NBAA Update Archive

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NBAA Update #02-30
Monday, July 29, 2002

NBAA2002 BEGINS JUST SIX WEEKS FROM TOMORROW
Edsel Ford II, CEO of Pentastar Aviation, will be the Opening General Session keynote speaker for the NBAA 55th Annual Meeting & Convention, to be held September 10 to 12 in Orlando, Florida. The Convention will address the concerns of the business aviation community through more than 70 Informational Sessions and other events, including two Special Security Sessions focusing on Federal security requirements and security best practices. For more information or to register, visit:
www.nbaa.org/conventions/2002

SENATE SUPPORT NOW NEEDED TO PASS CAPACITY/MEIGS BILL
Member calls, e-mails and letters are urgently requested to support Senate Bill 2039 - the Senate companion to House Resolution (H.R.) 3479. NBAA last week commended the U.S. House of Representatives and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) for passing H.R. 3479, The National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act of 2002. The measure preserves Chicago's Meigs Field until 2006, with further provisions for maintaining the airport until 2026. The bill also provides for a $6.6 billion runway expansion at O'Hare International Airport. To contact your senators to support S. 2039, visit NBAA's Contact Congress web site at www.nbaa.org/congress/. For more information, visit:
www.nbaa.org/pr/2002/20020724-029.htm

APPLY FOR TSA WAIVERS EARLY
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Waiver Office continues to face challenges as it assumes responsibility of issuing waivers for certain NOTAMs issued since September 11. The majority of waivers issued through the office concern NOTAM 2/5319, which covers operations to/from U.S. requiring the use of designated portal countries and extremely limits the operation of foreign registered aircraft. NBAA recommends that operators submit waiver requests at least seven days before an anticipated trip. In addition, Members are encouraged to develop contingency plans in the case the request is denied or not processed in time. NBAA continues to offer help in processing waiver requests and will continue to work with government officials to seek relief from the restrictions imposed by NOTAM 2/5319. For further information, contact the NBAA Operations Service Group at (202) 783-9250 or info@nbaa.org.

NBAA MEMBERS REMINDED TO FOLLOW SECURITY BEST PRACTICES
In light of recent aircraft security initiatives at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, NY and at other airports, NBAA reminds Members to be vigilant when leaving their aircraft unattended. Security best practices often are common-sense actions, such as locking aircraft doors. To review NBAA's Best Practices for Business Aviation Security, visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/security/bestpractices.htm

CORPORATE OPERATOR DEMONSTRATES SECURITY STANDARD
An NBAA Member Company flight department assigned the task of flying a Member of Congress recently demonstrated to Federal authorities just how secure business aviation can be. When a Federal security agent asked to enter the flight department's facility to conduct a security inspection before the flight, he was denied entry by a vigilant aviation department employee. Despite showing credentials and urging the worker to call his boss to confirm his identity, the security official was not admitted until the flight department manager independently confirmed that the visitor was legitimate and authorized. When told of the incident by NBAA, a senior TSA official said he was impressed by the way the flight department dealt with the situation.

PART 125/135 SECURITY UPDATE
NBAA has been informed by the TSA that the new 95,000 lb. Security Rule ("Private Charter Security Rules") is not applicable to Part 125 operations at this time. For more information, download a Federal Register PDF file at www.nbaa.org/ops/security/charter/TSA-2002-12394.pdf or visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/security/charter

TWELVE-FIVE STANDARD SECURITY PROGRAM UPDATE
Comments are due to the TSA on the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) by August 19. The TFSSP details the requirements for the final rule titled "Security Programs for Aircraft 12,500 Pounds or More" and is available for review and comment only by Part 121 and 135 operators with an operational need to know. The final rule will be effective no sooner than September 19, 2002. Per the request of the FAA, Part 135 operators who have applied for the TFSSP but who have not yet been contacted by TSA after at least one week's time should e-mail lon.siro@faa.gov identifying their operation and listing their point of contact's name, phone number and fax number. For more information, call NBAA's Doug Carr at (202) 487-3684 or visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/security/charter/TFSSP.htm

FOREIGN LICENSE INTERCHANGE PROGRAM RESTORED, MODIFIED
On July 16, the FAA temporarily suspended the issuance of U.S. certificates on the basis of foreign pilot licenses until more detailed procedures could be developed for verifying the authenticity of the foreign certificate presented. Last Friday, the FAA released a Notice providing interim guidance to Flight Standards Regional and District Offices for the issuance of pilot certificates and ratings based on an applicant's foreign pilot license. To download the Notice in Word format, visit:
www.faa.gov/avr/afs/flightinstruction/n8700-15.doc

