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NATA is the National Air Transportation Association
Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members’ prosperity.
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Professional Line Service Training
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PLST Online provides the most up-to-date training available for line service specialists – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line service supervisors can conduct the new PLST Online training anytime and from anywhere there is access to the Web.
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139 Fire Safety Training Online
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This training not only meets and exceeds the requirements of 14 CFR 139.321 but also allows you to interact with other students in a group learning environment, receive the very latest NFPA news, watch live training presentations and much more.
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| GAO Looks At FAA Inconsistencies – NATA Launches Survey |
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| The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is in the early stages of a review of inconsistencies in how field inspectors interpret and apply requirements. NATA is highly supportive of this review and asked Members of Congress to request the study so hopefully the issues members face when dealing with varying interpretations can be better understood and addressed.
NATA is asking for any interested aviation business that is certificated by the FAA to complete a brief anonymous survey that will allow the association to present summary data related to the problem.
Download NATA’s issue paper.
Click here to begin the survey now!
NATA pledges to keep all information strictly confidential unless the submitter specifically agrees to be contacted and to have their information used in an identifiable way.
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| Senate Commerce Committee Approves FAA Reauthorization Legislation |
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| Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted to approve S. 1451, the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. While passage of the bill out of the committee is a leap forward in the right direction, the next hurdle requires the Senate Committee on Finance to address the bill and the provisions within its jurisdiction. A timeline is uncertain for the Committee on Finance to address the measure, leaving the next step in the process unknown. NATA is optimistic that the Committee on Finance will impose a similar extension on fuel taxes that was included in the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The House bill would raise taxes from 19.3 cents per gallon to 24.1 cents for avgas and from 21.8 cents per gallon to 35.9 cents for noncommercial jet fuel.
NATA issued a legislative report last week on S. 1451, please click here to view it.
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| U.S. House Of Representatives Passes Transportation Appropriations Legislation |
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| Late Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Included in this important legislation is funding for the FAA and its many programs. The House approved the bill with a vote of 256-168, after much debate on the overall price tag of the legislation. The bill consists of $68.8 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $14.3 billion or 13% above the Fiscal Year 2009 level, not including the $787 billion the Department of Transportation (DOT) received in the economic stimulus bill signed into law earlier this year. Of the $75.8 billion included in the bill DOT, $15.9 billion is provided for the FAA.
The increase of funds for the DOT is partially due to the $4 billion increase for a new high-speed rail program, a priority established in President Obama’s budget request issued in February. In addition, the FAA’s Operations Account was increased by $304 million to hire 136 flight standards inspectors and an additional 50 aircraft certification inspectors.
To view NATA’s Legislative Report on the FY10 Transportation Appropriations Legislation, please click here.
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| NATA Submits Comments On KBUR Request For Nighttime Curfew |
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NATA submitted comments to the FAA last week in response to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s Part 161 application to institute a nighttime ban on air traffic at Bob Hope Airport (KBUR) due to noise concerns. The airport authority has been preparing its application for the last four years at a cost of more than $6 million. This request is significant in that it is the first request under Part 161 for a complete ban on air traffic regardless of the noise level of the specific aircraft. If this request is approved, it could set a precedent that would have a chilling effect on airport access around the country. For the authority’s request to be approved by the FAA, it must meet the following six statutory conditions:
- The restriction is reasonable, non-arbitrary, and nondiscriminatory
- The restriction does not create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce
- The proposed restriction maintains the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace
- The proposed restriction does not conflict with any existing federal statute or regulation
- The applicant has provided adequate opportunity for public comment on the proposed restriction
- The proposed restriction does not create an undue burden on the National Airspace System
In reviewing the airport authority’s Part 161 application, NATA believes that the only statutory condition that was met is that the authority did provide adequate opportunity for public comment. In regards to the reasonableness of the restriction, NATA wrote:
“Matching the most restrictive solution possible to a problem that has been effectively managed by non-restrictive means is not reasonable on its face. Taking into account that the results and methodology of the predicted increase in 65 dBl CNEL contour sizes are in question and that other less restrictive options providing even more benefit for the cost have been evaluated (NATA does not necessarily endorse those options), the choice of the most restrictive solution possible is absurd.”
