NATA News

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) indicated its intention to withdraw a controversial proposal to impose security programs on general aviation aircraft and airports. The TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) would have imposed security requirements on aircraft, including private aircraft, over 12,500 pounds and on certain airports that serve them. The LASP was initially proposed in 2008 and was met with strong opposition by NATA and industry. The TSA, as with all federal agencies, must periodically report on the status of current rulemaking projects in the Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda. The current Agenda was published on January 18, 2018 and states, “TSA has decided to not pursue this rulemaking.” TSA indicated it sought to issue a formal withdrawal of the proposal in January 2018, but it has not yet been published.

The Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee is preparing for its Spring Meeting to be held at NATA headquarters on March 20-21, 2018. Top agenda items include increasing committee membership and the member-developed commercial operator aircraft conformity check list. Last fall, the committee met with the FAA to further urge the agency to publish the aircraft conformity check list. The committee also continues to focus on consistency and standardization by supporting opportunities to work with the FAA on guidance and policy review and the application of FAA policy. If you are interested in joining the Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee, contact Carol Giles at carol@carolgiles.com.

NATA recently announced the industry-wide launch of its Safety 1^st Subscription Program — offering unlimited use of all NATA Safety 1^st training at a fixed annual or monthly cost, eliminating the training expenses incurred by employee turnover. For more information, listen to our podcast and visit the Safety Net blog. To begin maximizing operational safety with the Safety 1^st Subscription Program now, contact us at safety1st@nata.aero.

Register today for the upcoming Advanced Line Service (ALS) Workshop to be held on February 21-22 at Ross Aviation in Long Beach, CA. ALS workshops are designed for Line Service Professionals, both experienced or relatively new to the industry. This two-day workshop includes discussions on motivation and leadership techniques, customer service training and the impact of human factors on aviation ground handling. Attendees will also learn about advanced aviation fuel handling and quality control, including hands-on training. The ALS Workshop is designed for Line Service Professionals who are experienced or relatively new to the industry. This program can assist managers, owners and even customer service representatives with knowledge and skills that will help them excel in their respective areas.

The registration fee is $250/person, register today for the February 21-22 ALS Workshop at Ross Aviation in Long Beach, CA. Click here to see the remainder of the 2018 schedule.

NATA's 2018 Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference takes place June 12-14, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The conference kicks off with a reception Tuesday evening and concludes Thursday afternoon. Early bird registration is now open and runs through Friday, April 6, 2018 — save $95!

Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $250. For more information, please visit www.nata.aero/abc.

This year, The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) will hold 6 workshops for its International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) program. Established in 2014, the IS-BAH program recognizes business aircraft handlers that incorporate best industry practices into their daily operations. The program reached its 100^th registration in January 2018. IS-BAH workshops, which began in January and run through December, include five locations in the U.S. and one in the UAE. The workshops comprise a day dedicated to the fundamentals of either the IS-BAH program and another that focuses on auditing and evaluation requirements. “We are looking forward to a busy workshop schedule this year and continue to identify key locations to accommodate newly interested operators, FBOs, and auditors, as well as registered participants seeking recurrent training,” said Kurt Edwards, Director General of IBAC. Read more.

Universal Aviation Singapore joins Universal Aviation London Stansted (EGSS) as the second Universal Aviation location to become an IS-BAH accredited location. “Universal Aviation Singapore is the second of our locations to earn IS-BAH and our second in the last six months, joining Universal Aviation Stansted, which earned its accreditation in August 2017,” said Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President, International, Universal®. “Throughout 2018 and early 2019, we anticipate five more Universal Aviation locations to be audited for IS-BAH accreditation. Our clients’ missions are stressful. We’re ensuring they can be at ease, knowing we are meeting and exceeding business aviation’s best safety and security procedures when operating to our Universal Aviation locations.” Read more.

Register now for the 2018 Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA. The event takes place March 13-14, 2018. The Symposium is the annual gathering of the air charter and business aviation industry where current and emerging safety challenges are reviewed and discussed. This year’s theme is "Promoting the Highest Levels of Aviation Safety.” View the agenda and register at www.acsf.aero/symposium.