NATA News

On February 6^th, NATA’s Airport Business Committee convened at Aeroplex/Aerolease Group’s facility in Long Beach, California. Committee Chairman Josh Hochberg (Sonoma Jet Center, Santa Rosa, CA) outlined the Committee goals and responsibilities for 2018. NATA staff members Tim Obitts and Megan Eisenstein discussed several project ideas, including the development of a quarterly industry FBO Economic Survey and an NATA FBO Management Certification program. Chairman Hochberg and NATA Managing Director of Safety and Training, Mike France provided an update on NFPA 407 – Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing. John Enticknap and Ron Jackson with Aviation Business Strategies Group (ABSG) concluded the meeting by revealing ABSG’s annual FBO fuel sales survey results and 2018 industry forecast to the Committee. If you are interested in joining NATA's Airport Business Committee, please contact Megan Eisenstein. 

Nomination forms are now available for the 2017 Industry Excellence Awards and the 2018 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Award Program. Each year, NATA presents awards to the exceptional individuals and companies that have helped to improve the general aviation community. The recipients of the following awards are chosen based upon NATA member-submitted nominations:

Airport Executive Partnership Award
ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award 
Excellence In Pilot Training Award 
Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional Award 

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.e

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!

Last week, NATA Compliance Services launched its latest release of its web-based credentialing system, CrewID – an expansion including ground crews. CrewID technology provides real-time verification on any device anywhere in the world. Additionally, CrewID complies with all the requirements and recommendations of ICAO Annex 9, Annex 17 and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2309. Michael Sundheim, CEO of CrewID stated: “This industry has been in need of a universal credentialing system for years. Furthermore, facilitating the safety and security of the aviation industry is always our number one objective when on-boarding new products and expanding our services. With that in mind, CrewID was born." To learn more about the features and benefits of CrewID, please visit www.crewid.aero.

A report from the Virginia Department of Aviation lists Manassas Regional Airport as first among the state's 57 general aviation airports. The report credits the Manassas airport with generating $375 million in economic activity in 2016 and 1,351 aviation jobs in 2016. The city-owned airport is less than 40 miles from the nation's capital. It has two runways and handles about 90,000 takeoffs and landings annually. Read more. 

Business Jet Center hosted its 5^th Annual, Cleared to Land on the Green Charity Golf Tournament on November 10, 2017. A record-breaking $45,000 was donated to Folds of Honor and Patriot Paws Service Dogs. Both charities assist families of military veterans by providing assistance through educational scholarships or living assistance. To date, Cleared to Land on the Green has donated over $150,000 in support of those who have and continue to serve our country in the armed forces. “Our hearts are so full with the amount of support we have received over the years, and especially this year. We know freedom comes with a hefty price and this is one small way we can say, ‘Thank you,’ stated Cat Clay, Tournament Coordinator. Business Jet Center recently established its own 501(c)(3), Business Jet Cares, Inc., to help facilitate its ongoing community involvement projects such as the annual Charity Golf Tournament and their annual Christmas Program, which has provided gifts and services to over 200 families during the holidays over the past four years. 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.” For more information, please click here.