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March 10, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 10
 NATA Comments on Fiscal Year 2015 FAA Budget Proposal
NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks issued the following statement upon the release of President Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 which establishes a $100 per flight surcharge for air traffic services: “NATA continues to oppose the imposition of user fees on aviation businesses and regrets that the Administration has once again chosen to pursue this job killing proposal. The general aviation industry employs 1.2 million workers in highly-skilled, good paying jobs, many of which would be put at risk by this proposal. NATA and its members will continue to work with our industry colleagues and congressional leaders to ensure the proposal is not implemented."
NATA Aviation Business and Legislative Conference Offers Exceptional Access to Congressional Leadership
NATA convened its annual Aviation Business & Legislative (ABLC) Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference featured key sessions with Executive and Legislative decision-makers and also included a highly successful Congressional Reception at the U.S. Capitol Building and Congressional Fly-In session at the Capitol Visitor Center.
“NATA’s 2014 Aviation Business & Legislative Conference was well attended, provided unmatched access for our members to their congressional leaders and offered a world-class venue to provide updates on the latest regulatory and legislative information specific to our members’ businesses,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.
Commenting on the Aviation Business and Legislative Conference, Suran Wijayawardana, President of ACP Jets, said, “NATA’s ABLC is an invaluable experience for today’s aviation business leadership to get updated on potential regulatory impact on their businesses. More importantly, it allows attendees to be a part of the process.” Click here to read the press release.
NATA’s Spring Committee Meetings Updates
NATA’s Spring Committee Meetings took place on March 3rd in conjunction with its Aviation Business and Legislative Conference. Click here for updates from the Air Charter Committee, Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee, Airport Business Committee and Safety 1st Committee.
NATA Announces Known Crewmember® Program Access for Air Charter Community
NATA is pleased to announce the Known Crewmember® program (KCM) will soon be available to Part 135 and Part 125 air charter pilots. Known Crewmember® is a risk-based screening system that enables Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security officers to positively verify the identity and employment status of flight-crew members. The program expedites flight-crew member access to sterile areas of airports, reduces passenger-screening line congestion, enhances security, and makes airport checkpoint screening more efficient for all who depend on air transportation. NATA worked in close partnership with Airlines for America (A4A), the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the TSA and NATA Compliance Services to bring this valuable program to our industry. Click here for more information.
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.
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).
Mark Your Calendar for the 2014 NATA Air Charter Summit
NATA’s annual Air Charter Summit will take place June 16-18, 2014, at the Washington Dulles Marriott in Dulles, VA. Online registration will be available soon. Please mark your calendars to attend.
Wisconsin Bills Aim To Exempt Aircraft Parts, Maintenance and Labor from State’s Sales and Use Tax
The Wisconsin state legislature is reviewing AB 438 which reviews the sales and use tax for aircraft parts, maintenance and labor and would exempt these items from the tax. The state Senate companion bill, SB 348, passed the chamber on February 18, 2014. NATA members across Wisconsin are encouraged to reach out to their elected officials and urge their support for this legislation. General aviation across the state supports more than 16,000 jobs and contributes $1.5 billion to the state annually. Passage of this issue would level the playing field for the many Wisconsin aviation maintenance facilities that are currently unable to compete with surrounding states who have tax exemptions on aircraft parts, labor and maintenance that occur. By not having an exemption, Wisconsin maintenance facilities experience job loss and missed economic activity. Click here to find your legislator and urge their support of Wisconsin AB 438.
New Port Authority Aviation Director Named
LaGuardia Airport General Manager Thomas Bosco has been named the new aviation director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Click here for more details.
Million Air Houston Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Facility
Million Air Houston (HOU), part of the UVair FBO Network, celebrates the opening of their new FBO facility at Hobby Airport with an exclusive grand opening event on March 21, 2014. Click here to read more.
First Quarter Aviation Business Journal Available in Digital Format
NATA's first quarter Aviation Business Journal is available in digital format by clicking here. The print version will arrive in mailboxes over the next few weeks.
ACSF News
ACSF and ARGUS International, Inc. have been working together to offer the charter and fractional ownership industry a single audit combining both the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) and the ARGUS Platinum Standard. Both the ACSF and ARGUS are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement in principle. The Air Charter Safety Foundation is also pleased to announce that ARGUS International, Inc. (ARGUS) is the newest company to join the ACSF. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF News.
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