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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. |
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NATA Safety 1st Management System (SMS) Workshop – Dulles, VA - March 2, 2009
ACSF Safety Symposium - Ashburn, VA - March 3-4, 2009
NATA Education Week at Aviation Industry Expo - Las Vegas, NV - March 9-11, 2009
Environmental Compliance Seminar - Windsor Locks, CT - May 11, 2009
Line Service Supervisor Training - Windsor Locks, CT - May 12, 2009
How To Build A More Successful FBO - Windsor Locks, CT - May 14, 2009 |
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Professional Line Service Training |
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PLST Online provides the most up-to-date training available for line service specialists – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line service supervisors can conduct the new PLST Online training anytime and from anywhere there is access to the Web. continued |
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139 Fire Safety Training Online |
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This training not only meets and exceeds the requirements of 14 CFR 139.321 but also allows you to interact with other students in a group learning environment, receive the very latest NFPA news, watch live training presentations and much more. |
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Pre-Employment Screening Exam |
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NATA is offering the first pre-employment screening exam specifically for line service technicians and FBO customer service specialists.
With predecessor exams already in use at more than 900 companies worldwide, NATA has adapted the most cost effective and revealing pre-employment testing and post employment testing available for FBO use. |
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| LASP Raises Serious Concerns For America's Small Aviation Businesses; Association Recommends That LASP Be Withdrawn |
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| Yesterday, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) submitted its comments on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) proposed rule. Unveiled by TSA in October 2008, the LASP rule would govern operations for all aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and require the operators of those aircraft to implement an approved security program. The LASP proposal would, for the first time ever, require security programs for thousands of privately operated general aviation aircraft and ultimately seek to combine a number of security programs currently in place for general aviation, including the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program, into a single, uniform program.
The association's comments focus on the impact that the LASP proposed rule will have on aircraft operators and airports as well as numerous issues the NPRM raises that lie outside the scope of the proposed rule.
To view the association's comments on the LASP, please click here.
To view the association's press release on the LASP, please click here.
To view the association's LASP Resource Page, please click here. | |
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| TSA Delays Security Directive Requiring STAs For Airport Tenants |
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| The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) yesterday released the following notice to airport operators and tenants on the status of Security Directive (SD) 1542-04-8F. NATA, along with other general aviation industry associations, has been working closely with the TSA to minimize the impact this SD has on the general aviation community since its release late last year. The compliance date for SD 1542-04-8F, which requires personnel who have access to the secure areas of commercial airports to undergo Security Threat Assessments and to be badged, has now been extended to June 1, 2009. NATA members affected by this SD should work closely with their Federal Security Directors (FSDs) and airport management to ensure they are in compliance by this new deadline. Many members have reported that FSDs and airports are working to identify alternative means of compliance, as provided within the SD, for general aviation entities affected by the SD, as appropriate. Members having compliance questions about this SD should contact Eric Byer on the NATA staff.
For Immediate Dissemination:
TO: Airport Operators & Airport Tenants
FR: Douglas Hofsass, TSA General Manager For Commercial Aviation
As you know, TSA has been working closely with AAAE and ACI on the implementation of SD 1542-04-8F. AAAE and ACI have been providing feedback and suggestions on your behalf since inception. Although TSA provided a fairly large lead time for section II.C, and while we understand that a number of airports have already indicated "compliance" with this section, we are also hearing that a large number of airports need additional time to reach compliance. Many of the airports requesting an extension have been working hard on this requirement for the past 4-6 weeks, but due to the size of the incremental population, reaching compliance by the current deadline is not feasible.
Rather than having a large number of individual airports go through their respective FSD's and TSA Headquarters for individual extensions, we have made the decision that we will extend the compliance date for section II.C until June 1, 2009. This means that the current deadline for Cat X's and Cat 1's (which is currently March 1, 2009) and the current deadline for Cat 2's, Cat 3's, and Cat 4's (which is currently April 30, 2009) will be extended until June 1, 2009. As a reminder, section II.C is the section which requires all employees who have unescorted access to the SIDA, Secure, and AOA areas of the airport to have an airport issued ID with an accompanying STA. TSA encourages airports to comply with section II.C sooner than June 1, 2009 if practicable. TSA is committed to providing permanent relief (under section II.M) to those airports who can establish compliance prior to June 1, 2009. As a reminder, TSA recently issued SD 1542-01-10G, which provides "name variance relief" for no-fly comparisons until June 1, 2009.
