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June 1, 2020 — Volume 19, Issue 22 |
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| This Week's Top Stories |
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Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration granted the Association’s request for an extension to exemptions regarding certain crew training and checking requirements.
The two exemptions, available to all Part 119 certificated carriers operating under Part 135, were initially granted to NATA in late March, with Exemption No. 18509A extended until 07/31/2020 and Exemption No. 18510A extended until 10/31/2020. Operators that submitted a Letter of Intent prior to May 29, 2020, in accordance with the original issuance of this exemption, have met the requirement of Condition and Limitation No. 1 and do not have to submit another letter. Also, operators will be required to update the safety risk assessment or safety analysis and corresponding risk mitigations. Every Part 135 operator should obtain and carefully review these exemptions. Members can sign up online here and spouses can sign up here. Fill out this form to speak with a Program representative
today.
The exemptions provide additional time for completion of recurrent training and qualification activities of up to three calendar months after the month that the activity was due to have been completed.
"NATA’s continued engagement with the FAA is crucial as restrictions are lifted and the country begins a gradual return to operations. We are grateful the FAA understands the needs of the industry in ensuring access to air transportation remains available and the timeline required to address the currency matters of operators,” stated NATA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs John McGraw. Read more.
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NATA Launches New Pilot Group Term Life Insurance Program
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Earlier today, NATA announced the launch of a brand-new life insurance program for pilots and their spouses in conjunction with Harvey W. Watt & Co. (HWC). The Program is exclusively offered to pilots, their spouses, and employees of aviation companies.
Through NATA’s Pilot Group Term Life Insurance Program, HWC leverages 73,000-existing pilot-clients to provide one of the best combinations of coverage and rates available, making this offering extremely competitive and beneficial to NATA members.
The NATA Pilot Group Term Life Insurance Program offers:
- high coverage limits of $1.5M without future health inquiries
- competitive industry-leading rates
- portability that can be kept regardless of changes to your employer, health, or association status
“Many pilots have expressed a need for a life insurance program or supplemental coverage through a quality association group plan and we are pleased to now make that available through our partnership with Harvey Watt. The NATA Pilot Group Term Life Insurance now marks the 4th member program in our suite of insurance offerings,” stated Timothy Obitts, NATA President & CEO. Members can sign up online here and spouses can sign up here. Fill out this form to speak with a Program representative today.
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NATA Asks States and Municipalities to Recognize Unique Nature of Airport Commercial Lease Relief
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Last week, NATA submitted a letter opposing California’s SB-939 Emergencies: COVID-19: Commercial Tenancies: Evictions bill – suggesting instead that States and municipalities recognize the nuances that make airport commercial leases unique.
NATA recommended that an airport is permitted to work individually with its commercial tenants in establishing COVID-19 relief efforts, including rent relief, without the threat of restricting their rights or the argument such actions are taking.
Further, NATA noted that the application of any commercial eviction moratorium ordinance should NOT apply to airports because it: (1) interferes with FAA Grant Assurance compliance; (2) impairs the Airport Authority’s financial standing; (3) interferes with contractual commercial relationships; and (4) raises Airport Revenue Diversion complications for the general fund of a municipality.
The bill is currently out of Committee and pending a full vote.
NATA members are located at the majority of California’s 241 public-use airports, we have been closely following this issue as it has progressed from impacting municipalities to commercial tenants statewide.
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Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy Declares May Aviation Appreciation Month
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On May 27, NATA and other national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Mike Dunleavy for declaring May “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Alaska, aviation contributes an estimated $3.8 billion annually to the state’s economy.’
According to the proclamation: “Aviation is an integral and essential part of the Alaskan way of life. Eight-two percent of Alaska’s communities are inaccessible by road and rely heavily on aviation to provide all-season access for commerce, transportation, emergency medical services, shipment of goods, and tourism.” Furthermore, general aviation pilots are stepping up where they can to help out in these trying times.
“General aviation, including charter companies, support high-skill jobs that will help get our country back on its feet when we emerge from this crisis,” said Tim Obitts, president and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “On behalf of our member companies, we thank Governor Dunleavy for this proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues related to general aviation.” Read more.
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| At the Agencies: |
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FAA Releases Updated COVID-19 and CARES Act Information for Airport Sponsors
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Last week, the FAA released a document titled Updated Information for Airport Sponsors Considering COVID-19 Restrictions or Accommodations. As you can see on page 5, the document now includes guidance for airport sponsors on the use of airport space and airport revenue for public health activities. Please click here to view.
