NATA News

In a July 2010 letter to the FCC, the FAA stated that the current supply of replacement 406 MHz ELTs is not sufficient to replace the existing 121.5 MHz versions and expressed concern with the costs involved in replacing the equipment. The agency also said that the frequency still serves a purpose as it continues to be monitored by the search and rescue community.

Last year, NATA voiced its concern with the proposed rule and the rule’s essential potential to ground most general aviation aircraft. NATA is committed to working with the FCC and industry representatives to develop a policy that recognizes the benefits of modern ELTs, while minimizing the impact on the existing general aviation fleet.

U.S. Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO) and John Barrow (D-GA) will serve as co-chairmen of the caucus. It is the goal of Reps. Graves and Barrow, along with general aviation industry groups including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, NATA, National Business Aviation Association, Alliance for Aviation Across America, Air Care Alliance, Commemorative Air Force, Recreational Aviation Foundation, Antique Aircraft Association, and International Council of Air Shows, to ensure that the caucus has a large membership to draw upon to highlight important issues facing the general aviation industry. 

The caucus intends to hold regular meetings on issues affecting general aviation, including legislation to reauthorize the FAA, the pending release of the revised rule on the Large Aircraft Security Program, and issues involving aviation security.

NATA released an action call to its members last week asking for their support by requesting their Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to join or re-join the General Aviation Caucus.

The U.S. Senate General Aviation Caucus has not been reinstated at this time; however, it is expected to be in the coming weeks. 

Although signed into law, the legislation has to overcome one more hurdle: Congress must fund this program in appropriations legislation this year. NATA supports the efforts made by Congress and the President to provide opportunities to veteran, and hopes that the program will receive the needed funding.

For a detailed program description, go to www.nata.aero/amtaward.

The application and list of qualified training/technicians may be submitted via fax to 703/845-8176 or completed and submitted online by sending the application form to Dennis van de Laar at dvandelaar@nata.aero (preferred). Please ensure that you provide valid contact information so we may notify you with up-to-date program information.

“Corporate Air is extremely proud to be among the industry-leading companies that have earned registration by the Air Charter Safety Foundation,” said Michael W. Vargo, director of sales and marketing with Corporate Air, LLC. “Safety and unparalleled service are the foundation of our organizational culture. The ACSF registration is yet another milestone in our quest for continual improvement.”

The ACSF developed the most robust, comprehensive standard for the Part 135 and 91K community in the marketplace today. The IAS audit process and registry were developed to position an operator, through a single audit, to gain world-wide recognition of its Safety Management System program.

The ACSF audit program evaluates operators every 24 months, and was established to advance charter and shared aircraft ownership industry standards and practices and to promote the universal acceptance of safety management systems. The IAS continues to grow, with 23 operators successfully making the registry.

“Becoming an approved operator of the Air Charter Safety Foundation has been the next step to improve safety and professionalism as our industry demands,” said Randy Hlavsa, chief pilot for Corporate Air, LLC. “We welcome the improvements that we have gained as a result of this endeavor.” 

Customers should look for the ACSF IAS registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program. The ACSF makes its operator registry and key company details available at no charge, so verification of IAS registration is quick and easy. Charter consumers can view the registry at www.acsf.aero/registry. 

Operators interested in learning more about the ACSF IAS are encouraged to visit www.acsf.aero/audit. From this Webpage, you can download the complete Operator Standards Manual, which walks an operator through every aspect of the IAS. Operators wishing to initiate the audit process should contact Russ Lawton or Alison McHugh at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).

The IAS is an industry-wide single system-safety audit that verifies compliance with regulatory requirements and evaluates an operator’s level of compliance with recognized Safety Management System (SMS) standards.

“Skyservice is delighted to achieve this milestone,” said BC Campbell, vice president of flight operations for Skyservice Business Aviation. “The audit standards are designed to ensure that an operator demonstrates on a daily basis the highest levels of safety, quality and customer service. That describes our commitment and culture.”

• Plan to succeed - NATA's FBOLC sessions on security and airport minimum standards, the motivational breakfast with PGA golfer Bobby Clampett and the AvGas update, as well as the NATA/NBAA session on how to maximize your time at the S&D Conference, will provide the information and inspiration you need to stay on the leading edge of the industry.

• Gain Leadership Insight - Find out how the political landscape will change in 2011 and what impact these changes will have on general aviation in the political leadership session and learn the latest developments from general aviation industry's top leaders at the opening luncheon.

• Expand Your Business Horizon - Take time at NATA's FBOLC social events, NBAA's S&D Conference and the Safety 1st session to find out how best to serve your customers' needs and challenges.

NATA is pleased to present once again a great opportunity for members by holding its 2011 FBO Leadership Conference on February 7-8 in conjunction with NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. Business leaders can enhance their Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference experience by meeting with their customers and learning about the latest challenges and opportunities facing our industry. Visit www.nata.aero/fbolc for more details and to register today!

7.) Las Vegas – It's not difficult to mix a little fun with business in Las Vegas. Go to www.visitlasvegas.com to find out what events start after the Cygnus Aviation Expo closes.

6.) More Chances to Win - Visit NATA's booth 1804 at the Cygnus Aviation Expo for more information on our products and services as well as a chance to win NATA’s Spring Training Week “Sports Trivia Challenge.” Grand prize is a gift card and second chance prize is a registration to a NATA E-learn webinar. All qualified attendees and exhibitors have a chance to win a 2011 Ford F-150 at Cygnus’ FREE Exhibitor and Attendee Networking Party on February 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, drinks, food and networking with industry leaders (must be present to win).

5). Information You Can Use – What happens at Spring Training doesn’t stay at Spring Training, even if it is held in Vegas.  Take back tips, ideas and techniques to begin using in your operation right away.

4.) Cygnus Aviation Expo – The 2011 Cygnus Aviation Expo (February 23-25) promises to be bigger and better than ever! In partnership with NATA, it is the only aviation industry trade show that brings together 250+ exhibitors from ground support, FBO/aviation services and aircraft maintenance. Taking a break between your NATA seminars? Don’t forget to network with industry peers and check out the latest and greatest in technology products and services on the show floor.

3.) Environmental Compliance Seminar – 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.

2.) Safety 1st Trainer Seminar – In just one day, learn how to present NATA's Professional Line Service Training (PLST) Online program and be motivated to guide your organization through the training process. 

1.) 14 CFR Part 139 Fire Safety Training Certification – Get the certification and training you not only need to perform your job at the highest level, but also to lead others with confidence at NATA’s popular Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar.

Visit www.nata.aero/springtraining for event details and links to register today!

In a Policy Playbook blog post last year, I addressed the value of comprehensive, updated airport minimum standards to both on airport businesses and airport sponsors. The post, titled “THAT’S NOT FAIR!!!-a little work now can help avoid problems later”, examines how minimum standards work to facilitate a vibrant, fair and open relationship between aviation businesses and airport operators.

At next month’s NATA FBO Leadership Conference, I will moderate a panel consisting of FBO, airport management and FAA representatives who will discuss the value of minimum standards to your business.

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