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July 28, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 30
 Aviation Subcommittee Reviews Challenges and Opportunities of Domestic Aviation Manufacturing
Last week, the House Aviation Subcommittee met to review the state of American aviation manufacturing and challenges the industry is facing. Among the witnesses was Dr. Gerald Dillingham, Director of Civil Aviation Issues for the Government Accountability Office. “Going forward, it is critically important that FAA develop outcome-based performance measures to determine what is actually being achieved through the current and future initiatives of the Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards Service committees and to hold the FAA accountable for the results,” stated Dr. Dillingham in his testimony. “Without performance measures, FAA will be unable to gather the appropriate data to evaluate the success of current and future initiatives.” For more information, witness testimony and to watch the hearing, click here.
NATA Opposes APHIS User Fee Increase
NATA responded to a proposal by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to significantly increase fees paid for commercial aircraft Agricultural Quarantine Inspections (AQI).
Commercial aircraft arriving in the U.S. from international locations are, with limited exceptions, subject to APHIS AQI fees. These APHIS inspections are often administered by agents from the Customs & Border Patrol, but the fees are directly remitted by carriers back to APHIS. NATA strongly objects to the proposed increase in aircraft AQI fees from $70.75 to $225, but encouraged immediate adoption of a proposal to reduce passenger fees by one dollar (to $4/passenger).
Download NATA’s comments.
FAA Seeks Comments on Proposed Policy for Non-aeronautical Use of Airport Hangars
Under Federal law, airport operators that have accepted federal grants may use airport property only for aviation-related purposes unless otherwise approved by the FAA. Compliance inspections and audits have found that some hangars intended for aircraft storage are routinely used to store non-aeronautical items such as vehicles and large household items. Non-aviation commercial businesses have also been found operating out of hangars. These uses, unless specifically authorized by the FAA, could place the airport sponsor in violation of their federal obligations.
The FAA is proposing a statement of policy on use of airport hangars to clarify compliance requirements for airport sponsors, airport managers, airport tenants, state aviation officials, and FAA compliance staff. This notice solicits public comment on the proposed policy statement. Send comments on or by September 5, 2014.
New Airman Knowledge Test Sample Exams Published
The FAA has published new sample exams for several Airman Knowledge Tests. The Commercial Pilot Airplane, Commercial Pilot Helicopter, Airline Transport, Airline Transport Multiengine Class Rating, and Airline Transport Single Engine Class Rating exams have been updated in the past few weeks. Pilot training centers and other aviation organizations that use the Airman Knowledge Tests should visit the Airman Knowledge Test Questions website at http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_questions/ for the most recent versions of the sample exams.
Reminder: NATA Encourages Participation in Annual FAA GA Survey
The FAA’s annual General Aviation Part 135 Activity Survey for the calendar year 2013 is underway. Critical data on the general aviation and Part 135 fleets, the number of hours flown and the reasons people fly are collected via this survey. The study results assist the FAA in measuring aviation safety and assessing the effectiveness of regulatory changes as well as determining funding for infrastructure and service needs. Survey participants are selected by the FAA’s independent contractor and those selected will have received an invitation in the mail. Responses can be submitted in writing or online following the directions contained in the invitation. NATA strongly encourages participation in the survey by invitation recipients. The survey is administered by an independent firm, all data will be used for statistical purposes only, and responses will remain confidential.
NATA Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop – Only 2 Seats Left!
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 now! Only two seats remain for this popular workshop.
Aviation Management Workshop – Hear Why Past Attendees Recommend This Workshop
Whether you are a general manager, customer service manager, a line service manager or a supervisor aspiring to be a manager, the Aviation Management Workshop will provide you the knowledge and tools you need to be a better leader. The Aviation Management Workshop, September 16-17, 2014 in Savannah, will cover management and decision-making principles, best practice approaches, innovative strategies, and creative techniques from industry experts who have decades of experience leading and managing people and making business decisions. Take action to become a better leader, manager and decision maker. Click to hear what last year’s attendees have to say about the Aviation Management Workshop. Register today!
Commercial Operators Tax Seminar Takes Place Next Week
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. Are you concerned with the recent IRS Chief Counsel Advisory relating to the application of the commercial FET to owner flights and management fees? This seminar will provide insight on this and other IRS opinions and how to prepare and survive an IRS audit. Click here for additional details. Don't miss out!
Advertise in NATA’s Electronic Membership Directory
Consider purchasing an advertisement in NATA's electronic Aviation Resource Book & Membership Directory. The electronic format of the directory enables members to share access to this valuable resource with everyone in their operation. Contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero for ad pricing and specifications. The advertising reservation deadline is July 31st and the artwork deadline is August 8th. Members may also upgrade their listing with a logo.
Fundamentals of IS-BAH and IS-BAH Auditor Workshops Begin in August
Earlier this month, NATA and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) released the International Standard – Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH). Companies that are interested in becoming IS-BAH registered will be required to attend a “Fundamentals of IS-BAH” workshop. Individuals that would like to become IS-BAH auditors will be required to attend this workshop as well as an “IS-BAH Auditing” workshop. These workshops begin next month and additional dates will be announced later this year.
• August 27, 2014 – Fundamentals of IS-BAH – Le Bourget, France
• August 28, 2014 – IS-BAH Auditing – Le Bourget, France
• September 17, 2014 – IS-BAH Auditing – Atlanta, GA
• September 18, 2014 – Fundamentals of IS-BAH – Atlanta, GA
Companies interested in IS-BAH registration must register for the Fundamentals of IS-BAH workshop but may also register for a non-accreditation version of the IS-BAH Auditing workshop in order to learn more about the auditing process. For more information or to register for a workshop, visit http://www.nata.aero/safety1st.
Congratulations to New Leader at Duncan Aviation
Mike Broad has been promoted to airframe team leader. Broad joined Duncan Aviation in November 1999 as an airframe technician, and brings 14 years of aircraft maintenance experience to this new opportunity. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing all aspects of assigned aircraft projects. Broad will continue to be a leader in inspecting, servicing, repairing and troubleshooting aircraft, components, and systems in a safe and organized work area.
ACSF News
Save the date for next year’s Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium. The symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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