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October 14, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 31
 Federal Government Shutdown Enters Second Week
The shutdown is entering its second week, the U.S. government reaches its borrowing limit on Thursday, October 17th, and much uncertainty on a resolution to federal spending levels remains. Leaders are currently working to develop some type of compromise to open the government and increase the debt limit. Should that effort fall short it is anticipated that the House of Representatives may pass a bill, this week, that would provide additional borrowing authority. Overall spending levels, the new health care law not applying to the White House or Congress, and a medical device tax are issues being discussed that could help find a way to reach some kind of a compromise. NATA will keep you updated.
NATA Urges DOT To Open U.S. Aircraft Registry
In a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx, NATA and a group of general aviation (GA) leaders made a forceful argument for reopening the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) United States Aircraft Registry on the grounds that it is necessary for the FAA to provide “essential services” to ensure aviation safety, protect security and to fulfill U.S. international obligations.
"Both the FAA and Members of Congress are aware of the impact that the shutdown is having on the general aviation industry, especially small businesses. Our industry is heavily regulated and NATA member companies cannot comply with all the federal rules and requirements when the FAA's aircraft registry office is closed. The backlog is growing every day, costing us jobs, so we need to get this addressed as soon as possible," said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. Click here to read press release.
NATA Participates In Aviation Rally On Capitol Hill
NATA, along with other general aviation organizations, last week called on Congress to end the government shutdown. NATA Executive Vice President Jim Coon participated in a Capitol Hill rally, which was hosted by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
“NATA members across the country are feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown. The shuttering of the FAA Aircraft Registry and the furloughing of thousands of FAA employees are having a negative economic impact on aviation businesses and local communities across the country,” said NATA Executive Vice President James W. Coon. Click here to see photo from rally.
The FAA Recalls 800 Furloughed Workers Due to Industry Advocacy
NATA’s strong advocacy here in Washington is making a difference in combating negative impacts on your business as a result of the shutdown. In an effort to address concerns presented by NATA and others, the FAA recalled 800 furloughed safety workers, including safety inspectors and other safety employees in the agency’s Flight Standards office. Click here to read the Associated Press article. NATA looks forward to the FAA adding staffing in the near future to organizations like the FAA Aircraft Registry that are so critical to our industry.
“NATA commends FAA Administrator Huerta for recognizing the impacts and consequences of the shutdown on our industry in making this decision. We realize that this measure will not resolve all of the problems facing our businesses, but is a step in the right direction,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. “NATA thanks our members for their timely responses in providing needed information on the economic impact that the shutdown is having on aviation businesses, especially small businesses. When we speak as one voice, we are heard. NATA will continue discussions with key decision-makers to urge them to work expeditiously on resolutions to issues that have been brought to our attention.”
Take Action Now – Contact Congress About the Negative Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown
NATA urges you to make your voice heard about the current federal government shutdown and how it is affecting your business. Members of Congress are most attentive to their constituents and we hope you will take advantage of this online resource and express your views directly to your representatives in Congress. Also, you should consider inviting your Senators and Representative to your business when they are back home in their respective State and district. It is always helpful to build relationships and educate policy makers on the local economic impacts of general aviation. Contact Your Respective Member of Congress Now About the Negative Impact the Federal Government Shutdown is Having on Your Business. Click here to visit NATA’s Action Center.
Massachusetts Governor Recognizes Value of General Aviation with Proclamation
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick recently declared October 2013 as General Aviation Month. Massachusetts is home to 39 public use airports that serve over 8,000 pilots and 2,400 general aviation aircraft. General aviation contributes nearly $444 million in economic activity annually and supports over 124,000 jobs. In the proclamation, Governor Patrick urged all of the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. This is the second proclamation by the Governor in support of general aviation, the last proclamation was in 2011.
For more information on general aviation in Massachusetts, click here.
General Aviation Appreciation Month Declared in West Virginia; State Airports Get Money For Infrastructure, Safety, and Improvement Projects
In late September, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed a proclamation declaring October 2013 as General Aviation Appreciation Month across the Mountain State. The proclamation states that general aviation and West Virginia’s airports play a critical role in the lives of its citizens, businesses, communities and the State of West Virginia. The state is home to 32 public use airports that serve more than 2,200 pilots and 1,370 general aviation aircraft. General aviation contributes $616 million to the state’s economy. Governor Tomblin also recognized general aviation’s vital importance to the state in 2012.
On Wednesday, October 9, Governor Tomblin and West Virginia Secretary of Transportation Paul Mattox announced that more than $20 million in state and federal grants will be distributed to eighteen airports throughout the state. “West Virginia’s airports play a critical role in the economy,” Governor Tomblin stated. “They support businesses, manufacturers and emergency responders, maintaining local jobs and creating economic opportunity.” The funds will be utilized for airport infrastructure, safety and improvement projects.
Aviation Business Roundtable Update – Housing Deadline Extended
NATA’s Aviation Business Roundtable takes place November 13-14, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. The Roundtable assembles business executives from all segments of the aviation community and provides a unique opportunity to discuss important and relevant issues with key Administration officials including NTSB Member Earl F. Weener, Ph.D., FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and TSA Administrator John Pistole, Members of Congress, and other top industry leaders. Entertainment will be provided by the special brand of satirical humor of the Capitol Steps. The program will begin Wednesday, November 13, at noon with a luncheon and conclude Thursday, November 14, at noon. Additional agenda details will be provided in the coming weeks. Please don’t miss the hotel room block deadline on October 28. Click here for more information.
FREE Workers’ Compensation Insurance Webinar on November 1
NATA Beacon Aviation Insurance will host a FREE webinar titled “Workers’ Compensation Claims Management-Skills for the Business Owners” on November 1 at 1:00 p.m. (EDT). When it comes to workers’ compensation insurance, it’s one of those “must have” business expenses. So once you sign on the dotted line, you are done. Many businesses handle it this way. But the fact is, the more you know how workers’ compensation “works" the better your business can be. Take time out of your busy day to hear from our experts about the nuts and bolts of workers’ compensation.
Webinar Topics:
When should I report a claim?
What happens when I report my employee’s claim?
Who manages my employee’s claims?
When will my employee’s claim be closed?
Will a claim affect my premium?
How do I encourage safety?
Click here to register.
NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance ProgramTM Featured at NBAA
Beacon Aviation and NATA staff are setting up appointments during the Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, October 21-23, to answer questions about the NATA Workers’ Compensation ProgramTM. Make sure to secure a preferred date and time by emailing nata@beaconais.com or calling (941) 343-8943. We look forward to seeing you at booth #C8029.
New Safety Net Blog Post: LSST In the News
A recent article featured NATA member Black Canyon Jet Center and detailed their experience at the recent NATA Safety 1st Line Service Supervisor Training, please click here to view the blog post.
Fargo Airport Unveils New Customs Facility
For business aviation passengers, international arrivals and departures at Hector International Airport in Fargo, N.D., have become a lot easier with the relocation of the U.S. Customs and Immigrations facility to the north general aviation ramp, adjacent to the 23-acre Fargo Jet Center, the lone services provider on the field. To read more, click here.
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) 2014 Safety Symposium will take place March 4-5, visit www.acsf.aero/symposium to register. ACSF welcomed ClearJet.net and SilverStone Group as new members this week. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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