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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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| FAA Publishes RTTF Policy |
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| The FAA has published an interim policy governing the use of residential through-the-fence (RTTF) agreements at airports receiving federal funding. An RTTF agreement provides a legal right for owners of residential property adjacent to an airport to access the airfield via aircraft. This interim policy is the result of a year-and-a-half-long FAA policy review of the impact of RTTF agreements on public-use airport development and grant assurance compliance.
In the past, the FAA has approved, at a local and regional level, certain RTTF agreements at public-use airports. These approvals have created an impression that, from a national policy prospective, the FAA approves of RTTF use. This policy is intended to clarify and set a national policy regarding RTTF at public-use airports.
NATA has long been concerned that allowing RTTF agreements at airports receiving federal funding works to encourage residential development adjacent to those airports. Residential development in proximity to airports has led to many of the issues that negatively impact airport development, including noise, pollution and land-use concerns. With this interim policy, the FAA strikes a balance between existing RTTF users and the future needs of public-use airports that:
- Allows existing RTTF agreements to continue under tighter scrutiny
- Prohibits new RTTF agreements at public-use airports
- Provides for a review of this policy by the FAA in 2014
NATA fully supports this policy because of its protections of the federal investment in public-use airports. This policy does not affect RTTF use at private airports and those airports are free to continue utilizing RTTF agreements.
Click here to view the Interim Policy on RTTF agreements.
Click here to view the NATA Policy Playbook Blog on this issue. | |
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| FAA Releases RTTF Toolkit For Airport Sponsors |
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In conjunction with the publication of an interim policy on residential through-the-fence (RTTF) agreements at federally obligated airports, the FAA has released an online toolkit to assist airport sponsors with compliance. The RTTF interim policy prohibits new RTTF agreements at federally obligated airports while allowing existing agreements to continue under closer oversight from the sponsor and the FAA. The online toolkit provides airport sponsors sample documents that can be used to complete RTTF Access Plans for existing RTTF access points as required by the interim policy. In addition to sample documents, the toolkit webpage provides direct links to the interim policy as well as FAA's Compliance Guidance Letter, which "provides guidance to FAA's Airports personnel responsible for implementing the Interim Policy."
NATA has long been concerned about the impact to the future expansion and utility of public-use airports from expanded application of RTTF agreements. The association believes that the FAA's interim policy balances the rights of existing RTTF access users and the future utility of airports.
Click here to view the online FAA RTTF Toolkit. | |
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| Coyne Praises New Hampshire Proclamation |
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Last month, NATA joined the Alliance for Aviation Across America event in Concord, New Hampshire, where Governor John Lynch announced a statewide proclamation recognizing March as General Aviation Month.
The proclamation highlights the economic value of general aviation by stating that the industry supports 8,000 jobs and contributes $639 million to the state. New Hampshire is home to 11 charter flight companies, 23 repair stations, 17 fixed base operators and numerous flight schools.
"NATA applauds Governor Lynch for recognizing the value of aviation business in the state of New Hampshire," said NATA President James K. Coyne.
"We commend Governor Lynch for his proclamation highlighting the importance of general aviation to New Hampshire," stated Alliance for Aviation Across America Executive Director Selena Shilad. "General aviation is a critical lifeline for businesses, law enforcement, charities, medical organizations, and farmers across Hew Hampshire and the entire United States." To view the Alliance for Aviation Across America's press release, please click here. | |
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| FAA Targets General Aviation Safety |
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| Last month the FAA announced, via a news release, that it intends to focus on general aviation safety through a proactive, non-regulatory strategy. The FAA's goal with this strategy is to "reduce the general aviation fatal accident rate per 100,000 flight hours by 10 percent over a 10-year period (2009-2018)."
While the FAA acknowledges that over the past decade the number of fatal general aviation accidents has declined, the total number of flight hours has also declined, leading to a static accident rate over the past three years. In 2010, the accident rate was "1.14 accidents per 100,000 hours flown, including 268 fatal accidents with 457 fatalities."
