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December 1, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 48
 NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program Update
On August 29, 2014, the insurance carrier providing coverage under the NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program was downgraded by A.M. Best to “B++” (Good) from “A” (Excellent). NATA immediately began analyzing the current workers' compensation insurance market to explore the best options for our membership. During this process NATA has not wavered in its commitment to the core elements of its Workers' Compensation Insurance Program – the promotion of safety and industry excellence. NATA is resolved to provide a new program that continues to emphasize these elements.
On November 20, 2014, Beacon Aviation Insurance Services, the administrators of the NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program, announced that effective December 1, 2014, Beacon will underwrite and offer coverage on behalf of AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. While AmTrust is an A.M. Best “A-rated” carrier, they are not part of the NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program. Thus, NATA members who elect to switch to AmTrust will no longer be participants in NATA’s program.
NATA will soon unveil a new Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program with an A.M. Best “A-rated” carrier that continues to emphasize at its core, safety and industry excellence. Any new program will reward NATA members who demonstrate outstanding safety performance and practices. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Obitts, Senior Vice President for Business Development, Membership & General Counsel of NATA at tobitts@nata.aero or (703) 845-9000, ext.107.
NATA Opposes Proposed Changes in Texas Sales and Use Taxes
NATA expressed its opposition to proposals proffered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to change the application of state and local sales and use taxes on general aviation aircraft. Arguing the proposals ignore generally accepted aviation business practices and are inconsistent with state and federal law, NATA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs also noted, "If adopted, these proposals would result in the loss, not gain of revenue to the state and, most importantly, reduce jobs and diminish safety."
IRS Announces 2015 FET Rates
The 2015 rates for certain commercial transportation federal excise taxes and fees that are subject to annual inflation were announced by the IRS. For transportation in calendar year 2015 the domestic segment fee remains at $4.00, the International Facilities Fee is $17.70 and the fee for transportation beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii is $8.90. The 7.5% tax on amounts paid for passenger transportation and the 6.25% rate for cargo are not indexed to inflation and remain unchanged. The changed rates are detailed in IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-61.
House Chooses Transportation Committee Leaders
While most focus in the lame duck session is on resolving remaining tax and spending issues, there are a number of things taking place behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming 114th Congress. Among these are the selection of congressional committee leadership. Last week, House Republicans selected Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA) to continue as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. House Democrats unanimously chose Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to serve as the Committee's Ranking Democratic Member. Representative DeFazio succeeds Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) who was defeated in his reelection bid. Also selected was the new Chairman of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the FAA. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) will succeed Representative Tom Latham (R-IA) who is retiring. On the Democratic side, the successor to Representative Ed Pastor (D-AZ) who is also retiring, has not yet been announced.
Safety 1st Launches Certified Trainer Program
Responding to member requests and needs, NATA Safety 1st launched the Safety 1st Certified Trainer Program (CTP) this month. The CTP is comprised of six instructor-led online classes that provide the foundational knowledge and skills required to be an effective trainer. These classes are approximately an hour and a half in length and occur over a three month period.
As an instructor-led, online course, the CTP saves participants time away from work and the cost of travel typically associated with in-person seminars and training classes. The course is derived from basic learning and on-the-job training theory and includes practical implementation strategies that allow attendees to have an immediate positive impact on training and morale.
Registration for the Safety 1st CTP is open now until January 23rd, with the first class scheduled for January 28th. Registration is $650 for NATA members. For more information and to register, visit www.nata.aero/events.
2015 FBO Success Seminar Has Even More to Offer
NATA’s FBO Success Seminar takes place March 9-10, 2015 in Las Vegas. The NATA FBO Success Seminar is for FBO owners, operators, general managers, new managers, finance personnel and other key FBO employees who are interested in building a more successful FBO. This popular industry seminar, now in its sixth year, will offer attendees new FBO management techniques, essential operational and service knowledge, and a networking forum for sharing experiences and best practices.
The FBO Success Seminar will be held in conjunction with the GSE Expo Worldwide and attendees will receive a complimentary registration to attend to the Expo. In addition, attendees will also receive a free copy of the new book, FBO Survival. 10 Tips to Keep Your Operation Lean, Mean & Profitable – a $49.95 value. Register today!
Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop – Las Vegas, NV
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Las Vegas on March 10-11, 2015. 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! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available at www.nata.aero/events.
Applications for 2015 AMT Employer Award Program are Now Available
NATA is pleased to announce that applications for the 2015 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program are now available. This award program is designed to recognize companies that employ aviation maintenance technicians (AMT) and encourages and supports AMT training. The award is based on the percentage of AMTs employed by a maintenance organization that participate in qualified training events. Applications for the 2015 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program will be accepted through January 30, 2015. For more information on the program, or to download an application packet, click here.
Spring Committee Meetings Take Place in San Jose – 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.
Dutchess County Releases RFP for an FBO at Dutchess County Airport
Dutchess County recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a privately-run Fixed Base Operator to supply aircraft support services at Dutchess County Airport, located seven miles south of Poughkeepsie, New York, in the town of Wappinger. The Dutchess County Airport (KPOU) provides corporate and general aviation transportation services. For vendors interested in applying, the RFP and additional information can be found at the County’s website.
2015 Member Support Level Program
NATA members of all sizes can choose to participate at a higher level in the NATA Support Level Program. NATA has a variety of exciting sponsorship, advertising and event opportunities on tap for 2015, NATA’s 75th year of service. Participants may select from many offerings that meet your company’s individual needs. Companies that select a level are also recognized throughout the year at NATA events, the quarterly Aviation Business Journal and on NATA’s website. We will be in touch soon with more details on how to participate in 2015. In the meantime, contact Johanna O’Toole at jotoole@nata.aero if you are interested in participating.
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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