NBAA Update Archive
NBAA Update #04-15
Monday, April 12, 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 REQUESTS
MEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH
On April 7, NBAA Board Vice Chairman Ken Emerick requested Member advice and counsel regarding
the Association's search for a new president and CEO. "We would like to pursue an accelerated,
open process as we conduct the search for the next NBAA president and chief executive officer,"
said Emerick. "Consequently, I am asking that NBAA Members provide recommendations to
the Search Committee in the form of qualifications or nominations for the position."
To recommend qualifications or nominations for the position send an e-mail to kemerick@nbaa.org
or complete the online form at http://www.nbaa.org/next.
For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040407-023.php
LABACE2004 OPENS THIS THURSDAY
IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
The 2nd Annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE2004) will
open this Thursday, April 15 at the Transamérica Expo Center in São Paulo with
an Opening General Session featuring keynote speakers Anderson Markiewicz, Associação
Brasileira de Aviação Geral (ABAG) chairman, and Robert P. Blouin, NBAA senior
vice president, operations. As of April 7, LABACE2004 had registered 211 booth spaces from
92 business aviation products and services Exhibitors, an increase over 2003's event, which
featured 204 booths from 88 Exhibitors. More than 3,500 Attendees are expected for the three-day
Show. For more information, visit:
http://www.labace.aero
PART 135 OPERATORS MUST USE
UNIQUE APIS CARRIER CODES BY TOMORROW
By Tuesday, April 13, air carriers will be required to use unique carrier codes when electronically
transmitting Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) APIS data to Customs & Border
Protection (CBP). NBAA's APIS Submission Service has been modified to allow for the use of
APIS Carrier Codes. The change is required by new Security Directives and Emergency Amendments
requiring carriers to electronically provide a master crew list (MCL) and crew manifest data
to the TSA. If an operator has an IATA code, that code must be used. Otherwise, carriers must
obtain an APIS Carrier Code from CBP. CBP requires approximately two to three business days
to process APIS Registration Form requests. Part 91 operations are not subject to MCL or APIS
requirements. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/apis
NBAA
PARTICIPATES IN COMMITTEE ADDRESSING FUTURE AIR NAVIGATION
Last week NBAA attended the first meeting of the Performance-Based Operations Aviation Rulemaking
Committee (PARC). Rather than rely on traditional ground-based navigation aids, operators
who can reliably fix their aircraft position using specified performance requirements eventually
will be able to navigate using satellite-based navigation aids and equipment already existing
on the aircraft. Among other benefits, this allows for new procedures to be developed that
will increase safety, improve airport access in all weather conditions, and reduce delays
at airports in certain dense airspace areas. This effort continues the transition away from
ground-based navigation systems in the NAS. NBAA is pleased to participate on the PARC to
provide input for implementing performance-based airspace operations. For more information,
contact NBAA's Berty Damato at bdamato@nbaa.org or download
a PDF file at:
http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/afs400/RNProadmap.pdf
EUROCONTROL
REQUIRING RVSM HEIGHTKEEPING VALIDATION EVERY TWO YEARS
Many NBAA Members have received a notice from the Eurocontrol RVSM Height Monitoring office
noting that it has been over 24 months since the company's aircraft has been monitored. The
notice also requests that a height monitoring flight be scheduled during or before the company's
next flight into the European Union. Although a GMU flight may be accomplished in the United
States beforehand, it also is permissible to schedule an overflight to take place during an
upcoming EU trip, if more convenient. The latter may be arranged by contacting Bryan Jolly
at +32-2-729-3785 or bryan.jolly@eurocontrol.int. For more information, visit http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm
or http://www.ecacnav.com/rvsm/default.htm,
or download a PDF file from the NBAA web site at:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/cns/rvsm/EURMonitor20040329.pdf
UPDATED NBAA STATE AVIATION
TAX REPORT NOW ONLINE
NBAA's Tax Committee is pleased to announce that an updated version of the NBAA State Aviation
Tax Report is now available online. This document provides an overview of state and local
taxes on business aircraft ownership and operations. Items reviewed include: sales and use
tax, personal property tax, registration fees and state fuel taxes. Citations to tax codes
and state taxation contact information provide an excellent resource for further information.
NBAA Members are encouraged to keep NBAA abreast of any state or local tax initiatives. To
provide updates and legislative initiatives on aviation taxes, contact NBAA's Mike Nichols
at mnichols@nbaa.org. Members may download this publication in PDF format at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/taxes/state
FAA ISSUES FINAL
RULE REGARDING SECURITY CONTROL OF AIR TRAFFIC
The FAA has issued a final rule that reorganizes the agency's regulations governing the security
control of air traffic (FAR Part 99). The FAA said this was necessary "to reflect the
changing environment and the increased role of [other] Federal agencies in advising the FAA
about matters related to the security of air traffic operations...." The FAA issued the
rule, which is effective on April 29, without seeking public comment "because the changes
are minor and for the most part non-substantive." NBAA believes that the revisions, which
include modifying the definitions of air defense identification zones and defense visual flight
rules, will have only minor operational impact on business aviation. For more information
about security issues, visit the NBAA Security web page at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security
FAA DEVELOPS
TOOL TO PREDICT IN-FLIGHT ICING
Using the new, web-based Forecast Icing Tool, aviation meteorologists and airline dispatchers
can warn pilots about icing hazards up to 12 hours in advance. In-flight icing is most hazardous
to private pilots and air taxi and commuter aircraft operators flying at lower altitudes.
