| Topics in this Volume
 Capitol View Blog - The Truth About The Freedom From Government Competition Act |
NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne’s latest blog titled “The Truth about the Freedom from Government Competition Act” focuses on setting the record straight about a recent ACI-NA statement on the association’s action supporting this legislation.
To read Coyne’s blog, please click here.
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| NATA Concerned With Environmental Group’s Actions On Avgas |
This week, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), an environmental group located in San Francisco, CA, charged numerous aviation businesses in California, including aviation fuel suppliers and fixed base operators, with violating California state law for selling aviation gasoline, which contains lead. The notices indicate CEH’s intention to file a lawsuit under state law, and also include a proposed settlement to stop the lawsuit that includes halting the sale of aviation gasoline and payment, to CEH, of 25% of any “civil penalty,” of up to $ 2.7 million, assessed. When asked in a recent AvWeb interview about the revenue received from Proposition 65 lawsuits, CEH Research Director Caroline Cox responded, “We try to recover our legal fees and then perhaps make some money for [our] organization.”
NATA is very concerned about this attempt to use California state law to shut down the entire piston-engine general aviation industry in California through a suit that involves a private organization seeking monetary damages. General aviation is a national resource that provides economic growth and jobs in thousands of California communities. This growth and these jobs are now endangered by one organization’s threat of a lawsuit and demands for monetary damages and an end to the sale of leaded aviation gasoline.
Any environmental concerns arising from the sale and use of aviation gasoline belong under the purview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Currently, both of these agencies, along with numerous industry stakeholders, are engaged in a collaborative process to address the issues arising from the use of leaded aviation gasoline.
“NATA takes environmental concerns very seriously,” said NATA President James K. Coyne, “but a single organization suing for monetary damages cannot be allowed to threaten an entire industry. NATA will continue its cooperative work with the EPA and FAA on addressing the long-term future of aviation gasoline in the United States and will support the general aviation industry in California against this attack.”
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| Coyne Addresses FAA Inconsistencies |
In his latest video clip, NATA President & CEO James K. Coyne addresses the FAA’s continued lack of consistency on regulatory interpretations.
To view Coyne’s latest video clip, please click here.
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| NATA Urges Its California Members To Contact Their State Senator In Support Of SB 619 |
Over the past year, NATA has been engaged in a battle with the State of California over the value of the flight training industry to the state. In early 2010, a new state law attempted to impose strict regulations designed for private career training schools, like massage therapy or truck driving schools, on the flight training industry. These rules, poorly designed to regulate an industry as unique as flight training, threaten to cause the closure of up to 90% of flight schools. Late last year saw the first successes in NATA’s efforts as the California legislature passed a delay in compliance for flight training with the new rules until July 1, 2011.
This year, NATA has continued its efforts and has worked with other industry associations and California Senator Jean Fuller to introduce Senate Bill 619 (SB 619). The bill contains an exemption from the rules issued by the state for any flight training facility or flight instructor that
- Does not require upfront payment of tuition of fees in exchange for training, and
- Does not require students to sign a contract of indebtedness in exchange for training
Under SB 619, however, students will still be able to purchase “block time” in amounts up $2500.
This week, NATA has issued an Action Call asking it membership in California to contact their state Senators in support of SB 619. The bill is expected to be voted on by the full Senate by the end of the week. Additionally, NATA has established a fund to help offset and continue to fund the costs of our ongoing legislative and grassroots efforts to secure relief from the state issued rules. While this battle is centered in California, it threatens to impact aviation across the nation as more states look to increase revenues through fee-funded regulatory schemes.
Click here to make a donation to NATA CA Flight Training Fund.
Click here to view the SB 619 Action Call.
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| VIPR Inspections At Part 1542 Commercial Airports Ongoing |
Over the last week, NATA has received reports of a number of visits by Visual Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams at Part 1542 commercial airports. These inspections come as a result of enhanced security measures that have taken place around the country in response to the death of Osama Bin Laden.
Recently, NATA crafted a white paper outlining the makeup of these VIPR teams. To view NATA's white paper, please click here.
The purpose of VIPR teams is to "operate throughout the airport environment as an additional layer of security to enhance TSA's ability to prepare for, protect against, or respond to acts of terrorism and to protect persons, facilities, and critical infrastructure in all modes of transportation. VIPR teams are to consult with all transportation entities directly affected by the deployment of VIPR teams, as appropriate, including air carriers, airport operators, local security and law enforcement officials and fixed-base operators."
NATA members who encounter VIPR inspections should contact Eric R. Byer, NATA's vice president of government and industry affairs, at ebyer@nata.aero.
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| Air Charter Summit Examines Bankruptcy Concern |
As high profile bankruptcies occur, air charter operators are confronting the unpleasant reality of “clawbacks.” Many operators have received notice seeking repayment of fees paid by customers that later declared bankruptcy. These so-called clawbacks are authorized in the bankruptcy laws and are intended to ensure that all of the failed company's debtors have a fair shot at any remaining assets. The Bankruptcy Has Its Clawbacks session at the 2011 Air Charter Summit, will give operators critical information to understand their rights in these proceedings better and tips on how to protect their business in this timely briefing.
