispatchers and all individuals within an organization that participate in flight planning and release processes. AFCT is a certification program that provides core flight coordinator knowledge with an emphasis on safety. 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 offers six modules that will make your flight coordinator an invaluable part of the flight planning team – before, during and after every flight.
To read more about AFCT, click here. Back to Top
NATA’s Spring Training Week is a popular training event that teaches FBO managers and supervisors safety techniques and tools to maximize productivity and minimize accidents. The skills and techniques learned at NATA’s Spring Training Week help ensure safer operations for your team. Spring Training Week provides an opportunity to complete FAA-required 14 CFR 139.321 Fire Safety Training. Seminars at Spring Training Week include Line Service Supervisor Training, FBO Success, NATA Safety 1st Trainer, and Environmental Compliance. Attendees get a chance to meet the NATA staff and participate in contests and drawings for prizes and free safety training. This fun and educational event covers all of the bases of safety training.
See what previous attendees said about Spring Training seminars:
Clifton Adams, Wilson Air Center, Charlotte, NC
Tom Milard, Swift Aviation, Phoenix, AZ
Andi Montgomery, Montgomery Aviation, Zionsville, IN Back to Top
| NATA AMT Employer Award Applications Available |
NATA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program is accepting applications through the end of the month. The award program is open to any full-time aircraft and/or components maintenance or repair business or other entity that conducts aviation maintenance. The awards program recognizes aviation maintenance organizations that encourage and support aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training. The award is based on the percentage of AMTs employed (directly or indirectly) by a maintenance organization that participate in qualified training events. An AMT must complete at least 12 hours of training each year to be counted towards the organization’s award percentage.
Click here for more information or to download an application. Back to Top
| Call For Nominations – 2012 NATA Industry Excellence Awards |
Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that helped to improve the general aviation community. NATA member-submitted nominations help to determine the recipients of five of these awards.
These awards cover five categories:
The Airport Executive Partnership Award recognizes an airport manager for outstanding efforts to nurture the relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.
The Aviation Journalism Award identifies a journalist, writer, or publication that excels in consumer education or editorial support that is beneficial to the general aviation industry.
The Excellence In Pilot Training Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in the field of pilot training.
The FAA Customer Service Excellence Award recognizes a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility or facility staff member who represents the highest degree of customer service and elevates the quality of interaction between the FAA and aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, Part 135 certificate holders, airport service organizations, and flight schools.
The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.
Send nominations for these five awards to NATA for receipt no later than March 1, 2013. The nomination form is available by clicking here. The association will present the awards during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Dinner. Back to Top
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