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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. continued |
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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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| Aviation Business Leaders Meet In Washington, D.C. |
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| NATA concluded its 2009 NATA Aviation Business Roundtable, providing two days of high-level meetings with Washington D.C.’s most influential policy makers.
More than 65 aviation business leaders met with key political, policy and financial experts to discuss a number of critical issues affecting the aviation community, including the economy, taxes, safety, security, and the impact recent elections will have for the 2010 mid-term elections.
Speakers attending the Roundtable included:
- The Honorable J. Randall Babbitt, administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
- The Honorable Ray LaHood, secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
- The Honorable Joe Manchin, governor of West Virginia
- Richard T. Santulli, former CEO, NetJets (first recipient of NATA’s President’s Award)
- Mark Russell, political comedian and musician
- Xavier Briggs, associate director for general government programs, Office of Management and Budget
- John Sammon, assistant administrator, transportation sector network management, Transportation Security Administration
- Brian Delauter, general manager, general aviation, Transportation Security Administration
- Ed Bolen, president & CEO, NBAA
- Jeff Lee, president, Westchester Aviation Association
- Scott Moore, aviation department manager, Luck Stone Corporation
- David Strauss, analyst, UBS
FAA Administrator J. Randall Babbitt addressed NATA's concerns with the agency's lack of standardization of regulatory interpretations. Babbitt was candid about the FAA's challenge with inconsistent interpretation of regulations between its regional offices and said that while the problem is vast, they will work through it. Babbitt also stated that "consistency with regulations should be addressed so safety is not compromised."
Babbitt, along with Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, stated that FAA Reauthorization legislation is a priority of the Obama administration; however, health care reform has taken precedence in Congress. Babbitt confirmed that the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System (NextGen) will be rolled out in layers such as the implementation of the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM). The ERAM system will replace the core system air traffic controllers use at high altitudes to track aircraft – increasing capacity and improving efficiency in the national airspace system.
NATA President James K. Coyne introduced Governor of West Virginia Joe Manchin as an enthusiastic pilot who understands the value of aviation to his state and to the national economy. Manchin said, "In the words of General Chuck Yeager, it is time to push it as an industry, not back off." In response to negative publicity on aviation, Manchin made a plea for aviation business leaders to "tell your story before other people tell your story for you." He is doing so by expressing how deregulation hurt West Virginia and how business aviation came to its rescue.
Richard T. Santulli was given the very first NATA President's Award for his work as a pioneer in fractional aviation as the founder and former president of NetJets. John Burns, former general counsel of NetJets, also pointed out Santulli's tireless dedication as the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Chairman, who helped to raise money for injured United States military personnel and for military dependants after the loss of their loved ones in the performance of their duties. In accepting the award, Santulli thanked many of the people in the room for helping him achieve this recognition, saying, "I have worked with the greatest people over the last 25 years.”
Coyne summed up the event by saying, "With the number of questions we still have regarding user fees, budget deficits proposed by the new Congress, and the future prospects for aviation business, NATA's 2009 Aviation Business Roundtable provided an important forum for business leaders to interact with well-connected speakers to understand what their options are as they make their plans for 2010. I am encouraged by the willingness expressed by FAA Administrator Babbitt and Secretary of Transportation LaHood to work with the aviation community on Reauthorization, NextGen and other issues affecting our industry, and I am also pleased to have had an opportunity to honor such a pioneer in our industry as Richard T. Santulli." | |
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| NATA President Participates In DOT Forum On Aviation |
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| On November 12, 2009, NATA President James K. Coyne participated in the “Future of U.S. Aviation” Forum hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The forum brought together members from the airline, labor, government, manufacturing, academia and general aviation industry to discuss the health and future competitiveness of U.S. aviation. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood stated that “without a financially strong aviation industry, we will be unable to compete in domestic and international commerce and also could fall behind in addressing our infrastructure needs, including transitioning to NextGen.”