Those aircraft may not have sophisticated wing-deicing equipment used by larger commercial
aircraft. The FAA tool provides a high-tech color weather map and/or a flight route display
of icing potential at flight levels from 3,000 to 18,000 feet. The user can select forecast
times from three-, six-, nine-, and twelve-hour intervals to plan safe routes of travel. All
FAA-developed weather tools, operated by the National Weather Service, are publicly available
online at:
http://adds.aviationweather.gov/icing
WESTCHESTER AVIATION ASSN. ADDRESSES ISSUE OF LOCKING WHEEL
CHOCKS
White Plains, NY's Westchester Aviation Association (WAA), with input from NBAA and AOPA,
successfully addressed the issue of locking wheel chocks at Westchester County Airport (HPN)
with the County. Initially, the County's requirement was for any aircraft parked for 30 minutes
or more to be chocked. Although several alternatives were presented to locking wheel chocks,
the County insisted on their use when aircraft are unattended and are: (1) not attached to
a tow bar with torque link disconnected, (2) blocked by a vehicle or other aircraft, or (3)
parked nose-in to a building or other obstruction. Ultimately, WAA successfully convinced
the County that locking wheel chocks should not be required until two hours after an aircraft
has arrived or two hours prior to departure. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier
at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
REVISED FAA STATEMENT UNDERSCORES NEED FOR NEW RUNWAYS
AT MSY
The FAA has revised the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared for proposed new
runways at New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The move is being made to provide "the
long-term option of taking steps necessary to protect a site for a new air carrier runway."
The EIS also will consider the option of building a new airport. The FAA said that the existing
7,000-foot-long Runway 1/19 does not provide full instrument capabilities, and it is not feasible
to extend it because of its proximity to an access road. The proposed new 8,000-foot runway
would provide additional capacity, especially during low-visibility conditions. In addition,
the conversion of Taxiway G to a runway would provide general aviation with a 6,731-foot landing
strip. For more information, contact FAA's Joyce M. Porter at (817) 222-5640.
AVOID TRAVEL DELAYS IN VIRGINIA
Martinsville, VA's Blue Ridge Airport (MTV) will be busier than usual from Thursday, April
15 to Sunday, April 18 in conjunction with Sunday's NASCAR race at Martinsville Motor Speedway.
Be prepared for congestion along the airways, especially approach/departure control for the
MTV area, and on the ground at MTV. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
FAA
PROPOSES ALASKAN TACAN DECOMMISSIONINGS
The FAA has proposed decommissioning nine Alaskan TACANs at Barrow, Bettles, Deadhorse, Gulkana,
Homer, Nome, Johnstone Point, Unalakleet and Yakutat. The FAA requests public input on this
topic. For more information, contact FAA's Robert van Haastert at (907) 271-5863 or visit:
http://www.alaska.faa.gov/at/notices/tacan-decommissioning.htm
NBAA RECOGNIZES TFE731
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
NBAA and Honeywell Engines recognize John Ackerman and Greg Kuta for their years of service
to the TFE731 Subcommittee of NBAA's Technical Committee. Ackerman of Atlantic Aero served
for 30 years, and Kuta of Eaton Corp. served for 20 years. The NBAA Technical Committee obtains
and evaluates data concerning aircraft, aircraft equipment, operations and maintenance problems
relative to the business aircraft owner and pilot. For more information, contact NBAA's Eli
Cotti at ecotti@nbaa.org or visit the NBAA Technical
Committee web page at:
http://www.nbaa.org/about/committees/tech
CORPORATE
AVIATION SAFETY SEMINAR SET FOR APR. 27-29 IN TUCSON
Held annually in North America, the Flight Safety Foundation /NBAA Corporate Aviation Safety
Seminar was initiated in 1955 to provide a forum for discussion and review of safety matters
that are the focus of the business aviation community. Three hundred or more representatives
of business operators are expected to attend the CASS this April 27 to 29 in Tucson, AZ, including
leaders of industry, operators and users, government officials and university researchers.
For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.flightsafety.org/seminars.html#cass
AVIATION INSURANCE:
HANGAR RASH AND OTHER AIRCRAFT MISHAPS
Who is responsible when an FBO's line staff technician dings your wing? Will your insurance
pay a claim if your aircraft is damaged by a negligent hangar landlord? Should the aircraft's
pilots sign the hold harmless agreement the airport manager provided to them upon landing?
Interpreting your aircraft insurance policy and managing the financial risk of aircraft ownership
and operations can be complex and intimidating. Working with your broker and knowing your
policy coverage and limits will ensure you are prepared in the event of a mishap. NBAA's Aviation
Insurance and Financial Risk Management Seminar on April 27 in Tucson, AZ, will get you on
the right path. This is the last time this Seminar will be offered in 2004. To register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/riskmgmt/20040427
APPLICATIONS DUE
THIS WEDNESDAY FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANT SCHOLARSHIP
Applications for the 2004 Flight Attendant/Flight Technician Scholarship, one of nine scholarships
offered by NBAA, are due April 15. To review the full list of awards or download an application
form, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/scholarships
CALL FOR
NOMINATIONS: FSF ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS
The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) annual safety awards program recognizes individual and
group achievements in aviation safety. Recipients of these prestigious international awards
are selected by independent selection boards from among candidates nominated by aviation professionals
and organizations worldwide. NBAA Members are invited to submit a nomination for these important
awards online via the FSF web site. The award ceremony will be held at the 57th annual International
Air Safety Seminar in Shanghai, China on Wednesday, November 17, with more than 550 guests
in attendance. To learn more, contact FSF at membership@flightsafety.org
or visit:
http://www.flightsafety.org/awards.html
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