The 2011 Air Charter Summit is June 6-8 in Chantilly, Virginia. Click here for more information or to register.
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| NATA And McFarren Aviation Consulting Pledge Funds For Wounded Warriors |
NATA and McFarren Aviation Consulting (MAC) have each pledged to donate to the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) $10 per attendee of the upcoming NATA Air Charter Summit, to be held June 6-8 at the Westfields Marriott in Virginia. The VAC is a charitable organization that provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans, and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes. NATA and MAC have established a special fund, NATA Wings for Warriors, for NATA members and friends to contribute to the organization.
VAC was founded by retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot Walt Fricke, who grew the VAC mission from a single volunteer aircraft owner and pilot, himself, into a national network consisting of over 1700 volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
When wounded warriors return from the battlefield, they are often in need of ongoing medical treatment far from their homes, loved ones, and comrades. VAC coordinates the transportation of wounded veterans and their families all over the country, utilizing a network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots who have generously donated their time and equipment to support the activities of the VAC. In fact, these flights are now recognized under the official Federal Aviation Administration call sign “Hero Flight,” which air traffic control grants priority handling whenever possible.
“We are honored to pledge $10 per Air Charter Summit attendee to VAC. We encourage our members not only to consider making financial donations, but also to offer aircraft and pilots for VAC flights; even a few hours a year would be a gracious contribution to VAC,” said NATA President James K. Coyne.
McFarren Aviation Consulting President Lindsey McFarren said, “Our soldiers and their families are heroes. Supporting VAC is a wonderful way to make a difference in a hero’s life. Make a financial contribution. Donate an aircraft and pilots for a couple of hours a year. Help us provide comfort and peace to our wounded servicemen and women.”
VAC will have a booth at the upcoming NATA Air Charter Summit. Stop by to learn more about this important program!
Visit http://www.veteransairlift.org/m/donate.aspx?campaign=NATAWFW2011 to make a donation!
Visit www.nata.aero/acs for more information on NATA’s Air Charter Summit.
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| Don’t Miss May OSHA And LSST Seminars |
Special Offer for Attending Both Seminars in Windsor Locks
SPECIAL OFFER EXTENDED:
Register for Both the OSHA and LSST Seminars in Windsor Locks by May 27 and
Receive a FREE Copy of NATA's Updated Fuel Quality Procedures Manual
NATA's Safety & Health Training for Ground Operations (OSHA 10-Hour Course)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics show that nearly $160 million in fines and penalties are handed out yearly during approximately 100,000 inspections.
Whether you have one employee or hundreds, you are responsible for their safety.
Is your organization in compliance or in denial? Compliance is not a guessing game...especially when OSHA comes knocking. It is best to be sure through intensive, fast-paced training covering all of the latest regulatory information concerning safety, health, and environmental issues in the workplace.
Don't leave yourself or your organization vulnerable to hefty penalties - get all the current information and essential details of OSHA compliance you need to know this May in Windsor Locks.
NATA's Safety & Health Training For Ground Operations (OSHA 10-Hour Course) 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 the 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.
Click here for more details and to register for NATA's OSHA 10-Hour Course.
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 to register for the LSST Seminar.
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| Commercial Operators Tax Seminar August In Ft. Lauderdale |
Presented by Conklin & de Decker Associates and NATA
The Commercial Operators Tax Seminar, August 23-24 in Ft. Lauderdale, covers taxes that commercial operators face every day in their operations, such as Federal Excise Taxes, Fuel Taxes, Sales & Use Taxes, Personal Property Taxes, Income Taxes, International Fees and more.
A comprehensive review of the FARs and what a charter/management and management agreement should contain is included. Also covered is the impact on costs when placing an aircraft on a Part 135 certificate and Like Kind Exchanges.
This seminar is a must-attend for those involved with aircraft charter, whether you are an owner, operator, management company, charter broker, insurance broker, consultant, or attorney.
For a closer look at this popular seminar, NATA's Jacqueline Rosser and Conklin & de Decker's Nel Stubbs will host a one-hour preview webinar on June 22 to go over the benefits and give the audience a chance to ask questions about the agenda and speakers. Click here to register for this free preview webinar.
Visit www.nata.aero/taxseminar for seminar details and to register. Follow this seminar on Twitter via the search tag #avtax11.
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| Environmental Compliance Minute – Plans And Procedures |
Aviation is an industry that operates on plans and procedures. Environmental compliance for aviation facilities is no different. In this edition of NATA’s Environmental Compliance Minute, presenter George Gamble will discuss the important plans and procedures your facility should have in place to ensure you are complying with all applicable environmental regulations, such as:
- Spill prevention, control and countermeasures plan (SPCC)
- Stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP)
- Other state-required plans
Click here to view this month’s Environmental Compliance Minute Video.
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