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November 24, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 47
 NATA Working With FAA Over CVR Requirement Confusion
The FAA recently issued a legal interpretation that is contrary to the long-standing application of Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) requirements and is causing confusion about the circumstances in which a CVR is required. Regulations require Part 135 turbine powered aircraft configured for 6 or more passengers to have a CVR whenever two pilots are required by certification or operating rules (§ 135.151).
The new interpretation focuses on airplanes that are single-pilot certified and which are operated, with FAA approval (typically through Operations Specification A015) with an eligible autopilot under § 135.105, in lieu of the Second In Command (SIC) that would otherwise be required by § 135.101. The FAA Flight Standards Service (FSS) has consistently applied the rule such that single pilot operations do not require a CVR. The new legal interpretation seems to take a position in conflict with the regulatory intent and historical application of the CVR rule.
NATA staff is engaged with the FAA FSS to reach a resolution as quickly as possible. NATA believes it would be helpful to provide information on the number of Part 135 operators and aircraft that are potentially impacted by any change in the rule’s interpretation.
If you are a Part 135 operator potentially affected by this interpretation, please email meisenstein@nata.aero with your company information and the number of aircraft that meet all of these qualities:
- Multi-engine, turbine powered,
- Configured for 6 or more passenger seats,
- Do not currently have a CVR that meets the requirements of § 135.151, and
- Operate under the provisions of § 135.105 (i.e., autopilot in lieu of SIC).
NATA Participates in ADS-B Equip 2020 Meeting with FAA and Industry
Last week, NATA joined industry representatives in an Equip 2020 Plenary and Working Group Meeting to discuss the barriers and the associated actions identified at the October 28, 2014 ADS-B Out: Call to Action meeting. In order to systematically address the barriers and action plans, the meeting was broken into five working groups: Air Carrier Equipage, General Aviation Equipage, GPS Receiver and Performance-Based Rule Implications, Education and Benefits, and Installation and Approvals. NATA took part in the General Aviation Equipage Working Group focused on identifying the cost drivers in ADS-B equipage, and the issues relevant to availability of equipment and its installation. The next Equip 2020 meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 17, 2014.
The FAA also announced the release of Advisory Circular (AC) 90-114A. The AC applies to all U.S. aircraft operators intending to use ADS-B technology and provides guidance on conducting flight operations in designated classes of airspace in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, 91.225 and 91.227 in the NAS after January 1, 2020.
NATA Joins Other Business Associations Requesting Action On Tax Extenders
Last week, NATA joined other major business associations including the U.S. Chamber, National Association of Manufacturers and Business Roundtable in a letter to Congress asking lawmakers to act on tax extenders, including bonus depreciation, during the lame duck session. Pointing out these tax provisions are important to U.S. jobs and help provide economic growth, the letter told lawmakers that, “Failure to extend these provisions is a tax increase. It will inject instability and uncertainty into the economy and weaken conditions in the employment marketplace.”
House Transportation Committee Begins FAA Reauthorization Process
Taking advantage of the lame duck session, last week the House Transportation Committee convened its first hearing on the 2015 FAA reauthorization by examining, "Issues in Modernizing and Operating the Nation's Airspace," featuring witnesses from general aviation, the airlines, controllers, airline pilots and the IG's office. In opening the hearing, Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster stated, "Now is the time for us to learn from past mistakes, while at the same time taking note of what other nations have accomplished and how they have done it…..As we move forward, all options are on the table. However, anything we do in the FAA Reauthorization needs to be done together, to ensure our work help lay a foundation for the brightest possible future of U.S. aviation." To watch the hearing and read stakeholder testimony and committee scene setter, click here.
Holiday Schedule
NATA will be closed from Noon on November 26th through November 28th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.
NATA Safety 1st Releases 2015 Events Schedule
NATA is pleased to announce the release of its 2015 Safety 1st events schedule. The 2015 Safety 1st events schedule combines long-time education favorites such as the FBO Success Seminar with new offerings for 2015 such as the Safety 1st Certified Trainer Program. Safety 1st is also expanding its Advanced Line Service Regional Workshop with dates in Las Vegas, Teterboro, Chicago, and Ft. Lauderdale. The Safety 1st program is also pleased to expand its offers with a workshop tailored for air charter and aircraft management businesses. The schedule is available at www.nata.aero/events. Registration is already open for a number of these events. More information on all that the NATA Safety 1st program has to offer can be found at www.nata.aero/safety1st.
Spring Committee Meetings Take Place in February – Register Now
NATA’s Spring Committee Meetings are scheduled for February 2, 2015. The meetings will precede the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Jose, CA. Room registrations must be made through NBAA’s room block.
Call for Nominations - 2014 NATA Industry Excellence Awards
NATA is now accepting nominations for its awards acknowledging the individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating excellence in their field and the highest level of customer service to the general aviation community. Each year, NATA presents seven awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of five of these awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations and include the following categories:
• Airport Executive Partnership Award
• Excellence In Pilot Training Award
• FAA Service Excellence Award
• ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award
• New this year: The Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional Award recognizes the achievements of certified line service professionals on an annual basis thereby raising awareness of the positive impact that they have on safety, service and business success.
All nominations for these awards must be received by NATA no later than January 9, 2015. 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 Elizabeth Nicholson. The awards will be presented during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards presentation lunch in June 2015.
Avfuel Names Utah-Based Charter Pilot Ryan Knopf as 2014 Avtrip Scholarship Recipient
Avfuel Corporation named Ryan Knopf, a charter pilot who flies a Challenger 300, as the recipient of the 2014 AVTRIP Scholarship. Knopf will receive $2,000 to put toward the continuing aviation education of his choice. Click here to read further.
Jet Aviation Opens a New FBO at Munich Airport
Jet Aviation now offers handling and ground support services from its newly opened FBO at Munich International Airport. The newest addition to Jet Aviation’s global FBO network will be managed by Klaus Besold. Read more.
Chantilly Air Recognized as a Top Commercial Operator
Every year, NBAA recognizes commercial operators who demonstrate outstanding safety records. “Being named to the Top 25 Commercial Operators is an honor and a true testament of our commitment to industry safety standards while providing the highest level of personalized customer care,” said Tim Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at Chantilly Air. “Our team focuses every day on making safety our number one priority and this award is a reflection of these efforts.” Read more.
ACSF News
Registration is now open for next year’s Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium. The symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015. This year’s theme is “How do you know you’re safe?” ACSF also announced the dates for its ACSF Auditor Workshop (March 11-12, 2015, immediately following the symposium). Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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