NATA concluded the comments by stating:
“The National Air Transportation Association respectfully requests the FAA deny the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s request to impose nighttime access restrictions at Bob Hope Airport on the grounds that the request does not meet the requirements of 14 CFR 161.305.”
The FAA is expected to issue a ruling on the proposed curfew in November 2009.
NATA’s comments can be viewed here.
The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s Part 161 application is available here.
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| SMS ANPRM Released By FAA |
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| An advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking comments on the use of a Safety Management System (SMS) was released by the FAA last week.
The FAA is evaluating rulemaking options that would require certificated entities, such as charter operators, airlines, flight training and maintenance organizations, to implement an SMS program. To support the rulemaking effort, the ANPRM presents a series of questions to gather information from companies that would be affected by a requirement to implement SMS. For example, the FAA wants to hear from companies that are already implementing SMS to find out what benefits have been realized and the economic impact to implement SMS.
The deadline for submitting comments is October 21, 2009. All comments submitted will be reviewed by the FAA and a formal aviation rulemaking committee, of which NATA is an active member.
NATA encourages its members to review the ANPRM and submit comments. To download a copy of the ANPRM, click here.
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| ACSF Highlights Charter Safety Initiatives In Wake Of DOT OIG Report |
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| The Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General (IG) recently issued a report scrutinizing the oversight of on-demand operators by the FAA. One of the findings by the IG was that the FAA lacked a “risk-based oversight strategy.” The report further stated that “on-demand operators have more risk in their operating environments and receive less oversight from the FAA.” The IG recommended that the FAA strengthen its oversight and implement a risk assessment oversight process for on-demand operators.
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has developed the Industry Audit Standard (IAS) program specifically for on-demand operators. This audit program not only evaluates an air charter operator’s and/or shared ownership company’s safety and regulatory compliance, it also includes the evaluation of the operator’s Safety Management System (SMS).
In response to the IG’s concern with the lack of risk-based oversight by the FAA, the ACSF is pleased to state that the IAS is an excellent tool that can help the FAA respond to that need. The IAS incorporates principles of risk assessment and oversight while remaining scalable to every size and type of operator. The first and only audit program designed specifically for on-demand operators that also evaluates the operator’s SMS program against both FAA and international standards, the IAS assesses the safety risk management of the operator’s day-to-day functions. The audit evaluates the operator’s SMS for effective implementation and documentation, identification of critical characteristics of its system and operational environment, identification of hazards and risk-based decision making, and the design of risk controls.
The IAS is conducted every 24 months and is quite in-depth in its evaluation of regulatory compliance and SMS procedures, prompting operators to review and improve their safety risk management processes continuously. This is especially important for the industry as on-demand operations occur in dynamic environments. This ground-breaking audit program could help the FAA in implementing and conducting risk-based oversight. The FAA has been regularly briefed on the IAS and several FAA staff attended an IAS audit. The FAA has been highly complementary of the ACSF IAS.
The ACSF will conduct audits of approximately forty Part 135 operators this year using the IAS. The program continues to grow with operators wanting to be registered as an IAS participant. The goal of the ACSF has been to develop a single, consistent, high-quality standard whereby on-demand operators are held accountable, and we are pleased to say that the IAS accomplishes that goal.
Customers should look for the ACSF IAS registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program. Any consumer can quickly and easily validate the status of an operator through the ACSF IAS Registry at www.acsf.aero/registry.
Supporting materials describing the IAS and audit process are available at www.acsf.aero/audit. Operators wishing to initiate the audit process should contact Russ Lawton at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).