The FAA also issued an updated FAQ document on CARES Act Airport Grants. The agency provided much more detail on questions related to grant application and agreement, invoicing and payments, use of funds, and grant closeout. Please click here to view the redline version.
All of these documents can be found on the FAA’s Airport Program & Guidance webpage.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance to commercial air carriers, explaining that the General Declaration (Form 7507) may be submitted electronically. Effective immediately, and for the duration of the pandemic, operators may submit the form via email to Ports of Entry (POE) nationwide.
To use the electronic delivery option, operators must contact the applicable POE to obtain the correct email address and any additional instructions.
Information supplied by CBP includes the electronic General Declaration guidance, a current version of Form 7507 and a detailed reference sheet correlating the information required on the form to the applicable regulation.
Commercial operators should carefully review the CBP guidance and comply with all requirements to ensure continued compliance with CBP regulations.
Guidance for Commercial Air Carriers
General Declaration Form 7507 Citation List
U.S. CBP General Declaration
Read more.
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Association Highlights:
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NATA and Industry Request Extension for GA Pilot Medicals, Other Requirements, Under SFAR 118
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Last Friday, the Association and industry requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extend the effective date for several exemptions or extensions for pilot medical certifications, training proficiency and a host of other requirements contained in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 118.
The relief package, which became effective on April 30, 2020, with most extensions expiring on June 30, 2020, provides regulatory relief for affected pilots to remain in compliance with several FAA mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a May 29 letter to FAA Associate Administration for Aviation Safety Ali Bahrami, NATA and other associations expressed gratitude to the FAA for the agency’s quick response to the compliance challenges caused by stay-at-home and other mandates resulting from COVID-19. While many states are lifting stay-at-home mandates, and businesses are beginning to reopen, some restrictions continue to negatively impact general aviation.
Other associations signing on to the letter include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Read the full letter.
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William J. McShane, Aviation Industry Leader and Air Show Pioneer, Passes Away
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At 61, William McShane, who was instrumental in helping bring the Bethpage Air Show to Jones Beach over a decade ago, has passed. Prior to his passing, Bill was VP of Business Development & Special Projects for Sheltair Aviation, which provides general aviation services at the region’s major airports. His tenure was the capstone to a lifelong career in aviation that included serving as past president of the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), where he remained a board member. For the last dozen years, he applied his insight and expertise to positioning Sheltair as one of the most respected FBOs in the New York metro area and oversaw the approval and construction of their new multimillion dollar hangar complex at Republic Airport.
That decades-long effort demonstrated Bill’s ability to engage the surrounding community regarding Sheltair’s development plans, using candor, humor, and mutual respect to work with concerned area residents. May William McShane rest in peace and condolences to his family and friends. Read more. |
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Business Aviation in the Post-Pandemic Era
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On May 21, NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts participated in Aviation Week Network’s webinar regarding the COVID-19 pandemic moderated by Fred George, Senior Editor of Business & Commercial Aviation. Business aviation continues to operate offering passengers air transportation and provides the low exposure to risk. Watch the webinar recording to hear how FBOs are maintaining health-safety standards, becoming more accessible and less expensive, and completing a timely boarding process.
Watch the webinar recording where panelists offer their perspective and discuss these important topics. For any questions, please contact Aviation Week’s Samantha Howard at samantha.howard@aviationweek.com.
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Safety 1st Webinar Recordings | June Series Coming Soon!
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| Events: |
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Annual Meeting and Election of New Board of Directors | Save the Date
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In accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of the NATA Bylaws, the annual meeting of members will be held by videoconference on June 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The purpose of the meeting is for the election of directors and other issues as properly may come before the members.
While current circumstances prevent us from visiting our membership in-person for our June conferences, we look forward to connecting with many of you by videoconference on June 23 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Please send your RSVP to Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero, dial-in details will be provided.
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| Membership Spotlight: |
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Ross Aviation Now Offers Aircraft Cabin Disinfecting Services
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In addition to significantly ramping-up infectious-disease safety precautions and protective guidelines at each of its locations, Ross Aviation is now offering aircraft cabin disinfecting services to help combat the Coronavirus.
The company is providing these services as part of its mission to anticipate and deliver on customers’ needs and to support its team members during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re pleased to not only be able to offer these capabilities for the well-being of our customers, but also to help keep our team members, who are essential front-line workers, healthy and productive during the downturn in flight activity” said Brian Corbett, chief executive officer of Ross Aviation. “Times like these are when you direct your focus to the well-being of passengers, pilots and team members – and keep your company’s mission and core values at the forefront” he continued. Ross Aviation is now offering aircraft cabin disinfecting services to help combat the Coronavirus. Read more.
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