NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #04-06
Monday, February 9, 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 SAFETY COMMITTEE ADDRESSING EMERGING VLJ OPS
The NBAA Safety Committee met last week at NBAA Headquarters in Washington, DC to discuss the development of training standards and operations guidelines for very light jets (VLJ). In attendance were insurance underwriters, training vendors and the manufacturers of the upcoming VLJs. It is expected that these initiatives will be completed later this year. Industry estimates of VLJ deliveries run as high as 22,000 over the next two decades. A list of general Safety Committee Recommendations covering a wide range of topics is posted online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/safety/recommendations

DOT RELEASES PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005
Last Monday, February 2, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta released the Administration's $58.7 billion budget request for transportation for fiscal year 2005. The budget focuses on greater infrastructure and safety-related improvements. The Administration includes $14 billion for FAA programs. DOT's priorities for 2005 include, among others, improving aviation safety, improving access to rural airports and limiting exposure to aviation noise. In response to an inquiry from NBAA's Pete West concerning the approximately $462 million reduction in funding for FAA's Facilities and Equipment budget, Secretary Mineta emphasized the cost efficiencies anticipated from the new performance based Air Traffic Organization. Details of the proposed FAA budget are available at http://www.dot.gov/bib2005/admins.html#faa. For more information, contact West at pwest@nbaa.org.

AEROSPACE SAFETY PIONEER AND FSF ORGANIZER JEROME LEDERER DIES AT 101
Last Friday, February 6, Jerome Fox "Jerry" Lederer died at 101 in Laguna Hills, CA of congestive heart failure. A giant in the aviation industry, Lederer was an aerospace risk-management specialist, former director of safety for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and organizer of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF). He was the associate of many aerospace pioneers, such as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Igor Sikorsky and Orville Wright. Known internationally as "Mr. Aviation Safety" and dubbed the "Father of Aviation Safety" by the U.S. Congress in 1997, Lederer published hundreds of articles and papers and received more than 100 awards, including the NBAA First Century of Flight Award in 2003.

91.141 TFR NOTAMs IN EFFECT FOR VIP TRAVEL
Several 91.141 TFRs are expected for the following regions: Harrisburg, PA on February 12 and Daytona Beach, FL on February 15. Because each TFR is tailored to unique conditions and circumstances, operators should review NOTAMs carefully when operating in airspace affected by TFRs. Operators are urged to review NOTAMs carefully prior to every flight. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/airspace/restrictions

HOW DO I INFORM CUSTOMS OF THE SERVICE I RECEIVED DURING AN INSPECTION?
The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) utilizes an "enforcement approach that provides a deterrent to criminal activity without creating undue delays to the vast majority of the law-abiding traveling public." In an effort to help the CBP address business aviation issues, Air Routing International developed an online survey form where operators may rate CBP inspectors on professionalism, courtesy, promptness and thoroughness of inspection. Operators may report both positive and negative experiences at http://www.airrouting.com/content/custsurvey.html. If you have questions about this and other operational topics, contact the NBAA Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/faq

ARRIVING FROM CANADA? U.S. CUSTOMS AG CLEARING IN TRANSFORMATION
Historically, those clearing Customs after arrival from Canada were not subject to agricultural clearing. The occurrence of mad cow disease in Canada, however, has changed this in some port districts. For example, the Los Angeles Customs Port District acknowledges that it requires clearance, including agricultural inspection and authorized catering disposal. NBAA Members are advised to verify with their handlers or destination FBOs that they will have adequate service available. For more information, contact NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.

REGIONAL GROUPS FACILITATE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS DURING ELECTION SEASON
Since one of business aviation's primary challenges is local access, it pays for regional business aviation groups to get involved during election season. For instance, during its local election season, California's Long Beach Airport (LGB) Area Business Association (made up of NBAA Members, other LGB businesses and NBAA's Dan Burkhart) invites new and incumbent candidates to an airport venue for open discussions with its board members. This exchange of information allows the candidate and the association members to meet, exchange ideas and identify areas of compatibility. The process works: LGB and the City enjoy a long history of relative compatibility. With more than 60 regional groups already identified by NBAA, Association Members are poised to consider such action nationally. For more information, contact Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org or the NBAA Regional Representative in your region, by visiting:
http://www.nbaa.org/reachbac

CALIFORNIA TAKES STEPS TO IMPROVE ITS AIRPORT SYSTEM
The California Transportation Commission's Technical Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (CTC-TACA) recently recommended that the State adopt the Aeronautics Division's first "State Aviation System Requirements Element." This document outlines California's minimum standards for the various classifications of the State's 252 public use airports. Additionally the State recently released a $400,000 economic study "Aviation in California -- Benefits in Our Economy and Way of Life" at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/planning/aeronaut/htmlfile/econstudy2003.php. These and other changes come as a result of six years of CTC-TACA's advisory capacity and close relationship with the Aeronautics Division. NBAA's Dan Burkhart is chairman of CTC-TACA, an eight-member state committee mandated to advise the California Transportation Commission. For more information, contact Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.