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| Annual GA Survey Underway, NATA Urges Participation |
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| The General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2008 is drawing to a close. As high-end, high-use aircraft are a significant part of the general aviation fleet, a focused effort is being made by the FAA to improve the data quality for those aircraft. As a result, 100% of on-demand Part 135 and turbine aircraft are being asked to participate in the 2008 GA Survey. The FAA’s annual GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.
The last survey mailing was sent on July 17, and the field period closes August 17. Please be sure to have your responses in before August 17. You can complete the survey on-line at www.aviationsurvey.org (use aircraft N-Number to login) or return the survey form you received in the mail using the postage-paid envelope. If you already completed this year’s survey, thank you! We appreciate your help.
Why is your participation important?
- Your data is needed to prepare accurate estimates of aviation safety. Data from this survey are used to calculate fatal accident rates for general aviation and Part 135 aircraft.
- All data is relevant! Please respond, even if you did not fly your aircraft during 2008, you sold it, or it was damaged.
- Your responses are completely confidential. PA Consulting Group is an independent research firm that conducts the GA Survey on behalf of the FAA and prepares statistical reports. Individual information is not shared with the FAA.
- An abbreviated survey form is available for owners of multiple aircraft. Your time is valuable. If you own three or more aircraft and received several survey forms, please contact us!
Questions? Lost the survey form? Own three or more aircraft? Please contact Theresa Tennant of PA Consulting Group toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email Theresa.Tennant@paconsulting.com.
Thank you!
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| Register For ALSST Now At Special Rate |
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| High performance line service supervisors are absolutely essential to successful operations. Annual training in the latest and best practices is the most effective way for supervisors to maximize efficiency, safety and profit.
Walter Chartrand, AirBP Aviation Services, and Frank Surface, MoneyWise Solutions, will provide the tools to increase the performance of line crew supervisors to set your operation apart from the rest at NATA’s Advanced Line Service Supervisor Training (ALSST) Seminar. The ALSST will be held in San Diego, CA, on September 23 and 24.
Featured Speakers:
Walter Chartrand, AirBP Aviation Services
Walter is known throughout the industry for his knowledge and entertaining teaching style. His technical expertise is sprinkled with light humor, leaving all in attendance wanting more. He has an uncanny ability to relate people, places and knowledge to any subject.
Frank Surface, MoneyWise Solutions
After running his own family business in the mountains of Virginia for a decade, Frank began a career of helping others make the most of their business opportunities by managing and responding to the liability issues of the employment relationships that can make or break businesses. He has worked closely with hundreds of family-owned and privately held businesses to deal with the intricacies of human resource management and compliance with numerous government employment regulations.
With more than 30 years of human relations experience, Frank highlights his training techniques with creative and interactive team-building exercises.
Seminar Benefits:
- Advanced skills to train, motivate and discipline employees
- Employees will be better equipped to respond to both emergency and ordinary, day-to-day situations
- An energized and confident workforce
- Decreased employee turn-over
- Improved communication and performance
- FAA-Approved 14 CFR 139.321 Fire Safety Training certification
- Attendees who have completed both the LSST and ALSST seminars receive an NATA Certified Supervisor Certificate and are recognized in NATA’s e-Toolkit
New! Register by August 15 for a 15% discount off of the regular member rate!
This seminar is offered only once this year, so reserve your space today.
For more information or to register, visit the Advance Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar event page or call 800-808-NATA.
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| Entire Range Of Commercial Operator Tax And Regulatory Issues Addressed |
| Register For Commercial Operators Tax Seminar Now At A Discounted Rate! |
| NATA and Conklin & de Decker are pleased to present the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar in San Antonio, Texas, on September 23 – 24, 2009.
Unique from other tax seminars and workshops, the Conklin & de Decker and NATA Tax Seminar is operator focused and addresses the current and many times confusing world of tax issues affecting aircraft charter and management.
Charter operators have to contend with a convoluted maze of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), as well as federal, state and local tax issues. Adding to the confusion is the additional tax complexity of Part 135 charter flying versus Part 91 owner flying. Who needs to pay tax on what charges and to whom are the taxes owed? How often are they paid and who collects? These are all questions for which simple answers are hard to find, so NATA and Conklin & de Decker have put together this informative two-day seminar to cover it all.
