NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #04-05
Monday, February 2, 2004

NBAA Update is the National Business Aviation Association's weekly e-mail newsletter, providing the latest operational, regulatory and political news for the business aviation community. Subscribe for free or review the archives at www.nbaa.org/update. Send your comments about NBAA Update to update@nbaa.org.

NBAA URGES MEMBERS TO MEET DRVSM COMPLIANCE DATE OF JAN. 20, 2005
The FAA is in the final 12 months of preparation before the implementation of Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (DRVSM). NBAA has worked for the past several years to ensure that Members are fully aware of this requirement and of the FAA's timeline. With only 12 months left until implementation, NBAA urges all operators who would be affected by DRVSM implementation to immediately begin equipping their aircraft. For more information, visit the NBAA Action Notice at:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/an/20040130-001.php

TFRs CONTINUE TO DISRUPT BUSINESS AVIATION
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the Westchester County Airport (HPN) area last Thursday, January 29 was in effect from 4:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. NBAA polled operators based at HPN to measure the impact of the TFR and found that many were appreciative of the advance notice provided by NBAA, which enabled them to re-schedule or re-position aircraft and crews outside of the TFR. "The unintended consequence of the TFR, for all of those re-positioning aircraft, was the creation of two additional critical phases of flight (per-aircraft) in some of the most congested airspace in the world," said NBAA's Bob Blouin. "Security-qualified general aviation operators should have airspace access equal to that of the air carriers, and NBAA is working hard to build that ability through programs like the Transportation Security Administration Access Certificate (TSAAC)." For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/restrictions/20040202.php

EXPECTED TFRs FOR UPCOMING VIP TRAVEL
Operators should anticipate TFRs for upcoming VIP travel on the following dates: February 5 in Charleston, SC; February 6-8 in Thurmont, MD; and February 7 in both St Louis, MO and Rosemount, IL. Since the TFRs are announced shortly before they go into effect, Members must continue to use all resources to prevent flying into restricted airspace. Operators are urged to review NOTAMs carefully prior to every flight. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/restrictions

ETOPS SUMMIT ON PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR PART 135 FLIGHTS
NBAA will host a meeting in Washington, DC on February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to discuss the proposed ETOPS rule and identify areas for comment. The proposed FAA Regulations on Extended Operations (ETOPS) of Multi-Engine Airplanes would establish aircraft certification and operating standards for long-range flights conducted under FAR Part 135. The standards would limit all Part 135 aircraft operations to within 180 minutes of an airport unless the FAA approves the operator for extended operations. To participate in the meeting and for location details, contact NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org. To download a copy of the proposed rule in PDF format, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/#etops

IRS INCREASES PASSENGER AIR TRANSPORTATION TAX FOR 2004
The Internal Revenue Service recently published Revenue Procedure 2003-85, which provides inflation adjusted items for 2004. Section 3.27 specifies the rates for 2004 for the domestic segment fee and the international arrival/departure tax, applicable for air transportation deemed commercial for IRS purposes. For 2004, these rates will be: 7.5 percent of amounts paid; a domestic segment fee of $3.10 per person; an international arrival/departure tax of $13.70 per person; and an international arrival/departure tax for Hawaii or Alaska flights of $6.90 per person. For more information, contact NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/taxes

US-VISIT PROGRAM GUIDANCE FOR TETERBORO USERS
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented the US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) Program to process visitors holding visas as they enter the United States. NBAA recently received a memo from the DHS's Customs and Border Protection division on the "Teterboro/US-VISIT question," stating that if airport facilities have US-VISIT equipment, then incoming travelers must undergo US-VISIT procedures. However, if facilities do not have US-VISIT equipment, then incoming travelers do not have to undergo US-VISIT procedures. This policy likely will change as more US-VISIT equipment is deployed; in the future, operations covered by US-VISIT might be required to enter the U.S. through an airport so equipped. But for now, "no equipment -- no need." For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

IOWA AIRPORTS RECEIVE GOOD NEWS
The reauthorized Federal funding program approved by Congress and signed by President Bush last month is good news for Iowa's eight commercial service airports and 69 of the state's general aviation airports, according to the Iowa DOT's Office of Aviation. The reauthorized Airport Improvement Program (AIP) reduces local matches on Federal programs to 5 percent, benefiting all Iowa communities eligible to receive Federal airport funding. The Iowa DOT plans to send a brochure with more details about the Vision 100 reauthorization act to Iowa airports in the coming weeks. For more information, contact Tim McClung at tim.mcclung@dot.state.ia.us or NBAA's John Balsiger at jbalsiger@nbaa.org.