The extension for section II.C is not an extension for the entire SD. TSA will be issuing SD 1542-04-8G in the coming days, which will codify the new compliance dates for section II.C. As a reminder, TSA previously issued guidance exempting US Military and TSA Personnel from the STA requirement, which will also be codified in SD 1542-04-8G. | |
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| New "Playbook" Security Measures By Local TSA Officials Raises Concerns |
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| The association continues to address the actions of local Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials who recently incorporated new "Playbook" security measures at some commercial airports, including Nashville International Airport in Nashville, TN. These "Playbook" security measures included physical screening and searches of passengers and baggage.
TSA Headquarters staff state that the intent for utilizing "Playbook" security measures is to enable local TSA and FBO officials to coordinate a time where both entities can prepare and execute enhanced security measures. Incidents at Nashville and other locations have unfolded otherwise. TSA HQ staff have indicated that additional guidance will be provided to local TSA officials to be certain that "Playbook" security measures involve more coordination with FBOs to ensure that business is not interrupted. Part of the purpose of these enhanced security measures is to allow input from FBO personnel to local TSA officials to identify the best ways to improve security for GA operations.
The association has expressed concern over the use of "Playbook" security measures and has urged TSA HQ to encourage local TSA officials to work in conjunction with FBO personnel to ensure minimal disruptions to business operations.
Association members are strongly urged to contact NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric Byer to report this type of activity at any airport in the U.S. as soon as possible. Byer may also be reached directly at (703) 575-2043. | |
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| TSA Announces GM for New Commercial Aviation Branch |
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| Earlier this month, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Sector Network Management Chief John Sammon announced Doug Hofsass as the new general manager of the Commercial Aviation Branch within the agency. Doug takes over this new branch that combines the Commercial Airlines and Commercial Airports Divisions into the new Commercial Aviation Branch.
The official statement from John Sammon follows:
It is my pleasure to announce the selection of Mr. Douglas Hofsass as General Manager, Commercial Aviation, Transportation Sector Network Management.
The Commercial Airports and Commercial Airlines Divisions will be reconfigured as the Commercial Aviation Division under a single General Manager. The Commercial Airports and Commercial Airlines Divisions staffing will remain intact. This new Commercial Aviation Division will benefit aviation security efforts agency-wide and nationally by providing unified, innovative and expert leadership in the establishment and implementation of comprehensive airline and airport security programs and communication strategies through collaboration with airline and airport industry partners and federal stakeholders. In addition, this new position will provide a unified voice for commercial aviation security programs and regulations governing commercial aviation in response to inquiries from commercial airports, commercial air carriers and representative industry associations.
In his new position, Mr. Hofsass will use his extensive airport and airline experience in government and private industry. His experience complements TSA's strategy of leveraging industry expertise and credibility to build situational awareness and cooperative security enhancements through timely and candid security information sharing through a coordinated network.
Please join me in congratulating Doug and welcoming him to his new position as General Manager, Commercial Aviation Division.
John Sammon | |
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| Write Your Members Of Congress Today To Stress The Importance Of America's Aviation Businesses |
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| Late last year, Congress held a series of hearings to determine whether the Big Three auto manufacturers, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, warranted federal assistance due to their companies' financial difficulties. During one hearing, Members of Congress blasted the three testifying CEOs for using private aircraft to travel to the hearing when asking Congress for billions of dollars in federal assistance. As a result, provisions were included in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate bills that would have required companies receiving federal funding to divest themselves of corporate aircraft. While the legislation wasn't passed in either chamber, the Bush administration released Troubled Asset Relief Act (TARP) funds from the U.S. Treasury to General Motors and Chrysler. The terms of the loan included provisions prohibiting the purchase or lease of private aircraft.
The $787 billion economic stimulus package, in addition to the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Act of 2008, was passed to aid the ailing economy while sustaining or creating jobs. The decision by lawmakers to sever general aviation industry jobs, advertently or inadvertently, because the Big Three automakers flew corporate aircraft to Washington, D.C. for committee hearings has become a problem for the general aviation industry. Public perception is that general aviation or business aircraft are strictly luxury assets, contrary to the truth which is that general aviation plays a vital role in the health of the American economy. The general aviation industry must ban together to educate lawmakers and the public about the role it plays in our economy and remind them that we too are struggling amidst our nation's ailing financial situation.