According to the news release, the FAA's renewed focus on general aviation safety will take the form of a "Safety Standdown":
"Beginning in April, the FAA Safety Team is launching a safety standdown outreach effort to general aviation pilots and mechanics. A common practice in the military, a standdown focuses on education on a specific safety issue. More than 120 FAA staff plus approximately 3,000 volunteer safety representatives across the country will participate. The kick-off will be on April 2 in conjunction with the [AOPA] Sun 'n Fun Fly-in and Expo in Lakeland, Fla. FAAST team members will also hold more than 98 standdown events across the country during April. The March/April issue of the FAA Safety Briefing features the standdown." | |
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| Register Today For NATA's Annual Day On The Hill On May 5 |
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| One of the many great things that NATA does every year is provide an opportunity for association members to visit with their Members of Congress. More commonly known as the "Day on the Hill," this event enables NATA company representatives to highlight issues important to the general aviation community, including the importance of their business to that congressional district and/or state. NATA has been coordinating this event for nearly 15 years and has been incredibly successful, with an average of 100 participants and meetings with more than 150 Members of Congress annually. NATA's annual Day on the Hill really provides that "grassroots army" push on the key issues affecting the aviation business community.
This year's Day on the Hill will take place on Thursday morning, May 5. We are thrilled to announce that Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE), co-chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, will address our attendees the evening before the Day on the Hill meetings at NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Dinner on May 4. You can learn more about this year's Day on the Hill and NATA Industry Excellence Awards Dinner by clicking here. | |
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| Environmental Compliance Minute - Fuel Spill Preparedness |
| Is your facility prepared to handle an aviation fuel spill? |
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 One of the realities of storing and handling aviation fuel is that fuel spills happen. How prepared are your facilities, staff and equipment for handling a fuel spill on your ramp?
In this month's Environmental Compliance Minute, presenter George Gamble of 2G Environmental talks about key steps in ensuring that your business is prepared to handle an aviation fuel spill.
Click Here To Watch the March Edition of The Environmental Compliance Minute
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| 2011 National GA Award Winners Announced |
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NATA is pleased to be a sponsor of the national General Aviation Awards Program. For nearly 50 years, the General Aviation Awards Program has recognized aviation professionals in the fields of flight instruction, aviation maintenance, avionics, and flight safety for their important contributions to the aviation community. NATA is pleased to present the 2011 National General Aviation Award Winners:
2011 National Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) of the Year
Joseph "Joe" Morales, A&P / IA
Lakewood, CO
A resident of Lakewood, Colorado, Joe Morales is the quality control manager and repair station chief inspector for Doss Aviation, Inc at the United States Air Force Academy. Doss Aviation maintains more than 50 aircraft in support of various USAFA flight training activities. He is an A&P mechanic with inspection authorization and a certificated flight instructor. A member of the AMT Society and AOPA, he is a FAASTeam representative and a captain in the Civil Air Patrol.
2011 National Avionics Technician of the Year
Russell John "Russ" Callender Jr, Repairman
Houlton, WI
Russ Callender is a resident of Houlton, Wisconsin, and owns RC Avionics, Inc located on the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) in Blaine, Minnesota. He holds a private pilot certificate, a repairman certificate, and has been servicing aircraft for more than 30 years. A member of the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), AOPA & EAA, he specializes in computer drafting and redesign of aircraft instrument panels.
2011 National Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) of the Year
Judy Ann Phelps, MCFI-A
Santa Paula, CA
Judy Phelps is a three-time Master CFI-Aerobatic who resides in Santa Paula, California. Specializing in spin, tailwheel, and emergency maneuver training, she also instructs private, commercial, and instrument students with CP Aviation at Santa Paula Airport (SZP). A member of AOPA, EAA, SAFE & Women in Aviation, she is a FAASTeam representative and volunteers with the Ninety Nines as well as the International Aerobatic Club (IAC).
2011 National FAASTeam Representative of the Year
Vicki Lynn Sherman, MCFI
DeLand, FL
A three-time Master CFI from DeLand, Florida, Vicki Sherman is a flight, ground, and simulator instructor who sponsors and teaches WINGS seminars. Since 1992, she has been a crewmember at the FAA Production Studios in Lakeland. A member of AOPA, SAFE, EAA & Women in Aviation, she is a past international president of the Ninety Nines and volunteers with the National Aviation Safety Foundation. She is one of 3000 volunteer aviators who serve as FAASTeam representatives in the FAA's safety program nationwide.