FAA ISSUES ADVISORY CIRCULAR FOR ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAGS
The FAA recently issued AC 120-76, "Guidelines for the Certification, Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Electronic Flight Bag Computing Devices." The AC provides an acceptable method of compliance for the approval of both portable and installed electronic flight bag (EFB) products. The AC also defines the three classes of EFBs and the level of authorization required for the use of each class. This AC contains guidelines for both Part 91 and 135 operators considering the use of an EFB. For more information, download the AC in PDF format at:
www.nbaa.org/ops/rules/AC120-76.pdf

NEW IRS REVENUE RULING REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
IRS Revenue Ruling 2002-50 states that an aircraft that flies a person for hire between the United States and a foreign country is engaged in foreign trade under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 4221. This ruling reviews the applicable rules for identifying uninterrupted international flight and determining the correct type (amount) of excise tax. Additionally, the aviation fuel used during the flight would qualify as a nontaxable use under IRC Section 4092. Download the rule in Word format (32 KB) at:
www.nbaa.org/member/taxes/revrul2002_50international.doc

NBAA OPPOSES PEAK PERIOD PRICING
In two recent rulemaking proceedings, the FAA asked for comments on market-based alternatives for allocating capacity at congested airports. In this context, the term "market-based" refers to peak period pricing, generally a system that would impose higher landing fees during periods when there is insufficient capacity to handle demand. NBAA submitted comments to the FAA emphasizing that economic theory is not a substitute for aviation infrastructure expansion and improvement, particularly when that theory, as applied, would result in highly discriminatory airport access subject to local control. For more information or to review NBAA's official comments, visit:
www.nbaa.org/airports/peakperiodpricing.htm

REMINDER: MEET THE TSA FSDs AT AIRPORTS YOU FREQUENT
NBAA Members are encouraged to meet with the Federal Security Directors (FSDs) for the airports they frequent to explain their operations and educate Directors regarding the business aviation community. A total of 429 U.S. airports are slated to have FSDs. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov or:
www.nbaa.org/member/security/TSA_FSD.htm

D.C. HELIPORT FORCED TO CLOSE DUE TO POST-9/11 RESTRICTIONS
The District of Columbia's South Capitol Street Heliport, the city's only public-use heliport, will close by the end of this month due to Federal restrictions put in place following September 11. Alvin Trenk, CEO of Air Pegasus, which owns and operates the heliport, was quoted in a July 23 PR Newswire statement: "The restrictions imposed on helicopter flights in and out of the District since September 11 make it impossible for us to continue operation.... Once the South Capitol Street Heliport is closed, the United States will be the only major country in the world without a functioning heliport in its capital city." For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

AVOID TRAVEL DELAYS IN INDIANAPOLIS
This week, operators can expect delays into and out of the Indianapolis area in conjunction with NASCAR Busch and Winston Cup series races held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On Saturday, August 3, the Kroger 200 will be run followed on Sunday, August 4, by the Brickyard 300. More than 300 aircraft are expected to arrive on July 31 and August 1 at the following airports: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and Eagle Creek Airpark (EYE). Although some departures will take place on Saturday, most will occur on Sunday. Special Traffic Management Procedures (STMP) are in effect. For more information, visit the Race Team Aviation Association web site at www.rtaa.org or contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

OUT-OF-STATE AIRCRAFT OPERATORS APPEALING TEXAS TAX BILLS
NBAA is trying to help out-of-state operators that have received Texas property tax assessments after recently flying into Addison Airport (ADS) in Dallas. Even though these operators are headquartered in other states and, in some cases, pay aircraft property and use taxes in their home state, the state of Texas has sent property tax bills in what appears to be an attempt to generate a new source of revenue. NBAA is serving as a conduit so that affected Members wishing to fight the assessments can work together. For more information, contact NBAA's Greg Jackson at gjackson@nbaa.org.

