|
 
June 15, 2015 – Volume 14 Issue 24
 NATA’s Aviation Business Conference Kicks Off This Evening
NATA’s Aviation Business Conference kicks off this evening with noted political strategist Ed Gillespie dropping-by our welcome reception. Tuesday morning the conference begins with a CEO panel featuring the major aviation association leaders followed by our annual Congressional Fly-In on Capitol Hill. The conference also includes a closing session with the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania. Chairman Shuster is the single most important driver of the debate on FAA reform, including whether to create a separate air traffic control corporation. From start to finish, this information-packed event includes something for every aviation business. Click here to view the entire Aviation Business Conference agenda. The conference takes place June 15th-18th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, onsite registration is available.
Shuster Addresses FAA Reform at Aero Club of Washington Luncheon
In an address today to the Aero Club of Washington, the Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Bill Shuster, outlined the principles being used to develop the FAA reauthorization legislation. Calling for a "transformational change," Chairman Shuster announced the legislation will propose a "federally chartered, fully independent, not for profit corporation to operate and modernize our ATC services." Click here to view Chairman Shuster’s remarks from today. Chairman Shuster will close NATA’s Aviation Business Conference on Thursday, June 18th.
Hendricks Speaks at AAAE Annual Conference
Last week, NATA President Tom Hendricks attended the AAAE annual convention in Philadelphia. Joining a panel comprised of airports, associations, consultants, and AAAE staff to discuss navigating regulatory challenges at airports, Hendricks stressed the importance of airports adopting minimum standards, the use of private enterprise to provide aviation services and identifying areas where aviation businesses and airports can work together. These themes will be further explored this week at NATA's Aviation Business Conference when airports and AAAE staff will participate in a panel with NATA members to discuss "Improving Relationships Between Airports & Airport Businesses."
NATA, GA Associations Defeat Amendment to Limit Operations at Bob Hope Airport
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives rejected an amendment to the FY2016 Department of Transportation Appropriations bill to impose a noise curfew at Burbank, California’s Bob Hope Airport. NATA, along with seven other GA associations including AOPA, A4A and NBAA, wrote to lawmakers in opposition stating, "The amendment sets a dangerous precedent, and would do little, if anything, to improve the noise environment around Burbank." The amendment, offered by Representative Schiff of California, was defeated 266-157.
NATA, Other Major National Associations Urge Swift Action on Accelerated Depreciation
On Friday, NATA and 17 other major national trade associations including the U.S. Chamber, National Association of Manufacturers and GAMA, wrote members of the House Ways and Means Committee in support of swift action on legislation making permanent accelerated (bonus) depreciation a provision that expired at the end of 2014. The legislation (H.R. 2510), authored by Representative Pat Tiberi (R-OH), was approved by the House in 2014 but not taken up by the Senate before Congress adjourned, thereby requiring the legislation's reintroduction in 2015. The association's told members of the Committee that action on the bill will create "a pro-investment tax climate that will spur much-needed economic growth and jobs, and provide a bridge to broader tax reform."
NATA Attends 87th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition
Last week, NATA staff attended the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) “Bill of Flights” Conference & Exposition in Philadelphia. Attendees participated in discussions revolving around major policy issues currently impacting airports of all sizes including the AAAE/ACI-NA initiative to raise the cap on Passenger Facility Charges, funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), potential changes to contract tower cost/benefit analysis, and proposals to corporatize air traffic control. NATA was recognized by the U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA) for its support of full funding for the contract tower program in the upcoming fiscal year.
NATA’s Q2 Aviation Business Journal is Available Online
The second quarter Aviation Business Journal includes a member profile on Executive Jet Management and articles on the Industry Excellence Award recipients, negotiating contracts, managing pilot well-being, NextGen, adequately insuring your business and more. Click here to read.
FAA and GA Community Launch Fly Safe Campaign
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups, including NATA, launched the Fly Safe national safety campaign to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control accidents this flying season. Read more.
FltPlan Adds Auto Sync Feature and More to FltPlan Go App
The latest release of the FltPlan Go iPad, iPhone, and Android app features auto syncing of NavLogs, Routes, Weather, Weight & Balance Profiles, and Checklists from the FltPlan website. This new feature allows users to move seamlessly from web to app by eliminating the download process. Read more.
Landmark Aviation Adds Seven Aircraft to its Managed Fleet
Landmark Aviation is pleased to announce the recent addition of seven aircraft to its growing aircraft management and charter fleet. The addition includes two Falcon 2000s, two Challenger 300s, a Challenger 604, a Falcon 900C and a Gulfstream G550. Read further.
NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project – Welcomes Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation Back as a Participant
NATA’s Flag Pins for Veterans Project’s 2015 campaign began Memorial Day and runs 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, Atlantic Aviation, Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation, Batten International Airport, Harbour Air Services KTVC, Hill Aircraft, Jet Aviation, Keystone FBO Services, Landmark Aviation, Million Air, Montgomery Aviation, Inc., Pentastar Aviation, Napa Jet Center, NATA, NATA Aviation Legal Services, Signature Flight Support and Transplant Transportation Services, Inc. have 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.
Commercial Operators Tax Seminar Takes Place July 14-15 in Chantilly, VA
NATA and Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc. continue to offer the only tax seminar for commercial operators. The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar covers taxes that you, the commercial operator, face every day in your operations. Are you concerned with the 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. In addition, a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Regulations, Ops Spec A008 and language that should be included in charter/management and management agreements will be provided on the first day. Register today!
Third Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop Takes Place in Chicago
NATA Safety 1st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Chicago, IL on July 7-8, 2015. The Safety 1st Regional Advanced Line Service Workshop 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, seats fill up quickly for this popular workshop!
ACSF News
Last week, ACSF announced that L.J. Aviation, Latrobe, PA, has renewed its status on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. ACSF also announced that The Berkeley Group LLC, dba NV Jets, Las Vegas, Nevada is the newest company to join the ACSF. For more ACSF news, visit www.acsf.aero.
|