Please click here to contact your Members of Congress today to highlight the vast importance of the general aviation industry to the America economy!!! | |
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| Members Encouraged To Contact Their Congressional Officials on Lack Of FAA Standardization On Regulatory Interpretations |
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| One of the biggest burdens confronting the general aviation industry is the varying interpretation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations by the agency's Regional, Aircraft Certification (ACOs) and Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). Currently, there are 9 FAA regions, 10 ACOs and more than 80 FSDOs that each issue approvals on a wide range of maintenance and operational requests made by regulated entities. These regulated entities include Part 135 on-demand charter operators, Part 145 repair stations, and Part 61 and 141 flight training facilities.
Affected regulated entities continue to be challenged by regulatory interpretations that regularly vary from one inspector within one FSDO or ACO, to another. These varying interpretations of how to achieve or demonstrate compliance with FAA regulations (FARs) are estimated to cost general aviation businesses hundreds of millions of dollars annually when previously approved actions are subject to "re-interpretation."
Inconsistent and varying interpretations of FAA regulations are not only costly for the industry, they also demonstrate a shortcoming in the FAA's ability to coordinate its workforce and ensure that the decision-making abilities vested in inspectors are respected across all divisions of the agency, impairing efforts to achieve a uniform safety standard nationwide.
To eliminate the unnecessary and costly regulatory re-interpretation process that currently exists between FAA field offices, NATA recommends the following action:
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| Members Encouraged To Complete Foam Fire Suppression System Survey; Association Joins NFPA Technical Committee |
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| NATA is asking all members who own or operate aircraft hangars to complete a new survey gauging the economic impact that foam fire suppression system requirements have on their business. Members are strongly encouraged to complete this survey no later than the close of business on Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
To complete this survey, please click here.
The responses to this survey will be compiled and presented to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) within the association's comments on NFPA 409.
Also, Eric Byer, NATA vice president of government and industry affairs, has applied to the NFPA's Technical Committee to represent aviation businesses nationwide. The NFPA Technical Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the NFPA Standards Council on a wide range of fire building codes including those for general aviation aircraft hangars.
Members wishing to learn more about foam fire suppression systems and NFPA 409 may do so by clicking here.
For more information, please contact Eric Byer. | |
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| EPA Announces SPCC Rule Date Extension |
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| On January 29, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will delay the effective date of the final rule that amends the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2008. The amendments will now become effective on April 4, 2009. This will allow an additional 60 days for the regulated public to comment on the new regulations and will also allow the new administration to interpret the comments. The White House had issued a memorandum titled "Regulatory Review" that formed the basis of the additional comment period.
The rules published on December 5, 2008, included several items listed below that may affect aviation.
- A new definition of "facility"
- A new definition of "loading/unloading rack."
- A new streamlined approach for smaller facilities
- Amendment to the facility diagram requirement
- Amendment to the integrity testing requirement
The NATA published a complete analysis of the December 2008 rules that is available on the NATA SPCC Issue Page by clicking here.
Included in this new analysis will be the implementation date of November 20, 2009. This is currently the date by which the new parts of the regulations must be integrated into a facility's SPCC Plan and physical requirements must be installed. The aviation industry will have to wait to see if this date remains in place or if the EPA will make further changes. Changes to the December 2008 rules are also possible.
NATA will continue to provide detailed information to its members regarding new EPA rules and regulations. Questions and comments can be directed to Eric Byer.
Download a PDF copy of NATA's Regulatory Report. | |
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| Economic Stimulus Legislative Report Now Available |
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| Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate approved the $787 billion economic stimulus package that Congress has been considering over the last month. President Barack Obama signed H.R. 1, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act into law on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. The final measure contains many provisions to help stimulate the economy, including tax credits, homebuyer incentives and foreclosure assistance, as well as essential transportation infrastructure funding.
To read NATA's Legislative Report on H.R. 1, please click here. | |
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| Congress Introduces FAA Reauthorization Act Of 2009 |
| House Committee Holds Hearing On FAA bill |
| The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure introduced a new bill to reauthorize the nation's aviation programs for another four years. H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2009 authorizes nearly $70 billion for the FAA for Fiscal Years 2009 through 2012. The bill is nearly identical to H.R. 2881, introduced in 2007, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The bill expired in 2008 at the end of the 110th Congress. Although the FAA's previous authorization was set to expire at the end of September 2007, the agency's taxing and operating authority has been preserved through a series of extensions. The current extension expires at the end of March.