The forum addressed FAA reauthorization, alliances to foreign repair stations, passenger rights and major labor issues. LaHood addressed the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System (NextGen), stating, “NextGen is not just an aviation or a DOT issue, it is one of the top priorities of the White House as well”. Referring to steps that are already being taken to replace older systems with programs such as Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Aviation Navigation (RNAV), FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt pointed out, “We all know NextGen is not an option, it is happening, we’re doing it now.” LaHood added, “For example, in one month, NextGen will be deployed across the Gulf of Mexico, replacing old grid systems.”
As for the NextGen funding issue, US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker, who was unavailable to attend the meeting, sent LaHood a letter stating that “if the cost of deploying NextGen has to be covered by even higher taxes or fees imposed on the airlines, we prefer to live without it at the current time”. To view the entire letter, click here.
The meeting concluded with Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt revealing the formation of a new federal advisory committee that will study every facet of the aviation industry. LaHood further promised that within one year, that committee will submit a blueprint for change in aviation. | |
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| Health Care Legislative Analysis Now Available For Member Review |
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| NATA has produced a comprehensive analysis of health care legislation being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
As reported in last week’s NATA News, the U.S. House of Representative recently approved H.R. 3692, by a slim margin with a vote of 220-215. The GOP had been adamantly opposed to health care reform legislation for many reasons, in particular because the House measure raises taxes during a time of record deficits and our country cannot afford a new entitlement program that would cost an estimated $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) secured enough votes from her party by allowing an amendment to be offered to anti-abortion Democrats that bars the government insurance plan from covering abortions and prohibits people who receive insurance subsidies from purchasing private plans that cover abortions.
The 10-year, $894 billion bill places a surtax on individuals earning more than $500,000 a year to raise revenue for health care reform. In addition, the bill intends to insure more than 36 million uninsured Americans. About 15 million of the poorest children and adults would be eligible to enroll in Medicaid, and an additional 21 million would be able to purchase coverage from a new national insurance exchange, where private plans would compete with a "public option" backed by the federal government. The bill includes small business tax incentives as well as exempts small businesses with payrolls of less than $500,000 annually from being required to provide health coverage or face penalty.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) hopes to bring the Senate’s Health Care Bill (S. 1796) to the floor before Thanksgiving, and final legislation is not likely to reach President Obama’s desk before the New Year.
To review NATA’s comprehensive analysis of health care legislation being considered by Congress, please click here. | |
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| Senators Request Majority Support For FAA Reauthorization |
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| Last week, a group of thirty-five senators from both sides of the aisle sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging the passage of a long-term funding bill for the FAA before the end of the year. The letter was initiated by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS).
The FAA has been operating on short-term funding resolutions since its last authorization bill expired in September 2007. “The time is now to advance legislation to secure critical funding for the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System to make our airspace safer and more efficient,” stated NATA President James K. Coyne.
To view a copy of the Senate letter, please click here. | |
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| Are User Fees Or Other “Funding Mechanisms” Looming For Fiscal Year 2011? |
| Join Us For A Reauthorization Policy Webinar This Thursday |
| Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed legislation, H.R. 3607, to extend funding authority for the FAA through December 31, 2009. This short-term extension is the sixth extension since FAA reauthorization legislation officially expired on September 30, 2007. Concerns remain with the continued extensions of legislation authorizing the FAA and Congress’ failure to approve a long-term reauthorization bill. These short-term extensions allow the FAA to operate, but the lack of bill completion forces the stall of critical modernization and implementation aspects that would otherwise be applied with the reauthorization bill, such as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). In addition, without FAA Reauthorization legislation, the Obama administration will likely implement a “funding mechanism” or user fee in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2011 budget to support the Airport and Airways Trust Fund.
Join us for a free webinar highlighting the major provisions of the House and Senate versions of FAA Reauthorization and what the likelihood will be in seeing this legislation made final this year. The webinar will take place November 19 from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. with a question-and-answer period following. Click here to register for webinar.
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| Senate Introduces Legislation In Support Of General Aviation Jobs |
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| U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced legislation, S. 2723, to provide a special depreciation allowance and recovery period for noncommercial aircraft property. S. 2723 is the companion bill to H.R. 3844 introduced by U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) to help boost general aviation aircraft sales. The legislation, titled “The General Aviation Depreciation Act,” would extend the current bonus depreciation allowance for another two years and shorten the recovery period for non-commercial aircraft property from five to three years.
