NATA News

Last week, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the agency is establishing a broad-based advisory committee to help facilitate unmanned aircraft integration issues. While speaking at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) annual conference, Huerta stated, “…the drone advisory committee is intended to be a long-lasting group. It will help identify and prioritize integration challenges and improvements, and create broad support for an overall integration strategy.” The FAA Administrator also revealed the agency’s plans to simplify the use of drones for students as long as the drones are being used for educational and research purposes. The agency claims “…schools and students will no longer need a Section 333 exemption or any other authorization to fly provided they follow the rules for model aircraft. Faculty will be able to use drones in connection with helping their students with their courses.”

By June 1, 2016 all aviation businesses and other firms, must be fully compliant with the OSHA rule on the use of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of labeling chemicals. In addition, all employees must be trained on the use of the GHS system. Compliance with the GHS hazard communication rule requires that aviation businesses: update old Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with new Safety Data Sheets (SDS) utilizing the GHS system, revise Hazard Communications Programs to include the GHS system and train all employees on reading and understanding GHS labels. Aviation businesses can provide employees with the required training through NATA’s Safety 1^st Hazard Communication Training Module. This module covers the new aspects and labels used in the GHS as well as the foundations of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Learn more about NATA’s Safety 1^st Hazcom Training Module at www.nata.aero/hazcom. For updates on HAZcom and other Safety 1^st programs, please follow the “The Safety Net” blog.

Sheltair recently acquired Tampa International Jet at Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida. Sheltair Chairman and CEO Jerry Holland stated, “We are pleased to announce that we acquired Tampa International Jet Center, an award-winning operation with a highly commended customer service staff.  We are genuinely excited about bringing their expertise and reputation into the Sheltair family. Strategically, this location and operation fits perfectly into our growth model and compliments our network of FBOs.” Sheltair plans to build a new 32,000 SF hangar and executive offices at TPA with a projected investment of $5.5 million. This project will feature the latest advances in design and construction and include high tail doors to accommodate new large cabin business aircraft with an anticipated completion in the second quarter of 2017. For more information, click here.

For the first time in approximately three decades, U.S. Customs and Immigration service is now available at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport to facilitate increased traffic to Cuba. Last week, the new 4,200-sq-ft permanent Customs and Border Patrol facility opened in the airport’s former commercial terminal. In anticipation of the achievement, the airport recently added “International” to its name. The cost for the $1.6 million facility was split equally between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Monroe County Airport Authority, said Thomas Henderson, assistant county airports director and Marathon Airport manager. According to NATA member Marathon Jet Center, it is the only FBO that pumps jet-A at the airport after Customs clearance — pilots can request fuel delivery to the aircraft in the Customs area, depending on traffic, a feature that would waive facility fees for turbine-powered aircraft. The general aviation, non-towered airport is open 24/7 and features a 5,000-foot runway. For more information, click here.

California State University, Los Angeles has an opening for a tenured/tenure-track faculty position in the Aviation Administration of CSULA’s Department of Technology College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in guiding students on projects and independent studies, and a commitment to teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. Preference will be given to those candidates with a Ph.D. in a related area, and professional experience in air cargo transportation. The start date for this position is next fall, September 2017. NATA members interested in similar general aviation job opportunities, please visit NATA’s Classifieds.

May 10^th and 11^th, the inaugural Essentials of Hangar Subleasing: From Risk to Revenue will take place in Augusta, Georgia. Seminar participants will learn the delicate balance between customer service, risk mitigation and revenue optimization in subleasing hangar space to aircraft operators. Facilitated by industry-experts FBO Partners on behalf of NATA, this course will teach the best practices, strategies and negotiation skills essential in hangar subleasing, and provide an immediate and quantifiable return for attendees, while sharing experiences with new friends in the FBO industry. NATA would like to thank our seminar sponsors for their support and we look forward to hosting our attendees in Augusta this week.

2016 Essentials of Hangar Subleasing Seminar Sponsors:

EasyFBO

One Mile Up

 

NATA Safety 1^st will also host its Advanced Line Service (ALS) Regional Workshop May 11^th and 12^th at the Augusta Regional Airport. Thank you to our workshop sponsors: Air BP, Aviation Business Strategies Group, EasyFBO and Augusta Regional Airport. Check out our upcoming schedule of events at http://nata.aero/Events.aspx. 

NATA Safety 1^st is pleased to bring its unique mix of technical and service training to Hayward, CA on July 12-13, 2016 at APP Jet Center. The Safety 1^st Advanced Line Service (ALS) Workshop is a two-day training event designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to make your line service team succeed and become new leaders within your company. Register now before seats are gone! Additional dates and locations for this workshop are available at http://nata.aero/Events/2016-ALS-Regional-Workshops.aspx.