RVSM BRIEFING AT LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON AUGUST 15
The New England Region Air Traffic Division is hosting an RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum) briefing at Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) on August 15. Attendees will be provided with a briefing about the activation of RVSM Transition airspace in Boston Center's airspace at its boundaries with Canadian and North Atlantic Region airspace. Note: This briefing is not related to the implementation of Domestic RVSM in December 2004. For people who cannot attend this briefing, there will be a TELCON on August 19. For more information, contact FAA's Rick Mitchell at Richard.A.Mitchell@faa.gov or visit:
www.nbaa.org/airspace

NEW YORK CITY HELIPORT UPDATE
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC) has been instrumental in obtaining instrument approaches into two of New York City's heliports. Jeppesen indicated that they should have approach plates available for the next issue. Only specifically equipped helicopters will be able to use the GPS landing system. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

FUTURE OF HANSCOM FIELD, MA LOOKS GOOD FOR BUSINESS AVIATION
MassPort, the operators of Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford, MA, recently held a meeting with NBAA and corporate tenants at BED to discuss the future and direction of the airport. Projections indicate that general aviation traffic - and corporate traffic in particular - should be up significantly from a previous study two years ago. Included in the model was a noise depiction overlay showing that nearly all of the noise emitted by aircraft remain within the FAA's 65 db limit and within the airport boundary. MassPort considers BED the region's premier business aviation airport and is seeking to add hangars and other facilities that will benefit general aviation over the next three years. A presentation will be made to the adjacent communities. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

MILITARY CONCERNED ABOUT NAS ACCESS AND CONGESTION
At the recent annual Eastern New England Region Airspace/Range Control meeting, several wing commanders mentioned they have encountered delays in accessing air space to destination ranges due to air traffic control. NBAA Members should be alert for Department of Defense activity in the proximity of MOAs as training takes place at night as well as during the daytime at altitudes as low as 300 feet and as high as FL 300. Additionally, with air defense combat patrol missions over specific cities, more air-to-air refueling is taking place between the altitudes of FL 180 and FL 300. For more information, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org or Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

"AVIATION PROFESSIONALS SHARING IDEAS" INVITES NEW MEMBERS
At the recent inaugural meeting of Aviation Professionals Sharing Ideas (APSI), a local business aviation group, more than 80 attendees enjoyed a presentation by U.S. Customs and Immigration in the New York area and elected Wendi Gavigan of Citigroup and Kelly Noel Nelson of Bristol Meyers Squibb as co-chairs for the group. Represented at the meeting were schedulers, dispatchers, aircraft technicians, flight attendants and pilots. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in aviation. The next meeting will be held on October 24. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

OPERATORS INVITED TO FAA'S EAST COAST AVIATION FORUM
The FAA's East Coast Aviation Forum (ECAF), to be held in Baltimore from November 12 to 14, will give FAA operations personnel an opportunity to interact with industry aviation users in a casual setting. Workshops will include a NY/NJ/PHL airspace redesign update and will be attended by senior air traffic representatives of the New England and Eastern Regions and NBAA Staff members. For more information, visit http://aea.faa.gov/aea500/ec_forum/index.cfm or contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org.

STMP FOR NBAA CONVENTION NOW ONLINE
The FAA has published the Special Traffic Management Program (STMP) for the NBAA 55th Annual Meeting & Convention at http://www.faa.gov/NTAP/NTAP02AUG08/SP02028.htm. NBAA Members are cautioned to strictly adhere to the provisions of this NOTAM (and all others in effect at the time) when operating to and from this year's Convention. For more information about the Convention or to register, visit:
www.nbaa.org/conventions/2002

SCHEDULERS & DISPATCHERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND INCREASES TO $35,000
In 2003, NBAA and its Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee, in conjunction with seven corporate sponsors, will award a total of $35,000 in scholarship funds to select schedulers/dispatchers who seek to advance their professional development. NBAA is pleased to announce two new sponsors for this scholarship: ChevronTexaco and Atlantic Aviation.
www.nbaa.org/pr/2002/20020729-030.htm

GA DESK PRESENTATION IN WHITE PLAINS, NY THIS THURSDAY
NBAA Members are invited to a two-hour presentation about the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) General Aviation (GA) Desk at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the Renaissance Hotel, 80 West Red Oak La., White Plains, NY 10604, Tel: (914) 694-5400. Lunch will be served. The GA Desk provides NBAA Members with face-to-face representation before the FAA on matters pertaining to the daily operation of the National Airspace System. Avitat Westchester will provide free transportation between Westchester County Airport (HPN) and the presentation. For more information or to RSVP, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org or Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.