To read NATA’s Legislative Report, please click here. | |
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| NATA Submits Comments On Air Cargo Screening Interim Final Rule |
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| On September 16, 2009, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) titled Air Cargo Screening. The purpose of this IFR is to meet the requirements of section 1602 of the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The act requires that by August 3, 2010, 100% of cargo carried on commercial passenger aircraft must be screened.
One of the major obstacles in meeting the goals set forth by the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act is that air carriers do not have the facilities or space to screen all cargo effectively at the airport prior to loading on aircraft. This IFR will create the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) that will allow entities upstream in the cargo transportation process to perform TSA-approved screening and tender the cargo to the air carrier utilizing a secure chain of custody. Under the CCSP upstream facilities performing screening will be known as Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF). Air carriers receiving cargo that has been screened by a CCSF and tendered using a secure chain of custody will consider that cargo fully screened.
NATA is supportive of the CCSP and believes that proper implementation of the program will continue to increase the level of security of passengers on commercial aircraft. NATA did provide comments to the TSA on the following areas of the IFR:
- Proposed Third-Party Validator Program
- Security Threat Assessment Redundancy
- Off Airport Air Carrier Screening Facilities
NATA’s comments may be viewed by clicking here. The IFR becomes effective on 11/16/2009, which is also the last day for interested parties to submit comments. | |
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| Byer’s Blog: Security Issues Remain High Concern For GA Community |
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| Recently, NATA staff conducted a general aviation security webinar highlighting the latest developments on a wide array of security issues affecting our industry. Byer’s latest blog post touches on a number of the security rules being unveiled by the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA and provides some handy resources. Safety issues addressed include: the repair station security proposed rule, the supplemental rule to the LASP, legislation modifying the authority of the TSA in issuing security directives, TSA Reauthorization legislation and FAA Reauthorization. Click here to view blog.
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| Safety On The Ground And In The Air Was Message To Pilots |
| Safety 1st Promoted To AOPA Summit Attendees |
| As mentioned in an article last week regarding the AOPA Summit, Amy Koranda led a near-capacity crowd of pilots through safety practices at FBOs, what to look for to ensure a Safety 1st operation, and how to take advantage of the Safety 1st Flight Crew Briefing when flying into Teterboro Airport. Koranda said, “Safety precautions on the ground are just as important as safety precautions taken in the air - a point that is often overlooked by pilots. NATA’s Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training is a comprehensive program providing standardized initial and recurrent line service training to participating companies. When planning a flight, look for the Safety 1st logo to find operations investing in the highest quality training.”
The following points about Safety 1st were also highlighted:
- You, as the flight crew, know the FBO takes its responsibilities seriously and you can entrust your aircraft to proven line service professionals
- Line service professionals are trained and tested to heighten safety awareness
- Every line service professional on the ramp has been trained, tested and certified to the NATA Safety 1st standard
Click here to view a pdf of Amy’s presentation.
Click here to view the Teterboro Flight Crew Briefing. | |
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| 2010 FBO Leadership Conference Focuses On Change |
| Preceding NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Antonio |
| The 2010 FBO Leadership Conference sessions focus on change and relationships. The event itself has undergone a few major changes in the date and location. In an effort to provide our members added value and convenience, NATA is partnering with NBAA to hold the 2010 FBO Leadership Conference (January 25-26) immediately preceding NBAA’s Schedulers And Dispatchers Conference (January 26-29) in San Antonio, TX.
NATA’s 2010 FBO Leadership Conference preliminary schedule includes the following:
Monday, January 25, 2010
12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m. - Welcome Luncheon & Keynote Address
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - The Future of Health Care & Impact on Small Businesses
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - The Future of General Aviation Security
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Building Business Partnerships in a Recession
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - President's Reception and Party
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
8:00 a.m. - 9:30a.m. - Leadership Breakfast
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. - Airport & Community Relations
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. - How To Market Your Business At NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
We will continually update the 2010 FBO Leadership Conference events page as more details are available. Please visit www.nata.aero/fbolc. | |
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| NATA’s FBO Success Seminar At Spring Training |
| March 15-17, Las Vegas, Held In Conjunction With AIE |
| Running and managing a fixed base operation is a very demanding job. It not only requires a strong business sense, it also requires motivated and loyal employees, targeted marketing and creative negotiating skills.