The new bill provides historic funding levels for the FAA's capital programs, including $16.2 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, nearly $13.4 billion for FAA Facilities and Equipment, and $1.35 billion for Research, Engineering, and Development. These funding levels will enable the FAA to modernize the nation's air traffic control system and make capacity-enhancing improvements at the nation's airports. In addition, the bill provides $38.9 billion for FAA Operations over the next four years.
The legislation increases the number of aviation safety inspectors, requires the FAA to inspect all certificated foreign repair stations twice each year, provides funding for runway incursion reduction programs and runway status light installation. In addition, the bill creates an independent Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office within the FAA. That office will be charged with receiving safety complaints and information submitted by both FAA employees and employees of certificated entities, investigating them, and then recommending appropriate corrective actions to the FAA.
Click here to view the text of H.R. 915
Click here to view the committee summary of H.R. 915.
Click here to view NATA's Legislative Report on H.R. 915.
Click here to view NATA's written testimony that was submitted for the record. | |
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| NATA Announces New Capitol Hill Visits Webpage |
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| As you may know, NATA has embarked on an aggressive schedule to meet with approximately 200 Members of Congress and their staff in the next few months to discuss our 2009 legislative agenda. To keep you better informed, NATA's new Web site has a webpage devoted specifically to those meetings. Meetings that have been held or are currently scheduled are published. Soon to come, photographs of NATA staff with Members of Congress will be posted. Please check in often to see when we've met with your congressional delegation.
To visit the Capitol Hill Visits webpage, please click here. | |
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| Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Proposes Overnight Curfew |
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| On February 2, 2009, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority approved a proposal that would ban overnight flight operations between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at Bob Hope Airport (BUR). The proposed curfew would not include emergency medical, law enforcement or military flight operations. Currently, a voluntary curfew is in place at BUR.
To view the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority's updated Part 161 application to the FAA proposing a noise curfew, please click here.
In response to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority's proposed overnight curfew, NATA President James K. Coyne last week sent a letter to Catherine Lange, the FAA's Acting Associate Administrator for Airports, condemning the proposal as a violation of several federal aviation regulations. Specifically, Coyne stated, "NATA contends that the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority's request directly violates FAA airport sponsor assurances that require every airport that accepts federal grants for airport development and airport planning and noise compatibility program grants to ensure the fair and equal access to airports nationwide for aircraft operators."
To view Coyne's letter to the FAA in its entirety, please click here. | |
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| NATA Joins Aviation Industry Stakeholders In Promoting Environmental Agenda |
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| The aviation industry has joined forces in an effort to address its role in climate change. Almost twenty organizations representing the aviation industry have come together to create a document to explain the industry's role in environmental policy. While Congress has committed to making environmental measures affecting climate change a priority in the coming years, the aviation industry's proactive approach to climate change is being highlighted to educate Members of Congress and their staff when individual organizations meet with Congress this year.
Aviation and Climate Change: The Views of Aviation Industry Stakeholders (New Fact Industry Fact Sheet)
Aviation and Climate Change: The View of Aviation Industry Stakeholders (Executive Summary) | |
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| FBO Spotlight: Freeman Holdings LLC |
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| Freeman Holdings LLC is a privately owned aviation company with six FBO locations, all members of the Avfuel network of dealers. These include Million Air Topeka (FOE), Million Air Alexandria (AEX), Million Air Lake Charles (CWF), Million Air Victorville (VCV), Million Air Rome (RME), and most recently, Million Air Moses Lake (MHW).
A Little History
As a U.S. Air Force serviceman, founder and owner Chris Freeman once served on the Richards-Gebaur Air Force base in Belton, Missouri. He would later own an FBO on that very airport. Yet when the City of Kansas City decided to close the airport to make way for an intermodal center and bought Freeman out of his long-term lease, Freeman headed an hour west to Topeka, Kansas, to start his next aviation project at Forbes Field (FOE). In 2001, Million Air Topeka was acquired and was the first jewel in the crown of what would become the well-known Freeman Holdings LLC lineup. Today the Freeman Holdings LLC headquarters are still located there.
"If you take a look at the six Freeman Holdings Million Airs, you will see that we're not in exotic locations," said Director of Operations Scott Freeman. "In addition to the corporate service that our FBOs provide, we've focused on earning military contracts. We've tried to diversify from the extremely competitive corporate-only travel side of the FBO industry. In the process, we have found we can do both military and corporate simultaneously, and very well."
