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June 16, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 24
 FAA Funding Bills Advance In Congress
Last week the full House of Representatives approved the FY2015 appropriation bill that provides the FAA's annual funding. The legislation provides the FAA with $15.7 billion, $446 million above the administration budget request. It also includes NATA supported language prohibiting the creation of new aviation user fees and fully funds the Contract Tower Program and its cost share component. The Senate leadership has announced its version of the legislation will be considered this week. Access NATA's latest two Policy Playbook blogs from http://www.nata.aero/.
House Approves Legislation To Increase Small Business Expensing Level
Also last week, the House of Representatives approved legislation to reduce the tax burden on small businesses by permanently extending Section 179 expensing at the 2013 level of $500,000. In January, the small business expensing level decreased to $25,000. In supporting the legislation, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) stated, "Small business expensing has been a bipartisan policy for decades, and it's time to make it a permanent part of the tax code." The Committee recently approved similar legislation, also supported by NATA, to permanently extend bonus depreciation. That legislation is expected on the House floor in July. The Senate Finance Committee is taking a different approach. To create space to develop a comprehensive tax reform bill the Committee approved legislation in April, renewing for an additional two years, a number of expired tax provisions including bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing.
House Small Business Committee Reviews NextGen Implementation
On Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee examined the FAA’s 2020 NextGen mandate and how it will affect small businesses in the general aviation community. The Committee was particularly interested in learning more about the implementation of ADS-B Out. In opening the hearing, Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) noted, "It seems that cost, a potential installation backlog, and uncertainty surrounding the mandate are creating obstacles to compliance among the general aviation industry. It is important to address these challenges if we are to reap the potential safety benefits that this new technology offers."
Hendricks To Brief House General Aviation Caucus Staff
Tomorrow morning, NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks will join the CEOs of other general aviation associations to brief staff of the House General Aviation Caucus on current aviation policy. A wide range of topics are expected to be covered including airport security, certification challenges, user fees, third class medicals, and noise reduction.
House Aviation Subcommittee Announces Hearing On Airport Financing and Development
This Wednesday the House Aviation Subcommittee will examine issues related to airport financing and development. To watch: http://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=383492.
Air Charter Summit Kicks-Off Tonight – Onsite Registration Available
NATA’s Air Charter Summit takes place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott from June 16-18, 2014. The event begins tonight with a welcome reception followed by a day and a half of sessions tailored to Part 135 operations. Onsite registration is available. Don’t miss out. Visit www.nata.aero/acs for event details.
Commercial Operators Tax Seminar to Take Place in August
Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. and NATA are pleased to announce that they are partnering again this year to offer the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar, entitled, “Back to Basics.” This year’s Tax Seminar will be held in Van Nuys, California on August 5-6, 2014. Click here for additional details.
Emergency Airworthiness Directive
On June 10, 2014, the FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive (EAD) AD #: 2014-12-52 applicable on TFE731-4, -4R, -5AR, -5BR, -5R, -20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, -40R, -40BR, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines. The EAD requires a review of the engine log book maintenance records before further flight to determine if any affected engines are installed. This EAD prohibits operation of an airplane with two or more affected engines that have LPT2 blades with less than 250 operating hours since new after receipt of this EAD.
Indiana Governor Issues Proclamation in Support of General Aviation
Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed a proclamation declaring June 2014 as General Aviation Appreciation Month. In his proclamation, Governor Pence illustrates how important general aviation is to Indiana’s economy, community and businesses. Across the state, general aviation serves over 10,000 pilots and more than 3,000 general aviation aircraft. “The total annual economic output of Indiana’s general aviation airports and operators is more than $5.8 million,” Governor Pence states in the proclamation.
NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project Gaining Momentum
NATA is working with industry to raise charitable donations for organizations supporting America's veterans. NATA members are asked to participate by displaying American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a donation of at least $1.00 per pin. The funds for this project will be collected periodically through NATA. The project will run through October 2014 culminating in a check presentation to the veterans organizations. Industry project partner organizations including AOPA, EAA, GAMA and NBAA will encourage their members who travel to support the project. To participate, please contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero. Click here for project details.
NATA appreciates the support of the following project participants:
-Central Flying Service
-JFI Jets
-Montgomery Aviation
-Signature Flight Support
NATA Safety 1st Announces Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop in Dallas, TX
Building off of the success of the inaugural Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop held in St. Louis, NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Dallas, TX, August 20-21, 2014. This two-day training event is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to make your line service team succeed and become new leaders within your company. Register soon! Seats fill up fast for this popular workshop.
ACSF News
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to recognize Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company (NYSE:TXT), as a sustaining member. Cessna has shown its commitment to the foundation’s vision of enhancing and improving safety through its generous financial support. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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