FUNDING FOR LEBANON AIRPORT (NH) THREATENED
Smaller airports that once served commercial air carriers are seeing a decline in funds once generated by these airlines, and Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) in Lebanon, NH is one such airport. Its city council has decided to cease funding of the airport; the council wants to see a positive cash flow before expending any additional funds. NBAA is meeting with LEB's Airport Advisory Committee to discuss options that may be available to the airport in generating more income and preventing its closing. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

ZONING BOARD APPROVES CONSTRUCTION WITHIN REPUBLIC AIRPORT'S RPZ
The Babylon, NY zoning board recently approved the construction of a large retail outlet within the runway protection zone (RPZ) of the main runway at Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale, NY. The RPZ is an area designated by the FAA, but since the RPZ is not on airport property, the FAA can't enforce the "no construction" request. NBAA and the FAA are joined by the Long Island Business Aviation Association, New York DOT and New York General Services Office in opposing the construction within the RPZ. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/frg/

T.F. GREEN AIRPORT RUNWAY EXPANSION OPPOSED BY WARWICK, RI MAYOR
Warwick, RI Mayor Scott Avedisian has vowed to fight a primary runway expansion at T.F. Green Airport (PVD) and has requested city council approval for an initial $150,000 to litigate against runway extension projects. Currently, the main runway is 7,200 feet and a proposal would lengthen it to 9,500 feet. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

CRAVEN COUNTY AIRPORT (NC) AIMS TO CONSTRUCT SIX HANGARS FOR GA USERS
Craven County Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern, NC, is proposing to construct six hangars for use by corporate and general aviation aircraft operators. The proposal is on its way to the FAA for approval. When Midway Airlines filed for bankruptcy, New Bern officials expected a drop in air traffic, but in actuality, the number of air travelers has increased. Its main runway is ILS, GPS and VOR-certified for approaches. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

FINAL NBAA SEMINAR ON NEW FRACTIONAL/135 REGULATIONS TO BE HELD FEB. 20
NBAA's final Seminar addressing the new FAR Part 91, Subpart K and the concurrent changes for charter operators will be held at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX on Friday, February 20. Experts from FAA, DOT and NBAA Member Companies will discuss the key components and requirements of Subpart K; the regulatory relief provided to 135 operators; tax, finance and insurance considerations; fractional contracts; and international operations. Furthermore, a panel discussion will project the future landscape of the fractional, charter and management company market niches. The June 25 date for this Seminar has been canceled because current fractional companies planning to operate under Subpart K should be well underway with their management specifications process by June 2004. For more details or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/fractional/20040220

UPCOMING IS-BAO IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOPS
International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Implementation Workshops have been scheduled for next Monday, February 9 in Love Field, Dallas, TX; Wednesday, February 11 in White Plains, NY; and Thursday, March 11 in West Palm Beach, FL. The event provides an IS-BAO overview, including an in-depth examination of the standard, implementation considerations, risk-assessment issues, safety-management issues and more. The IS-BAO Implementation Workshop is designed to assist operators who are currently implementing or contemplating the implementation of IS-BAO in their operations. For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.ibac.org/is-bao/Audit%20Workshop.htm

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2004 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AVIATION AWARDS
Created to honor individuals who have made a significant identifiable contribution to the advancement of business aviation in Europe, the European Business Aviation Award is presented each year to one or more individuals on the occasion of EBACE, the only European exhibition of its kind to focus exclusively on business aviation. This year nominations are due to EBACE's European or USA Offices by March 15. For more information about EBACE2004, which will be held May 25 through 27 in Geneva, Switzerland, visit http://www.ebace.aero. For more information on how to submit a nomination for the European Business Aviation Award, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040202-007.php

NBAA BOARD TREASURER JEFF LEE IS NEW WESTCHESTER AVIATION ASSN. PRESIDENT
NBAA Board Treasurer Jeffrey W. Lee, director of flight operations for IBM Corporation, has been named the new president of the Westchester Aviation Association, replacing long-time outgoing president Berl Brechner. The Westchester Aviation Association comprises general aviation pilots, general aviation services, and corporate and business operators. Lee chaired the Westchester Airport Career Fair for the past two years and is a member of the Business Aviation Managers' Group at Westchester (HPN). For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

NBAA PAST PRESIDENT DUNNY DUNSWORTH RECEIVES SILK SCARF AWARD
NBAA recently awarded E.E. "Dunny" Dunsworth its Silk Scarf Award, traditionally given to individuals as recognition for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers. Dunsworth was the last elected president of the NBAA Board of Directors from 1969 to 1971. In addition to serving on the NBAA Board of Directors, he worked during his career to promote business aviation and helped found the Houston Aviation Association. Now retired, Dunsworth was chief pilot for Trunkline Gas Company. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040202-008.php

NBAA SEEKS MANAGER, TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
NBAA seeks an experienced aviation professional for a management position at its Washington, DC Headquarters. Individual should be familiar with business aviation operations and will be responsible for Association representation and policy/position development on subjects including aircraft maintenance, material (parts) and technical personnel. Duties include interaction with flight department members, aircraft manufacturers, regulatory agencies, staff and other aviation associations. For more information or to apply, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/about/jobs

NBAA WELCOMES DINA GREEN AS MANAGER, SEMINARS
NBAA welcomes its new Manager, Seminars, Dina E. Green, who joined NBAA in a full-time capacity on January 26. Her responsibilities include assisting in the planning and implementation of the NBAA Seminar Program and Informational Sessions at the Annual Meeting & Convention, EBACE and LABACE. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040129-006.php

JOIN 500 OF THE NATION'S BEST CORPORATIONS
Today, more than 500 corporations, including 56 of the top 100 of the Fortune 500, are Corporate Angels. They've hosted more than 15,000 flights with Corporate Angel Network patients on board. But more and more cancer patients are contacting the Network every day, and more and more flights are needed. Show these patients you care at a critical time in their lives, while expanding use of your corporate aircraft with no additional cost and very little effort. Call Corporate Angel Network at (914) 328-1313 for more information. To see current needs for patient transportation (city-to-city destinations and date range), please visit:
http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/corporate/seats.html