The Locations
Each FBO owned by Freeman Holdings LLC is a Million Air. The Million Air brand requires each of its member FBOs maintain certain standards, offer certain amenities and provide a very high level of customer service. Visitors to a Million Air can count on a miniature movie theater, a Starbucks coffee bar, kitchens, showers and private space for pilots, as well as the best customer and aircraft service.
Million Air Topeka
Topeka, Kansas
Forbes Field plays host to two military units: On the north end of the airport is the Kansas Air National Guard Unit, and on the south end is a Kansas Army National Guard Unit. Between these, lying in the center of the airport with generous space for corporate aviation functions stands the main terminal building and Million Air Topeka, which boasts four corporate hangars to accommodate aircraft of any size, including a G-V. In addition to general aviation, the Million Air facility also serves commercial, military and civilian charters. Million Air FOE has earned several significant contracts with the Department of Defense to serve the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force with jet fueling.
Million Air Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Freeman Holdings opened its second location in February of 2005 at Alexandria International Airport (AEX) in central Louisiana. Like its predecessor, Million Air AEX holds military contracts in addition to the brisk corporate and general aviation business it serves. The FBO is also a team member at the England Economic and Industrial Development District at England Airpark, the former England Air Force Base. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, AEX served as a sort of relief base for rescue operations including the Coast Guard, Air Force and National Guard. A central location permits cross-country refueling and quick-turns with little or no congestion. Large ramps allow an almost unlimited assortment of aircraft from helicopters to military deployments, including the legendary Antonov. Every year this FBO deploys and brings home more soldiers than any other civilian airport in the U.S.
Million Air Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Freeman Holdings opened its third Million Air soon after AEX in May of 2005. Million Air Lake Charles (CWF) is based at Chennault International Airport, just 30 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico in southeast Louisiana. The FBO itself offers easy access to the local casino culture, only five minutes by car from the nearest one. This FBO meets high volume fueling requirements such of those of government, military, corporate, and casino with speed and efficiency.
Million Air Victorville
Victorville, California
In February 2006, eight months after the opening of CWF, Freeman purchased its western-most location yet at the Southern California Logistics Airport. Million Air Victorville (VCV) is strategically placed near the National Training Center for the Army, and itself occupies the airport formerly known as George Air Force Base. The location allows the company to serve the Department of Defense refueling interests with ease. Approximately an hour and a half from Los Angeles and three hours southwest of Las Vegas, the Victorville Million Air offers extremely large ramp area, with the main runway being 15,050 feet. SCLA is the air arrival/departure point for the National Training Center, Fort Irwin and twenty-nine Palms. Annually 40,000 troops arrive at SCLA enroute to the NTC for Brigade level exercises, and Million Air handles every charter aircraft for each of these monthly rotations. This location also provides a variety of cargo services.
Million Air Rome
Rome, New York
Expanding its national operation to cover both coasts, in the fall of 2008 Freeman Holdings purchased its east coast location, Million Air Rome (RME), at the Griffiss International Airport. This location is able to work with both corporate and military international traffic. Occupying the space on the field formerly owned by Oneida County, Freeman Holdings intends for large renovations and building outs in 2009. A corporate hangar is scheduled for June of 2009 and a new FBO terminal building for fall completion. As in most public to private conversations, the transition has been a massive one in terms of customer service.
Moses Lake, Washington
Soon after, the most recent Freeman Holdings' Million Air was opened in Moses Lake, Washington, at Moses Lake Grant County International Airport (MWH). The FBO occupies the space of the former Air America Fuel and Services FBO. Operations for the Million Air location kicked off on January 1 of 2009, with full renovations planned for spring 2009. Located within a foreign trade zone, MHW is a designated port of entry with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office on the field. This provides commercial, cargo and corporate travelers an alternate port of entry from nearby congested alternatives.
Both Rome and Moses Lake locations are designed to try and capture some of the military or cargo business coming from Europe. Indeed, European visitors must fly over Bangor, Maine, in order to get to New York, while Moses Lake caters to military and cargo business to and from Asia. Until recently, one Moses Lake tenant was Japan Airlines (JAL), which used the location as its training center for the Boeing 747.
"We do our best to serve the military in the same way we would any BBJ, Gulfstream or Falcon that lands at one of our facilities," says Scott Freeman.
Freeman Company Philosophy
"We have what we consider to be a methodical growth model," says Scott Freeman. "We're not trying to double our size in two years, but we still think there is some opportunity for us out there, and we continue to research and determine where the next location might be that will fit our model. Freeman Holdings is still in a growing mode and will certainly be in one for the foreseeable future."P> | |
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