NATA News

As of October 1, 2016, U.S. airports, airline flight crews, dispatchers, general aviation pilots, and air traffic controllers are now using new TALPA standards “to reduce the risk of runway overrun accidents and incidents due to runway contamination caused by weather and other factors.” The standards were produced with the help of the TALPA Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), and acts as a “new method for airports and air traffic controllers to communicate actual runway conditions to the pilots in terms that directly relate to the way a particular aircraft is expected to perform.” Airport operators will now report runway conditions using the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM), which is displayed in a standardized format and is based off of airplane performance data provided by aircraft manufacturers. For more information, please visit the FAA’s recently launched TALPA website.

The FAA, NATA and others in the aviation industry are working together to create the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). These documents will replace the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for select certificates and ratings. On October 12^th, the FAA will host the Airman Certification Standards Explained webinar to provide some historical perspective about the ACS and describe how it is used during a practical test. Attendees will also be able to submit questions to panelists. To register for the upcoming webinar, click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The FAA, along with NATA and other general aviation groups, have launched a national safety campaign this flying season called #FlySafe to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents. LOC can result when an aircraft enters a flight regime that is outside its normal flight envelope and may quickly develop into a stall or spin. This month’s topic focuses on pilot impairment.

NATA member Sugar Land Airport will receive more than $12.2 million from the FAA to improve its taxiway. City officials will use the money to install new lighting and markings along the taxiway and improve drainage at the airport. The work builds upon last year’s $2.8 million project to relocate a hangar at the airport to make way for a wider taxiway. Sugar Land officials have focused on airport improvements as a way to attract company executives. Former Mayor James Thompson said both Fluor, an engineering company and oilfield services giant Schlumberger have large presences in the city because of the ease of flying in and out. For the upcoming Super Bowl, Thompson said officials expect 350 private planes to descend on the airport for the week. Read more.

Air BP recently announced the appointment of Jon Platt as its Chief Executive, effective October 1^st. Beginning his 27-year tenure as a graduate Chemical Engineer in Refinery & Petrochemicals, Platt brings a wealth of experience from previous leadership roles, which include CEO of BP’s Global Liquid Petroleum Gas business and CFO for the Global Petrochemicals business. “Air BP has a strong focus on safe and reliable operations, growth and supporting the needs of our customers through quality, technical expertise and innovation.” said Platt. “We will continue to be a key business in BP’s growth strategy, deeply committed to the aviation industry, our customers and investment in their future.” Read more. 

As a leader in your organization, it is important to protect your business by learning when and how to respond to an emergency event. While taking care of people, managing perception (communicating effectively internally and externally), and participating in the investigation are key objectives, there is often little guidance for management and staff on how to be most effective in these areas. The Back to Basics: ERP Workshop for Aviation Businesses will help you and your team develop a fundamental understanding of how to develop and manage an effective Emergency Response Program (ERP). View the full agenda here. To register or for more information, click here.

NATA's 2017 Aviation Business Conference takes place June 6^th-8^th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The conference kicks off with a reception Tuesday evening and concludes Thursday afternoon. Early bird registration is now open and runs through Friday, April 7^th — save $95! For more information, please visit www.nata.aero/abc.