|
 
December 17, 2013 – Volume 12 Issue 40
 Federal Budget Agreement Reached
The Senate is poised to approve a two-year bipartisan budget agreement in the coming days. The House passed the measure last week by a vote of 332-94. The bill was crafted by Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The agreement replaces a significant portion of the automatic cuts (sequestration) that were scheduled to take effect next month and ensures that both chambers are working from the same set of numbers when developing spending bills. The President is expected to sign the measure, which will ensure that a government shutdown is avoided in January.
Part 135.156 DFDR Filtering Regulatory Compliance - Deadline Looming
In Feb 2010, the FAA issued 14 CFR 135.156 that addressed filtering of digital flight data recorder (DFDR) parameters. The full details of the rulemaking can be found here. There are three important dates that are associated with this rule, two of which have already passed. The third compliance date, April 20, 2014 is coming up fast. Click here for more information.
Airline Services Council Forms Working Groups
NATA’s Airline Services Council (ASC) has formed working groups to help provide solutions to TSA with respect to catering security and also to address other challenges faced by ASC companies due to different interpretations of various rules and compliance procedures.
GA Caucus Holiday Reception
NATA and other general aviation associations hosted a holiday reception on Capitol Hill for GA Caucus Members and staff. This event provided the opportunity to discuss issues and thank Members of Congress and staff for their continued support on behalf of the general aviation community. The bipartisan House GA Caucus is currently 235 members strong and one of the largest caucuses in the House of Representatives. The Senate GA Caucus currently has 33 bipartisan members.
Weekly Regulatory Update
NATA compiles relevant updates from the FAA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security each day from the Federal Register. You may view the latest notices, rules and proposed rules in a single source by clicking here.
Safety 1st Ground Auditor Workshop
NATA’s Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard allows for two levels of certification: a self-certification level and a third-party audit level. All candidates who meet the requirements to become an accredited auditor will need to be trained on the Ground Audit Standards by NATA. NATA will hold a Safety 1st Ground Auditor Workshop for those candidates January 13-14, 2014 in New Orleans, LA. Click here for more details.
2014 Aviation Business & Legislative Conference
Don’t miss D.C.’s premier aviation business and policy event designed to advance the priorities of aviation businesses across the board. The Aviation Business & Legislative Conference will take place March 2-5 at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in National Harbor, MD. Conference topics include an FAA regulatory update, a legislative update, a Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) session, an aviation legal session, aviation business planning sessions and more. Mark your calendar to attend.
Kansas Rally Highlights Small Aircraft Certification Law
Aviation industry leaders, enthusiasts and government officials met in Wichita, KS last week to celebrate the newly enacted Small Airplane Revitalization Act which will streamline certification for small aircraft and make production less expensive and faster to market. The legislation, written and introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS), was passed through Congress and signed by President Obama late last month. “The goal is to make airplane certification more efficient and effective, improve safety and foster the development of light, general-aviation airplanes,” industry leaders stated. General aviation in Kansas supports nearly 32,000 jobs and generates over $5.4 billion in annual economic impact, and this law will only increase those numbers. Click here for more information on the rally and how this new law impacts general aviation manufacturing.
Deadline for NATA 2013 Industry Excellence Awards Fast Approaching
All nominations for the Industry Excellence Awards must be received by NATA no later than December 20, 2013. The nomination form is available by clicking here. Members may also obtain a nomination form by calling the NATA headquarters at 800-808-6282 or by e-mailing Rebecca Mulholland.
NATA Launches Support Level Program for Members
NATA members of all sizes can now choose to participate at a higher level in the NATA Supporter Program. Participants may select from many offerings that meet your company’s individual needs. Companies that select a level are also recognized throughout the year at NATA events, the quarterly Aviation Business Journal and on NATA’s website. Program details and a participation form will arrive by mail shortly.
New Safety Net Blog Post
Read the new Safety Net blog post “The Winning Ticket” by Elizabeth Nicholson, NATA Safety 1st Program Manager. Click here to read the post.
ACSF News
The 2014 Air Charter Safety Symposium will take place March 4-5. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium to register. ACSF is pleased to announce that Bemidji Aviation Services, Inc. is the newest charter operator to join as a member. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
|