For more information, visit the General Aviation Awards Program Web site. | |
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| 2011 Revision Of Refueling And Quality Control Procedures For Airport Service And Support Operations |
| Get your copy now! |
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NATA recently released the 2011 revision of its popular guidebook Refueling and Quality Control Procedures for Airport Service and Support Operations.
The 2011 revision is a complete update that contains an in-depth review of topics relating to aviation fuel handling, with full-color photographs in a new, easy-to-read format. Included in the 2011 revision are chapters addressing:
- Safety
- Aviation Fuels
- Fuel Handling Equipment
- Quality Control and Fuel Testing Procedures
- Equipment Inspections and Maintenance
- Operational Procedures
- Fuel Spills
- Training
- Resources
FAA advisory circular (AC) 150/5230-4A, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling and Dispensing on Airports references this publication 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."
Click here to view several sample pages from the manual.
This guidebook is offered to NATA member companies at a special rate. Secure your copy today.
Orders can be placed online at www.nata.aero/store. | |
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| U.S. And E.U. Conclude Cooperative Agreement On Civil Aviation Safety |
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Following an exchange of diplomatic notes last month between the United States and the European Union, the completion of the final step required for implementation of the landmark U.S. - EU Aviation Safety Agreement will take effect May 1, 2011. Under the agreement, U.S. and EU air-safety agencies will recognize the other's inspections and analysis to allow the U.S. FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency to capitalize on each other's resources and avoid duplicating efforts, officials say.
The coordination also will help to harmonize air-safety rules in the world's two biggest aviation markets, reducing costs and confusion for airlines, pilots and manufacturers. The U.S. has bilateral safety agreements with several European countries. The new deal will replace those with a single accord with the 27 members of the EU.
The aviation industry is urging the FAA and the European Commission to move promptly on the vital next steps to establish mechanisms and procedures called for in the agreement.
To read the press release from the E.U., please click here. | |
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| OSHA 10-Hour And LSST Seminars To Be Held May In Windsor Locks |
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| NATA's Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar will once again take place at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on May 24-25. This seminar, specifically designed for Line Service Supervisors, provides the training you need to become more proficient in strategic planning, supervising staff, motivating others, communicating and coaching a team. This high-impact, high-energy seminar includes guided group debates, role playing, interactive games and various case studies designed to take you to a new level of leadership. You will also take part in self-assessments to explore your strengths and weaknesses and their effect on your management style.
Don't miss the chance to attend the LSST in Windsor Locks. Click here for more details and a link to register.
Safety & Health Training For Ground Operations Seminar - Only One In 2011
NATA's Safety & Health Training for Ground Operations (OSHA 10 HR) will be offered once this year on May 26-27 immediately following NATA's popular LSST Seminar in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. NATA's OSHA 10-Hour Course has been specifically designed for all employees with safety and health responsibilities. Attendees will be introduced to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and general industry policies, procedures and standards, as well as gain a working knowledge of OSHA regulations. Our instructor will provide real-world OSHA guidance and aviation case studies. Attendees will be provided audit and checklist templates as well as the knowledge to implement and improve their facility compliance programs. Participants will receive a course completion certificate from NATA as well as a course completion card from OSHA.
Seminar Topics:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of safety and health concepts
- Obtain a working knowledge of OSHA regulations as well as general industry policies
- Increase your awareness of the link that exists between risk and safety
- Review and take back a practical checklist that will increase your ability to perform your day-to-day duties safely
- Learn correct safety procedures and standards
Click here for more details and a link to register for NATA's OSHA 10-Hour Course.
Visit www.nata.aero/event.aspx for information on future NATA events. | |
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| FAA Releases 2011 NextGen Implementation Plan |
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Last month, the FAA released the 2011 NextGen Implementation Plan. According to the FAA, the NextGen Implementation Plan "provides an overview of the FAA's ongoing transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The Plan lays out the agency's vision for transforming the way things work in our nation's skies and at our nation's airports by the end of the mid-term."
According to the plan, the FAA is steadily progressing on NextGen implantation and "deployment of the ground infrastructure that will support Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) surveillance is on time and on budget."
Click here to read the full 2011 NextGen Implementation Plan (large download).
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