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May 11, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 19
 Aviation Business Conference Highlight: Day One
The NATA 2015 Aviation Business Conference offers valuable opportunities to advance your business during your visit to our Nation’s Capitol June 15th-18th. Following the opening networking reception Monday evening, Tuesday’s agenda begins with a robust CEO Industry Panel comprised of six top aviation association CEOs led by NATA’s own Tom Hendricks. This session paves the way for a visit to Capitol Hill for the Congressional Fly-In, where we’ll meet with Members of Congress for a legislative update and discussion of the importance of aviation businesses to the nation’s economy. We’ll then convene for the NATA Annual Meeting and Networking Lunch followed by afternoon sessions covering Emergency Response for General Aviation Businesses; Insider Threats: What You Don’t Know, You Don’t Know; and Buying and Selling Aviation Service Businesses. The day concludes back on Capitol Hill with our popular Congressional Reception. Click here for more event details and to register.
NATA Responds to NRC NextGen Review Paper
Last week, the National Research Council (NRC) released a review of the FAA’s air traffic control modernization effort and concluded that the original vision for NextGen implementation is not what is being implemented today. In a press release, NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks cautioned against using the NRC paper as a justification for dramatic structural change of the FAA noting that “there is significant work being done at the FAA, work that we risk throwing away by addressing reasonable concerns with potentially disruptive solutions.” Hendricks also stated that “no one in the aviation community suggests accepting the status quo,” but that positive changes “are under way and we need to keep the pressure on for more and faster changes.” Hendricks concluded, “Before we leap too far down the proposed path of some pundits, to remove the air traffic control system from its governmental role to a network run by users, let’s avoid basing any decisions on outdated, unrealistic expectations.”
NATA Opposes New Slot Restrictions at JFK and Newark Airports
On May 7th, NATA filed comments in opposition to an FAA proposal to impose restrictive slot limits on unscheduled operations at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airports. “NATA does not believe the FAA has justified a need to limit unscheduled slots into these airports by any demonstration that such operations are a causal factor of congestion or significant delays,” NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks stated in a press release on the issue. The comments detail numerous concerns with the proposal and provide a viable alternative – the establishment of operational baselines, suggesting that should unscheduled operations exceed such baselines by a defined amount, FAA work with industry to develop and implement appropriate mitigations and thus prevent unchecked operational growth in excess of capacity. “Under such a construct, all consumers will continue to enjoy equal opportunities for access.”
NATA Urges East Hampton Town Board to Reconsider and Repeal Restrictions on Aviation Businesses Operating at Airport
Last week, NATA submitted a letter to the East Hampton Town Supervisor Board urging it to reconsider and repeal its recently approved restrictions at the East Hampton Airport (HTO). The letter was written in response to the Council’s May 7th hearing which considered additional changes to the recently approved restrictions including the adoption of penalties. In March, NATA and other major general aviation associations submitted comments to the East Hampton Town Board in opposition to the town’s proposal to restrict operations at HTO, and its related airport infrastructure plan. In the letter, NATA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Bill Deere, stated, “The imposition and structure of the restrictions will have a detrimental impact on HTO-based aviation businesses and others operating into the airport and will result in reduced local revenues, investment, and job loss.”
NATA Policy Playbook Blog Post – The Importance of FAA Reauthorizations
As the current expiration date for authorization of FAA programs arrives, Congress is well underway working with industry stakeholders to draft legislation to reauthorize the FAA before the September 30th deadline. Bill Deere, NATA Senior Vice President for Government and External Affairs, analyzes the risks and opportunities for the general aviation community in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill in a blog post titled “The Importance of FAA Reauthorizations.”
NATA and Safety 1st Represented at EBACE
NATA’s Tom Hendricks and Michael France will join NATA Compliance Services to promote global initiatives, services and Safety 1st products. The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition takes place May 19-21, 2015 in Geneva. Visit booth P115 or contact mfrance@nata.aero prior to May 15th to schedule a time to talk with our representatives.
NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project Gearing Up for 2015 Campaign
NATA’s Flag Pins for Veterans Project will begin Memorial Day and run through October 2015. Project participants are asked to display American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a $1.00 donation per pin, or make a direct donation to the project. Last year’s campaign raised more than $30,000 for veterans organizations. So far, Landmark Aviation, Pentastar Aviation and NATA have once again signed on to support the enduring sacrifices of our Nation’s veterans. For more information, click here or contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero to participate.
StandardAero Adds New Component Repair Capabilities
With growth in StandardAero’s component repair service over the past three years, the MRO recently added more than 2,000 new part-repair capabilities to its portfolio. In 2014, the company repaired more than 35,000 parts while maintaining a 95-percent on-time delivery rate. The majority of repairs were performed at StandardAero’s 250,000-sq-ft MRO facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company recently expanded its component repair capabilities to a second 100,000-sq-ft facility in Winnipeg, Canada, to accommodate additional engine lines and unique repair development capabilities. The new repair capabilities extend across more than 35 different engine platforms, including the GE CF34. Read more.
Phillips 66® Aviation Hires Kim Ruth To Lead Programs Development
Phillips 66® Aviation, the nation’s largest network of branded aviation fuel dealers, today announced the appointment of Kimberly Ruth as director, programs development for general aviation. Ruth replaces Rosemary Leone, an avid pilot and aircraft owner who recently retired from Phillips 66 after holding the position for five years, and working at the organization for more than 10. Read further.
2015 Aviation Business Conference - Housing Reservations Deadline is May 22nd!
The Air Charter Summit + Aviation Business & Legislative Conference
NATA is combining the best of the Air Charter Summit with the best of the Aviation Business & Legislative Conference into one industry-wide event – the NATA 2015 Aviation Business Conference. NATA’s new conference provides important advice, access and information to give your aviation business a competitive edge and to provide insights into what is happening in Washington that could impact your bottom line. One event also means more opportunities to catch up with your business associates. Register by clicking here. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Elizabeth Nicholson at enicholson@nata.aero.
Take the First Step Toward IS-BAH Registration
Do not miss the upcoming Fundamentals of IS-BAH Workshop at NATA's Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on June 19th, immediately following NATA's Aviation Business Conference. This workshop is a required element of IS-BAH registration and is presented by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and hosted by NATA. If your business is considering IS-BAH registration, one company individual must attend a Fundamentals of IS-BAH Workshop. The registration fee is $500 per attendee. Seating is limited, so be sure to register today! In order to obtain the maximum benefit from attendance at the IS-BAH Workshop, participants are encouraged to purchase a copy of the IS-BAH manual to review during the workshop. The IS-BAH can be obtained from the NATA website.
ACSF’s Russ Lawton will speak on “Using ASAP to Enhance Your SMS and Build a Positive Safety Culture” at the 2015 Business Aviation Safety Summit in Weston, FL on May 14th. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for more ACSF news.
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