NATA’s FBO Success Seminar has been designed to help you with almost every conceivable situation in the day-to-day business of running a successful FBO, from developing a favorable lease with an airport authority to understanding and working with your fuel supplier; from decreasing credit card interest rate charges to lowering insurance premiums; and from dealing with FAA and EPA issues to building long-term profitable customer relationships.
Seminar Benefits:
• Save money without cutting corners
• Lower your insurance premiums
• Improve operational efficiency
• Foster FBO profitability
• Increase the intrinsic value of your FBO
• Meet your short- and long-term financial goals
Among The Topics To Be Covered:
• Operating your business in tough times
• Decrease credit card interest rates and lower insurance premiums
• Strengthen your fuel supplier relationship
• Optimize operations and prepare for contingencies
• Building long-term profitable customer relationships
• Make fractional aircraft programs your ally
NATA’s Spring Training Week:
NATA is pleased to host our second annual Spring Training Week in conjunction with the Aviation Industry Expo. This year’s Spring Training consists of several major league seminars designed to answer questions about the business climate, advance the skills of FBO owners, general managers, line service specialists and supervisors and enhance the success of their operation in any economic environment:
• FBO Success Seminar
• NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar (Train The Trainer)
• Environmental Compliance Seminar
• Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar (LSST) | |
| Instant Access To Legislative And Regulatory Information |
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| One of NATA’s key functions is to represent its members’ interests to the government. The Government and Industry Affairs staff monitors Congress and the FAA and lets you know what new legislation and rules are in the works, how they will affect your business and what you can do about it. They lobby on your behalf, providing expert testimony to Congress and working with our Political Action Committee, to ensure that your business’ future is secure.
As the voice of business aviation, NATA provides you the latest information on issues that affect your business. Through the www.nata.aero Web site, you have member-only access to a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute issue database of safety, regulatory and legislative resources. To view these resources, select the “Issues” button on the left-side navigation of the home page. The resource pages are organized by topic and contain issue background, historical information, releases on the latest developments, links to other resources and NATA’s key staff contact. If you prefer to view the issue resources by release type and date, visit the Legislative and Regulatory Information tab on the Government Affairs page. Either way, you can stay advised on recent developments and NATA’s latest actions to help ensure a secure future for our members.
The Government & Industry Affairs staff is always available to answer questions or address concerns. Please click here to view NATA staff contacts and the issue areas for which they are responsible. | |
| 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 the online survey in each week’s edition of NATA News.
Question:
Do you agree with the FAA’s dismissal of the Burbank-Pasadena Airport Authority’s request to institute a nighttime curfew on air traffic at Bob Hope Airport in Southern California?
Participate in survey. | |
| 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.
For a fixed base operator, environmental compliance can be challenging issue. Most FBO operators realize the need to manage spill prevention plans and ensure the proper disposal of universal waste, but how many know what a Notice of Intent to seek coverage under a Multi-Sector Generic Permit is? The answer should be all, but I doubt that it is. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to seek coverage under a Multi-Sector Generic Permit (MSGP) is part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), part of the environmental regulations that govern stormwater runoff from construction sites or industrial facilities such as airports.
NATA realizes that most FBO operators don’t have the time to spend hours pouring through regulations and guidance materials to ensure that their operation is environmentally compliant. That is why the NATA Environmental Compliance seminar will be returning this coming spring during NATA’s Spring Training Week in Las Vegas.
The NATA Environmental Compliance Seminar for Aviation Facilities is the only event that focuses solely on environmental compliance issues confronting FBOs and general aviation airports. With mounting pressure from the media, the federal government and the public at-large, this seminar is designed to ensure that FBOs and general aviation airports are complying with environmental mandates that affect their daily operations.
For more information on NATA’s Environmental Compliance Seminar or stormwater regulations, please contact:
Mike France
NATA Manager, Regulatory Affairs
mfrance@nata.aero
Click here to register for NATA’s Environmental Compliance Seminar | |
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