NATA News

Last week, NATA staff attended an Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC) Steering Committee meeting at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The Steering Committee reviewed the status of the work plan, scope of work, terms of reference, and next steps for each of the four working groups that comprise the ACT ARC. The Committee was also provided a briefing on the Airman Certification System Working Group (ACS WG).

Led by NATA’s John McGraw, the Air Carrier & Contract Training Working Group (AC & CT WG) provided a presentation to the Steering Committee on their progress. Working Group members briefed the committee on the membership participants, status on the initiatives assigned, next steps, and reviewed the terms of reference. The Working Group also reviewed their next milestones and deliverables. So far, the FAA has accepted the recommendations by the group to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in air carrier training. The agency is already publishing updated policies reflecting the group’s guidance. The next ACT ARC Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for January 25-26, 2017 in Dallas, TX.

Last week JetSuite Inc. announced that JetBlue Airways made an investment in the company, helping fuel its fast-growing JetSuiteX service. This partnership will provide JetBlue with a nominee to be appointed to the JetSuite board of directors. JetSuiteX is a growing public charter company that offers convenient flights that include free Wi-Fi, free checked bags, wi-fi, seat assignments, drinks and snacks. JetSuiteX flies 30 passenger jets between Burbank, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, San Jose, California, Carlsbad, California, Concord, California, Mammoth, California and Bozeman, Montana. More options are coming soon.

Rectrix Aviation, a well-established Hyannis-based fixed base operator (FBO) and private jet charter service, has begun a new daily shuttle option for travelers flying between Cape Cod and Nantucket, MA. Rectrix Shuttle began its new daily commuter air carrier service between Barnstable Municipal Airport (Hyannis) and the Nantucket Memorial Airport Thursday, October 20. This marks the first air carrier venture for Rectrix Aviation. The shuttle flights will occur on the airline's new Beech Super King Air B300. The twin turboprop aircraft has a capacity for 9 passengers, 2 pilots and a reputation for elegance, spacious interiors and safety, as well as quiet takeoffs and landings.

NATA awards several scholarships throughout the year to aviation college/university program and flight training students — as well as association members looking to continue their education. The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is currently accepting applications for: The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship, The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship and The NATA Business Scholarship. Multiple awards are available from $1,000 to $2,500 with application deadlines in November and December 2016. For more information or to complete your application, click here.

NATA’s Aviation Workers Compensation Insurance Program underwritten by trusted international insurance company Allianz features competitive rates and NATA’s signature “Good Experience Return” that provides additional savings for participating companies based on group performance. NATA’s strategic relationship with IFBOA continues to allow members to participate in IFBOA's Workers Compensation Insurance Program with QBE — providing you with options to best fit your business. Learn more at www.nata.aero/wcip.

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.

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and Baldwin Aviation have been working together to offer the charter and business aviation industry an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) that allows customers to combine the FAA/ACSF ASAP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Baldwin Aviation’s data technology. Both ACSF and Baldwin Aviation are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement in principle. Baldwin Aviation will soon offer ACSF members and ASAP participants an alternative to the web-based application tool (WBAT) program. ACSF members will have the option of signing-up with Baldwin Aviation to access their technology. Visit www.acsf.aero to learn more.