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NATA Airline Services Council
NATA formed the Airline Services Council (NATA ASC) to further the interests of companies that provide services to scheduled air carriers as their primary business. The primary goal of the NATA ASC is to provide a voice within the public policy arena, especially in terms of issues that impact their viability and profitability..
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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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| Congress Extends FAA Reauthorization Until March 31, 2011 |
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| Last week, the United States Congress approved a bill, H.R. 6473, to extend programs for the FAA, including taxes and spending authority for the agency, through March 31, 2011. This extension is the 17th passed by Congress in lieu of a full, multi-year reauthorization package for FAA funding and aviation system modernization. NATA, along with other aviation industry associations, has repeatedly called for a multi-year package to help facilitate long-term aviation modernization planning. Incoming Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure John Mica (R-FL) has stated that once Congress reconvenes in January legislation to reauthorize the FAA will be his top priority. |
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| FAAC Makes Recommendations To DOT Secretary LaHood |
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| The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) established the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC) in March 2010. The FAAC was tasked with providing information, advice and recommendations to the DOT secretary on ensuring the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry and its capability to address the evolving transportation needs, challenges and opportunities of the U.S.
Among the recommendations presented to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood by the committee last week were those that stated the federal government should assist in funding NextGen equipage on aircraft, ensure greater transparency for consumers in airline pricing, expand the sources of safety data available to the FAA, and ensure that global airline alliances enhance the viability and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry. Twenty-three other recommendations were presented to Secretary LaHood on how to ensure the strength, competitiveness and safety of aviation.
Other specific recommendations include:
- Developing improved methods of predicting safety risks;
- Incorporating safety standards into planning for NextGen, the FAA’s overhaul of the national airspace system;
- Improving links between airports and other forms of transportation;
- Enhancing science and technology training for the future and current aviation workforce;
- Ensuring that aircraft operators are able to realize the benefits of NextGen as quickly as possible; and
- Reducing aviation’s impact on the environment through use of sustainable fuels and improved aircraft technology, as well as accelerating the use of NextGen equipment to promote greater efficiency.
The DOT will review the recommendations and develop a plan for their implementation. Members of the FAAC will be invited to attend periodic briefings for updates on the progress in implementing their recommendations. NATA will further analyze the recommended proposals for its members this week.
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| FAA Extends Airport SMS Comment Period |
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| The FAA announced last week that it will extend the comment period for the Airport Safety Management System (SMS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The comment period had been scheduled to end on January 7, 2011, but is now extended until March 7, 2011. The Federal Register notice announcing the extension is available here.
The NPRM seeks to require all airports certificated under Part 139 to develop and implement an SMS program. The NPRM also states that the FAA intends to require the SMS program to cover all non-movement areas of the airport including tenant ramps. NATA has produced a regulatory report on the Airport SMS NPRM, which is available here.
In the coming weeks, NATA will work with its members who operate facilities at Part 139 certificated airports to develop comprehensive comments to the proposed rules.
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| Members Of The U.S. House Of Representatives Recognize NATA’s 70th Anniversary |
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| On December 28, 2010, NATA celebrated its 70th year. To commemorate the occasion, U.S. Representative John Duncan (R-TN) introduced House Resolution 1699 on September 28, 2010, highlighting NATA’s rich history of ensuring the continuation of the general aviation industry in the United States. Last week, U.S. Representative Duncan spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives commending NATA prior to the resolutions passage. In addition, Representatives Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Thomas Petri (R-WI) also offered their praise of NATA and support for passage of the resolution.
House Resolution 1669 recognizes NATA’s history and contributions to improving general aviation safety. Since its charter on December 28, 1940, NATA has advocated for its members by providing a voice for aviation businesses within the federal government agencies and in Congress. The association has developed close ties with members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In addition, the association works closely with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric R. Byer’s latest blog post discusses NATA’s 70th anniversary and its recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives.
To read Byer’s blog, please click here.
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| Is Membership In The NATA Worth The Price Of Admission? |
| By Jack Evans, Total Airport Services, Inc. |
| Let’s face it, times are tough and every expense has to be weighed against its impact on your bottom line. I recently spoke to one company CEO who has been in the business a long time. When I asked him why his company wasn’t represented in NATA, his response was a little surprising. He said, “I don’t have time for all those conferences and sitting around talking.” I believe NATA membership is more than that, and I can give you two specific examples of where it has helped our company.
The first is in Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Once again this year, we have done a cost comparison to try to reduce costs. NATA has partnered with USAIG to provide some very good rates to members. Our savings from the difference in rates is more than worth the cost of NATA membership. If your insurance broker isn’t touting your NATA membership in their rate quotes, you might think about talking to another broker.
The second is NATA’s ability to represent the industry in aviation-related matters. One of the most recent instances to come to mind for us is in cargo security. NATA worked very closely with the Transportation Security Administration to guide and influence the way congressionally mandated rules on cargo security are implemented. Without industry representation, this wouldn’t have had a chance of being implemented in a way that was good for passengers without being burdensome for airlines and their service companies. Having worked inside “the beltway” of Washington D.C. for eight years, I believe this was the model of government/industry cooperation and success.
There are many other examples that I could point to, but these have been significant for us. So when you’re looking at cutting costs to try to stay competitive, don’t sell your NATA membership short. It really can produce immediate savings in things like the insurance and in the long-run through influencing government programs.
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| NATA Announces 2011 Event Schedule |
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| NATA kicks off its busy 2011 events schedule with two major events in February. The 2011 FBO Leadership Conference takes place February 7-8 in Savannah, Georgia. This conference was developed for leading executives and managers of fixed base operations, and features nationally recognized experts who will provide the latest intelligence, tactics and strategies to maximize NATA member FBOs’ business success.
