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February 17, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 7
 Debt Ceiling Extension Clears Congress, Heads to President
On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, the U.S. Senate passed legislation, with a 55-43 vote, that would suspend the debt ceiling and allow the federal government to borrow enough money to pay its bills through March 15, 2015. A day earlier, a divided U.S. House voted 221-201 to pass the “clean” proposal with no spending conditions attached. The legislation now moves to President Obama who is expected to sign it into law.
Sleep Apnea Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate for Consideration
Legislation, sponsored by Representative Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) was passed via a voice vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on February 11th that requires the FAA use a formal rulemaking process if it addresses sleep apnea testing and treatment for pilots and air traffic controllers. The Senate is reviewing companion legislation, sponsored by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). Similar legislation ensuring that the trucking and motor carrier industries use a formal rulemaking process was signed into law last year. Click here for more information on the House decision.
NATA Supports FAA Policy On Use of Aviation Tax Revenues
NATA has commented in support of a proposed policy clarification from the FAA explaining that states must use aviation fuel taxes for aviation purposes.
Many states impose a tax on aviation fuel. The FAA’s proposed policy makes it clear, with limited exception, that revenues received from such taxes must be used for aviation-related purposes when federal grant assistance has been received.
Click here to review the FAA’s proposed policy clarification. NATA’s letter supporting the policy clarification is available here.
House Transportation Committee Sends Cellphone Ban to House Floor
U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation, HR 3676: Prohibiting In-Flight Voice Communications on Mobile Wireless Devices Act of 2013, on February 11th that would prohibit cellphone calls during flight. Committee Chairman, and bill sponsor, Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA), emphasized in an article to The Hill of the importance, and respect to others, of tapping and not talking during a flight. “Under my bill, passengers can still stay connected, communicate with friends and colleagues, or check social media, the Chairman stated, without having to eavesdrop on others’ cellphone calls." The legislation comes as the FCC began the process of lifting its ban on cellphone calls on airplanes, which sparked opposition among Members of Congress and flight attendants’ unions. The FAA is also working on formalizing a ban on pilots using laptops, cellphones, tablets and other electronic devices for non-work purposes in the cockpit. On Friday, February 14th, the DOT opened its public comment period on “whether or not a rule should be proposed” for 30 days.
New York Legislature Reviewing Tax Exemption on GA Aircraft
Legislation is under review in the New York Assembly and Senate to exempt the purchase of general aviation aircraft from the state’s sales and use tax. The NATA State Advocacy Network reported on the importance of a tax exemption on general aviation in New York last year (click here) and again encourages members in New York to contact their assembly members and senators of the importance the exemption would have to an increase of job growth, tax revenue, airplane sales, registered aircraft and competition for aviation revenue with neighboring states.
FBO Success Seminar – Seats are Filling Quickly
The 2014 FBO Success Seminar, “Winning Strategies for the Savvy FBO Owner, Operator and Manager,” will be held in conjunction with the Aviation Pros Live 2014 Event. Attendees will receive a pass to go to the Expo - click here for details on the 2014 Aviation Pros Live Event (March 25-26). Click here to read more about the FBO Success Seminar (March 24-25).
2014 Aviation Business & Legislative Conference – Hotel Discount Deadline is February 20th
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, Trends in the Airport Tenant Relationship, a Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) session, an Aviation Business Exit Strategy session, International Regulated Garbage session and more. Click here to register. Email Elizabeth Nicholson at enicholson@nata.aero to reserve your optimal sponsorship opportunity today!
2014 Spring Committee Meetings – Register Today!
NATA will hold its 2014 Spring Committee Meetings on Monday, March 3rd, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The committee meetings are held in conjunction with the NATA Aviation Business and Legislative Conference (ABLC). Registration is available online or through a printable registration form. Please send in registration before the February 20th hotel discount deadline.
Avfuel Contributes Funding for Life-saving Equipment to University of Michigan Health System’s Survival Flight Program
NATA recently received a letter from the University of Michigan Health System recognizing Avfuel Corporation’s generous gift of funding for three Glidescopes. The Glidescopes are video devices that help secure a patient’s airway (“intubate”). They will be carried on every transport, both fixed-wing and rotary, of the University of Michigan Health System’s Survival Flight Program.
NATA Announced the Recipients of Its Industry Excellence Awards
NATA announced the recipients of its Industry Excellence Awards given annually to individuals, offices, and organizations that have helped improve the general aviation community by demonstrating excellence in their field and the highest level of customer service.
NATA will present awards to the following five recipients:
- Mr. Richard (Ric) Peri, Senior Writer for Avionics News and Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs for the Aircraft Electronics Association, will receive the Aviation Journalism Award.
- The Eastern Michigan Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) is the recipient of NATA's FAA Customer Service Excellence Award.
- The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award (sponsored by Aircraft Technical Publishers) goes to Mr. Jack J. Vazquez, Director of Maintenance for Bergstrom Aircraft, Inc.
- Mr. William (Bill) Welstead, Fort Worth’s Airport System Director, is this year's recipient of the NATA Airport Executive Partnership Award.
- Mr. Mike Paulson, Fargo Flight School Manager at Fargo Jet Center, Inc., will receive the Excellence In Pilot Training Award.
NATA will present the awards during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Dinner on March 3rd at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The association will hold the dinner in conjunction with its Aviation Business & Legislative Conference. Click here to read the press release. Tickets and tables for the awards ceremony may be purchased by contacting Kim Letcher at kletcher@nata.aero.
Jet Aviation Teterboro Handles Surge of Aircraft & Passengers for Big Game
Jet Aviation’s Teterboro FBO successfully handled surge of aircraft and passengers attending the Big Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., just three miles away from the facility. Providing an exceptional level of first class service and hospitality, the company brought elegance into the FBO experience. Read the full article.
ACSF News
The 2014 Air Charter Safety Symposium will take place March 4-5. The hotel discount deadline is February 21st. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/symposium for full agenda and to register. The Air Charter Safety Foundation will hold an ACSF Auditor Workshop on March 5-6 immediately following the ACSF Safety Symposium. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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