PART ONE OF PHOENIX SKY HARBOR RUNWAY PROJECT IS COMPLETE
Part One of a three-phase runway project at Arizona's Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is complete. Runway 08/26 is undergoing major renovations and beginning today, Phase Two begins with a displaced threshold allowing 6,000 feet of usable runway and a 1,000-foot overrun. It is anticipated to remain in this configuration until Friday, February 27, when the runway will be closed completely until the following Monday, March 1. As long as weather conditions permit, there should be little or no impact during Phase Two; however, arrivals may be reduced to 28 per hour if visual approaches cannot be conducted. Pilots are reminded to check NOTAMs for the most recent information as the project may be completed early and the runway will be returned to full use. For more information, contact NBAA's Sue Ashley at sashley@nbaa.org.

AVOID TRAVEL DELAYS THIS WEEK IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL
The NASCAR Daytona 500 Nextel Series race will be held Sunday, February 15. Special traffic management programs will be initiated by the FAA in conjunction with the race for the following airports and times: Wednesday, February 11 to Saturday, February 14, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local each day, and on Sunday, February 15 from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local at Daytona Beach International (DAB), DeLand Municipal (DED), New Smyrna Municipal (EVB), Flagler County (X47) and Spruce Creek (7FL6). Plan flights accordingly to avoid congestion and delays. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

FAA SEEKS COMMENTS ON NOISE PLANS FOR LIT AND TOL
The FAA is reviewing a proposed noise-compatibility program that has been submitted for Little Rock National Airport/Adams Field (LIT). The proposed program for the Arkansas field will be approved or disapproved by July 21. Public comments are due by March 23. For more information, contact the FAA's Tim Tandy, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76139-0630; tel: (817) 222-5635. The agency also is seeking comments on a proposed amendment to the noise compatibility program for Ohio's Toledo Express Airport (TOL). The amendment is to be approved or disapproved by July 11. Public comments are due March 13. For more information, contact Katherine S. Jones, Community Planner, DET ADO 606, FAA Detroit Airports District Office, 11677 South Wayne Rd., Ste. 107, Romulus, MI 48174. Separately, the FAA has for determined that noise exposure maps for San Jose, CA's Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) and Washington state's Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport (PAE) are in compliance with applicable requirements. For more information about business aviation airports, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/baaap

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY STUDIES POSSIBLE RUNWAY EXTENSION
The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH has initiated an environmental assessment for its airport (OSU) to study the need and impact of extending one of its runways to 6,000 feet. The purpose of the project is to improve safety and provide for more efficient operations of business-class aircraft. Current/potential users of OSU are encouraged to provide letters of support that specify type of aircraft operated at OSU, number of operations at OSU, nature of trips to/from OSU, and benefits of 6,000-foot runway at OSU (i.e., safety improvement, noise benefits, fuel efficiencies, etc.). Forward letters to Douglas E. Hammon, Airport Director, Ohio State University Airport, 2160 West Case Rd., Columbus, OH 43235. For more information, contact NBAA's John Balsiger at jbalsiger@nbaa.org.

FAA TO PUBLISH NEW DEPARTURE PROCEDURE FOR BOSTON LOGAN
The Boston WYLYY 5 RNAV DP is a departure procedure used by turbojet aircraft departing Runway 27 at Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS). To resolve some of the pilot issues with this departure procedure, the FAA has added waypoint CYOTI after the WYLYY waypoint on the 235 track. The FAA also added two transitions, Bosox and Lucos. The WYLYY 5 procedure will be published on February 19. Operators may expect vectors after WYLYY enroute to CYOTI. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

AZBAA HOSTING 3RD ANNUAL AVIATION FORUM AND GOLF BENEFIT
On March 26 and 27, the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA) will host its spring event in Scottsdale, AZ, featuring informational forums and a scholarship golf benefit that last year earned nearly $18,000 for local aviation students. For more information, visit http://www.azbaa.org/2004GolfBenefit.htm or contact NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.

NBAA ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOLARSHIP TO BENEFIT MICHIGAN STUDENTS
NBAA, in conjunction with corporate sponsor Avfuel Corporation, will offer the Avfuel Michigan Business Aviation Scholarship to benefit a student pursuing an aviation degree at an eligible Michigan college or university. The Avfuel Michigan Business Aviation Scholarship is one of nine scholarships NBAA offers to promote professional and career development in the business aviation community. For more information or to download an application, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/scholarships

NBAA OPERATIONS COMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
Approaching its 30-year anniversary, the NBAA Operations Committee continues to be an integral part of the Standing Committee structure within the Association. The Committee's roster of dedicated volunteers provides the NBAA Membership with advice and guidance on all matters relating to the operation of aircraft. Current activities include training, emerging cockpit technologies and vertical lift operations. The next meeting of the Committee is planned for early May. To be considered for Committee membership or to submit an issue for Committee review, send an e-mail message with brief resume no later than March 1 to NBAA's Eric Ramsdell at eramsdell@nbaa.org.

CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS PERSONNEL CHALLENGES IN THE FLIGHT DEPARTMENT
Designed to address personnel challenges in the flight department, the NBAA 10th Annual Corporate Aviation Management Conference will be held in Anaheim, CA on February 24 and 25. "Get a GRIP: Great Results Involve People" is the theme of this event, which identifies what it takes to attract, motivate, evaluate and retain the best and brightest personnel for a flight department. Keynote speakers include Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation, and presenters include professional management speakers Kevin and Jackie Freiberg. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/camc/2004

NBAA FORUM COMES TO WEST PALM BEACH NEXT MONTH
NBAA will launch its 2004 Business Aviation Regional Forum series at Jet Aviation on Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Wednesday, March 10. Essentially shortened versions of the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, Regional Forums bring together industry personnel at locations across the United States to address issues germane to that particular geographic region and to showcase products and services of Association Members. Forums feature indoor exhibits, a static display of aircraft and a full slate of informational sessions. Other 2004 Forums will be held in Chicago, IL on June 24; Hong Kong, China in July; Seattle, WA on August 26; and November 18 in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/forums

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE NEXT CENTURY OF FLIGHT
This March, NBAA is offering several events in West Palm Beach, FL of interest to maintenance managers, maintenance technicians, or anyone responsible for the maintenance function in the business aviation flight department. The Maintenance Management Workshop on March 11, organized by the NBAA Maintenance Committee, will provide aviation maintenance managers an opportunity to learn the latest information on issues affecting the maintenance community, including certification, personnel and asset management, FARs and OSHA regulations, and tax, finance and budget matters. Registration for this Maintenance Management Workshop includes admission to the NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum on March 10. Workshop Attendees also may pay a separate fee to attend either a Professional Development Program Course or Maintenance Manual Workshop on March 12. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/mmw/20040312

NBAA EXHIBITOR ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE SEES ECONOMY IMPROVING
NBAA recently held its annual Exhibitor Advisory Subcommittee (EAS) meeting in Las Vegas, NV. The Association relies on this important Subcommittee to provide feedback and advice to ensure that the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, EBACE, LABACE, Regional Forums and Seminars are the foremost showcases in the world for business aviation. At the meeting NBAA learned that most EAS members concur that the 2004 economy is already better than 2003 and they forecast that business aircraft orders will show a year-to-year increase. For more information, contact NBAA's Marti Smith at (202) 783-9365 or msmith@nbaa.org. Visit the NBAA2004 web page at:
http://www.nbaa.org/2004

EBACE2004 30 PERCENT AHEAD OF EBACE2003
As of February 2, EBACE2004, scheduled for May 25 to 27, in Geneva, Switzerland, already has sold 30 percent more exhibit space than EBACE2003. Launched in 2001, EBACE is the only European exhibition of its kind to focus exclusively on business aviation, and this year's event is positioned to set both exhibit and attendance records. EBACE Management estimates that more than 6,000 Attendees will view the business aviation products and services of approximately 300 Exhibitors located inside Geneva Palexpo, and more than 30 aircraft are expected to be on Static Display at Geneva International Airport. For more information, visit:
http://www.ebace.aero

LABACE ATTENDEES ELIGIBLE FOR AIRLINE TICKET DISCOUNTS
United Airlines is the official airline of LABACE. U.S. Attendees who call United's toll-free number (800-521-4041) to book reservations and refer to Meeting ID Number 517SG will receive a 5-percent discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class, or a 10-percent discount off mid-week coach fares, purchased seven days in advance. An additional 5-percent discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Or you may choose Area Pricing, set airfare prices based upon geographical locations. Discounts apply on all United, United Express, and UA code share flights operated by US Airways, US Airways Express and Air Canada. For more information, including details for international Attendees, visit:
http://www.labace.aero/attendees/travel.php

FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2004 NBAA AWARDS
NBAA is accepting nominations for its two most prestigious awards, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and the John P. "Jack" Doswell Award. All nominations packages are due to NBAA postmarked no later than February 15. Learn more about how to submit a nominations package at:
http://www.nbaa.org/awards

YOU CAN PROVIDE A VALUABLE COMMUNITY SERVICE
Corporate Angel Network arranges free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to treatment using the empty seats on corporate jets. Thanks to the generosity of 500 of America's finest corporations, Corporate Angel Network has arranged more than 14,000 flights since its founding in 1981. Your company can get involved too. To review a current list of cancer patient "rides needed," including city-to-city destinations and date range, visit:
http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/corporate/seats.html