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State Advocacy Network News
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Member News
 Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training Launches |
NATA unveiled its newest training program, Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT), last week at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. The AFCT is a certificate program that provides core flight coordinator knowledge with an emphasis on safety and technical expertise to assist crews with in-depth flight planning.
"The AFCT program sets a new standard in training for schedulers, dispatchers and all of those within organizations that participate in flight planning and release processes," stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. "AFCT is designed to make your flight coordinator an invaluable part of the flight planning team - before, during and after every flight."
The Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training program covers the following topics in six detailed modules:
- Introduction and flight coordinator overview
- Operating in the national airspace
- Regulations and requirements including Ops Specs and Parts 91, 91K and 135
- Weather reports and charts
- Airports, runways and performance
- Flight coordinator resource management
"The most crucial aspects of the AFCT are its emphasis on safety and the in-depth technical expertise," added NATA Vice President, Operations Amy B. Koranda. "As with all of the NATA training programs, the association subjects each module to a rigorous review by panels of industry leaders and experts in the field. NATA is confident that the AFCT will make new and seasoned flight coordinators alike proficient with the latest information and procedures."
Congratulations to Kyle McCracken of Executive AirShare and Kimberly Streety of HealthSouth Aviation, LLC for winning NATA Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training at NBAA's S&D Conference.
For more information on the AFCT program, click here. Back to Top
On January 23, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met for their first meeting of the 113th Congress to discuss and organize the committee’s rules and oversight plan as well as to confirm the appointments of subcommittee chairmen, ranking members and subcommittee assignments. “In the coming months, the committee will focus on strengthening the Nation’s transportation network and reforming programs for a more competitive and prosperous America,” stated newly appointed Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA).
In addition, the committee confirmed Representative Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee respectively.
Areas of oversight for the Subcommittee on Aviation during the 113th Congress include but are not limited to:
- Implementation of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012
- Safety programs
- Evaluation of FAA’s NextGen Air Traffic Control Modernization
- Oversight of the Office of the Secretary
- Airline financial condition and passenger service
- Streamlining the FAA’s policies, programs and procedures
- Oversight of the National Transportation Safety Board
To view the roster of subcommittee members, click here.
To view the committee’s oversight plan, click here. Back to Top
| Just A Few Days Remain To Submit An Application For NATA’s AMT Employer Award Program |
The NATA AMT Employer Award Program recognizes aviation maintenance organizations that encourage and support aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training. The award is based on the percentage of AMTs employed 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.
The association will accept applications for the NATA Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program through January 31. The award program is open to any full-time aircraft and/or components maintenance or repair business or other entity that conducts aviation maintenance.
Click here for more information or to download an application. Back to Top
The General Aviation Awards program recognizes individual aviation professionals on the local, regional, and national levels for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety. The program is a cooperative effort between more than a dozen general aviation industry sponsors, including NATA, and the FAA. The GA Awards Committee recently announced the program’s regional winners. The National GA Awards Program winners are selected each March from the pool of regional winners, and then honored during AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.
View the release announcing the 2013 GA Awards Program Regional Winners.
Visit the GA Awards Program website for more information. 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
| Maine Governor Submits Bill To Exempt Sales Tax On Airplane Purchases And Repairs Permanently |
Maine Governor Paul LePage recently submitted a bill to the state legislature that would permanently eliminate the five percent sales tax on airplane purchases and aircraft parts and repairs. The state legislature passed similar legislation in 2011 that was presented by State Senator Kevin Raye (R). That legislation took effect July 1, 2011, and exempts taxes on aircraft sales and repairs through 2015. The current legislation boosted the state’s aviation industry, according to George Gervais, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Presently, no other New England state taxes aircraft parts and only Vermont taxes the sales of aircraft.
An avid supporter of aviation, Governor LePage recognizes the value of aviation and its impact on jobs, economic activity and investments the industry brings to the pine tree state. Maine’s 36 publically owned airports support 1,532 general aviation jobs and contribute $521 million annually to the state economy. The Maine Department of Transportation reports that the total economic impact of publically owned commercial and general aviation airports in the state is $1.5 billion, representing 3.3% of Maine’s gross state product.
The Maine legislature, currently in session since December 2012, is reviewing the bill, and NATA’s State Advocacy Network will support and encourage approval of the measure. Back to Top
| FBO Success – Spring Training Week |
John Enticknap and Ron Jackson of Aviation Business Strategies Group and Leonard Kirsch of McBreen & Kopko lead this popular seminar designed to teach FBO owners and managers the secrets to success. Taking place at NATA’s Spring Training Week in Las Vegas, FBO Success focuses on maximizing profits while reducing expenses and improving FBO productivity and performance. Click here to see what others have said about FBO Success.
Your Ticket is Good for a Two-Day Doubleheader:
Game 1, Monday, March 11
- Timing fuel purchases to maximize profits
- Finding the best retail sales strategy when fuel prices rise or fall
- Discovering free money: the ins and outs of fuel hedging
- Developing your own broker-based fuel pricing strategy
- Dealing with non-profitable customers
Game 2, Tuesday, March 12
- Lowering insurance premiums
- Learning business finance for FBO Operations
- Developing a favorable lease
- Positioning for merger, sale or acquisition
- Adding value with the ultimate customer service experience
- Building a winning employee culture
- Understanding legal aspects of running an FBO
Click here for more information or to register. Back to Top
Safety starts with you and requires continuous monitoring and participation. By understanding these principals and accepting change, your organization will continue to grow in a positive, safer direction. Daniel Grace of Cessna Aircraft Company will provide information on the importance of having senior leadership participation in your SMS, selecting the right person as the safety officer, and educating your group to drive cultural change.
Click here to view the Symposium program. For more information and to register, click here. A discounted room rate of $114/night plus tax is available for workshop attendees. You must reserve your room by Monday, February 4, to receive the discounted rate. Contact the SpringHill Suites directly at 703-723-9300 and ask for the Air Charter Safety Foundation rate. Back to Top
| NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance™ Fact Of The Week |
Private Insurance Companies Cannot Write Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage in the States of Washington, North Dakota, Wyoming and Ohio.
These states require that all Workers’ Compensation Insurance be sold only by the state. They have a monopoly, thus our reference to them as monopolistic states.
None of the four monopolistic states offer Employers' Liability coverage. If you have coverage in a non-monopolistic state, the Stop Gap Endorsement (an endorsement that provides Employers Liability coverage for work-related injuries arising from incidental operations or exposures in monopolistic fund states), can be added to the Workers' Compensation Insurance policy. In the event that you are in an exclusively monopolistic state, your General Liability Insurance provider can attach the endorsement to that policy.
Have your agent contact Beacon Aviation Insurance today at www.beaconais.com for assistance with this or any other coverage. Back to Top
| Call For Nominations – 2012 NATA Industry Excellence Awards |
Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of five of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations.
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.
NATA will accept nominations for these five awards until 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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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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