In addition to the tax concerns already mentioned, the release of amended OpSpec A008 has created a myriad of issues not only for certificate holders but also for owners. As a result, this Tax Seminar will also address this operational control regulation.
“The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar covers the entire range of today’s tax and regulatory issues confronting business aircraft management companies and charter operators,” commented Nel Stubbs, Vice President and co-owner of Conklin & de Decker. “We provide answers to complex questions regarding Federal Excise Taxes, state taxes, international fees, FAR and IRS regulations so attendees walk away with real clarity on all these issues!”
Expert instructors will deliver the information and tools necessary to enable seminar attendees to determine where taxes and fees apply and how to manage tax compliance and the impact on company cash flow.
This seminar is a must-attend for all commercial aircraft operators and management companies, whether they serve as the Director of Operations, CFO or controller. In addition, this seminar will be extremely helpful to anyone that has an aircraft on a Part 135 certificate or is considering doing so.
NATA members can register for just $800 up to August 15, 2009. For more information about this seminar, visit the NATA Web site at www.nata.aero.
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| ABJ – Now Available On The Web |
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| Aviation Business Journal is the official publication of NATA and the only magazine dedicated to the business of NATA member constituencies. Articles are written by industry experts who understand the unique challenges faced by aviation service professionals. Published quarterly, Aviation Business Journal helps its readers run more effective and profitable aviation service businesses.
Current and past issues of Aviation Business Journal are now available to view in PDF format at www.nata.aero and content is searchable through the NATA search capability. To view past issues, click here. To learn more about Aviation Business Journal or advertising opportunities for future issues, view the 2009-2010 Aviation Business Journal Media Planner.
NATA welcomes editorial input from members. What would you like to see in future editions of Aviation Business Journal that would help your business succeed? Please submit ideas or comments by email to Linda Pylant or by calling (703) 845-9000.
Look for printed copies of the 2009 third quarter Aviation Business Journal which should begin arriving the first week of August.
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| NATA Weekly Survey |
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| NATA’s weekly surveys are part of an effort to obtain more information from our members to serve their daily needs better. These surveys range from specific policy topics to programs, products and services that the association provides or should provide. The association strongly encourages members to take a few moments to review and complete this online survey in each week’s edition of NATA News.
Question:
Should NATA provide more Webinar events online in lieu of on-site seminars?
Participate in survey.
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| Environmental Fact Of The Week |
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| NATA’s quick facts on the aviation industry's effect on the environment are designed to ensure that members take every step necessary to minimize the effect aviation has on the environment while recognizing the initiatives the industry has taken to reduce global warming.
At mention of aviation and the environment, the first thing that comes to most people’s mind is emissions and greenhouse gasses. While aircraft GHG emissions are definitely a hot topic, an update released last week by the FAA discusses the environmental impacts of noise and the success our industry has had and will continue to have in dealing with noise. According to the FAA Office of Environment, Noise Division:
“In the late 1970s, noise from aircraft affected about 7 million people. That number has dropped to fewer than 500,000”
Much of this drop in noise effects is attributable to industry efforts to design and build quieter aircraft. Today’s modern aircraft create only ¼ of the noise of their predecessors. However, future noise reductions may come from a surprising place, NextGen. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is the program that is redesigning our country’s air transportation system using 21st century technology to enhance safety, capacity and address environmental issues. How will this affect noise?
“New Optimum Profile Descents (OPDs) enable pilots to reduce power, nearly to a glide, as they land their aircraft. This eliminates the noise from throttling the engines during step-down approaches near the airport. Additionally, Required Navigation Performance allows pilots flying OPDs to maneuver in areas around the airports to avoid congested housing areas on the ground.”
Between building ever quieter aircraft and new procedures available through NextGen, our industry will be able to continue its success in dealing with the environmental impacts of noise.
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