"The 2011 FBO Leadership Conference offers preeminent opportunities for leaders to tap into the enormous wealth of industry knowledge," said NATA President James K. Coyne. "We are pleased to present political and industry forecasts from top leaders, a security update direct from the TSA, expert industry panels to discuss the latest developments in general aviation issues and NATA’s leading programs, various opportunities to network and much more."
NATA and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will once again coordinate the NATA FBO Leadership Conference with NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, also being held in Savannah, Georgia, on February 9-11, 2011. Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc to register for NATA’s event and www.nbaa.org to register for NBAA’s conference.
The association’s third annual Spring Training Week at the Cygnus Aviation Expo (formerly the Aviation Industry Expo) takes place later in the month, on February 21-24. Spring Training Week features the first of several training seminars for the year, including the popular Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar, NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar and Environmental Compliance Seminar. Several additional seminars and E-learn Webinars are planned to take place throughout the year. Among them are the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar and the FBO Success Seminar, each focusing on a new major business topic.
In early May, NATA holds its Spring Committee Meetings, Annual Meeting of Members & Election of Officers and industry awards ceremony, as well as its Day On The Hill. NATA’s annual Day On The Hill event provides an invaluable opportunity for NATA members to participate in and have an effect on the legislative process in our country. Individual meetings with representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate provide a great avenue to discuss the most important issues facing the general aviation industry today, especially those impacting business, both nationally and locally.
NATA’s Air Charter Summit is scheduled for June 6-8 at the Westfields Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. The Summit provides an opportunity for Part 135 on-demand charter companies to stay a step ahead of regulatory and business conditions on the horizon.
Visit the events calendar frequently at www.nata.aero for updates to the schedule.
NATA offers several sponsorship opportunities for each event and a few new sponsorship packages to help you stake out and coordinate your presence at the 2011 events. Contact Diane Gleason, NATA’s director of meetings and events, at (800) 808-6282 to secure your sponsorship today!
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| De/Anti-icing Training Proves Popular |
| Consistent Training Builds Confidence |
| Build confidence and consistency in your de/anti-icing process through standardized training best practices with the new Safety 1st online module. This winter weather training program is designed to familiarize your line service specialists with the responsibilities of their job and give an overview of the skills necessary for safe aircraft departures. So far, more than 100 seats have been purchased for this training.
Benefits of Safety 1st de/anti-icing online training:
- Vivid videos and photos tell the story
- Quizzes throughout reinforce major concepts
- Final exam ensures comprehension
- Most up-to-date de/anti-icing best practices and procedures
- Current FAA holdover tables
- Consistent training for all de-icing crews
- Program designed specifically for general aviation
NATA’s Safety 1st Online training is comprehensive – everything needed to train, test and track line specialists is included in convenient online modules. Pricing for online training is based on a sliding scale. Don’t let old man winter get the best of your operation. Visit www.nata.aero/onlinetraining to view a demo video and order your online training today!
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| NATA Fuel Handling And Quality Control Guide Now Available For Pre-Order |
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 The 2011 revision of NATA’s popular publication, “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” is now available for order. The 2011 revision is a complete rewrite that includes full-color photographs and a new easy-to-read format. “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” is referenced in FAA advisory circular (AC) 150/5230-4A, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling and Dispensing on Airports as an authoritative source for information about fuel safety, types of aviation fuels, fueling vehicle safety, facility inspection procedures, fueling procedures, and methods for handling fuel spills.
The goal of this guide is to provide airport fuel service providers a comprehensive, easy-to-understand review of the many complex standards and requirements for the handling of aviation fuel. The incorporation of full-color photographs adds to the usefulness of the 2011 revision as a teaching tool for new and seasoned fuel handling technicians alike.
The 2011 revision is expected to be available for delivery in January. The price for this guide is $195 for NATA members and $250 for non-members. However, NATA members placing a pre-order now can receive this invaluable guide for only $150 until December 31. Don't miss your opportunity to get this industry leading guide for a pre-publication price. Click the link below to order now.
Order your copy of NATA’s “Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations” now.
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| Are You Paying Too Much For Uniform Services? |
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| NATA has partnered with ARAMARK Uniform Services to provide its members access to a discounted uniform rental and leasing solution. This money- and time-saving membership benefit was negotiated to provide added value to your membership.
NATA members may now take advantage of these savings:
- 20% off rental and lease uniform rates
- 20% off facility services (mats, towels, mops, restroom supplies, etc.)
To learn more about ARAMARK and the products and services that are available, please click here.
To set up a meeting with an ARAMARK representative to review your uniform and facility services needs, please call Tania Allaire at (818) 973-3906 or send an email to Tania.Allaire@uniform.aramark.com.
Please mention source code # 197336.
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| 2010 NATA Airline Services Council Brochure Available For Member Use |
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| Earlier this year, NATA updated and published its 2010 NATA Airline Services Council brochure. This brochure provides information on the latest activities that the NATA ASC is undertaking, including issues, meeting schedule and member listing.
The 2010 NATA ASC brochure is available for download by clicking here.
Members interested in receiving professionally printed hard copies of this brochure may contact Eric Byer on the NATA staff.
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| New NATA ASC Logo Available For Member Use |
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| NATA has created a new NATA ASC logo that members can use on company stationery, publications and their Web sites. Two types of logos that members can use as appropriate are available. Members wishing to secure the new logo may do so by contacting Eric Byer. |
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