| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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NBAA's Ed Bolen Sends Letter to Members on Business
Aviation's Best Practices, Strong Safety Record
Last week, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen sent a letter to Members outlining the products, services and guidance offered by the Association in
support of operational safety, and explaining some of the efforts NBAA has undertaken to advocate for business aviation in light of the string of
recent, high-profile general aviation accidents. Bolen's letter details the initiatives undertaken by NBAA to promote safety best practices, and
includes a sampling of statements made in news interviews in support of the safety record for business aviation. To view the letter, visit:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/membership/letters/bolen20050225.php
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Bolen Chairs Final Meeting of Part 135/125 Panel
The Part 135/125 Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), which is chaired by Ed Bolen and charged with updating certain Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) regulations, conducted its final meeting last week. Bolen reported that the ARC has come to agreement on its recommendations, and that the
committee must now begin writing a report outlining its proposals. To learn more about NBAA's work with the ARC, contact Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.
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NBAA Submits Comment on O'Hare Slot Program
Last week, NBAA submitted comment on the FAA's "show cause" notice to extend the flight-reduction and slot-reservation program through October 31 at
Chicago O'Hare International Airport. "NBAA is disappointed that circumstances have led the FAA to propose extending the slot reservation system for
Chicago O'Hare International Airport," wrote NBAA Director, Air Traffic Services and Infrastructure, Bob Lamond in a submission on behalf of the
Association. "NBAA believes that when short-term constraints such as slots are imposed, it should be through an administrative process negotiated
with airport users. NBAA continues to stay engaged in various government/industry forums to focus on adding capacity through technology and new
procedures that will in the future negate the need for restrictive programs such as are in place in Chicago. In addition, NBAA continues to support
the ongoing planning to reconfigure O'Hare runways in the future to add capacity. The Association remains committed to preserving and expanding
access for business aviation throughout the NAS on a non-discriminatory basis." To learn more, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org.
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NBAA To Meet With Sen. Allen To Discuss DCA Legislation for
GA
Early next week, Ed Bolen will meet with Sen. George Allen (R-VA) to discuss legislation introduced by Sen. Allen requiring the Departments of
Homeland Security and Transportation to re-open Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to general aviation. As Bolen noted when Allen
unveiled his bill on Feb. 17, "The introduction of the proposal by Senator Allen shows that, while this is a new congress, it remains focused on an
old issue: restoring access for general aviation to Washington National Airport. I look forward to working with Senator Allen and other congressional
leaders on legislation that allows general aviation operators to return to National Airport in a secure and reasonable manner." To learn more about
Sen. Allen's proposal, and NBAA's work to restore access for business aviation to DCA and other airports and airspace, contact Lisa Piccione at lpiccione@nbaa.org, or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/dca
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NBAA Meets With IRS and Treasury Department Staff on JOBS Act
Guidance
The JOBS Act of 2004, signed by the president last year, changed the deductions a company may take when there is personal use of the company
aircraft. While the legislation changed deductions, no IRS regulations exist to assist companies as they implement the change. At NBAA's request, IRS
and Treasury staff met with representatives from the business aviation industry to discuss this concern. While the IRS has not yet determined the
content of the guidance they will issue, Agency officials understand the need within the industry for this guidance. NBAA impressed upon IRS staff
that guidance must be easy for operators to comply with, preferably drawing upon existing IRS regulations that are well-understood by aircraft
operators. NBAA will continue to work with IRS and Treasury on this issue. Members in need of more information can contact NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org, or view the minutes from NBAA's meeting with the IRS and Treasury officials at:
http://www.nbaa.org/govt/jobs2004
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NBAA Unveils First in a Monthly Series of Articles:
'Additional Insured - Who Needs It?'
If you own or operate an aircraft, you may have been asked to name another party as an "additional insured" under your liability policy. An
additional insured is an entity that you (as the named insured and owner of the policy) either desire, or are required to extend a certain degree of
protection to under your liability policy. An endorsement to your policy is necessary to implement this change. What are the implications of having
an additional insured on your policy? NBAA's Tax Committee's Risk Management Working Group has written an article available on NBAA's web site
explaining the issues surrounding additional insured. This is the first in a monthly series of articles on aviation insurance topics relevant to the
business aviation industry. These issues will also be explored in detail at the NBAA Aviation Insurance and Financial Risk Management Seminar on
April 26, 2005 in Orlando, FL. For more information, contact NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org, or
visit:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/taxes/riskmgmt/200502.php
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Reduced Notification Requirements Announced for Business Aircraft Operators Flying Into Regional Airports in
Japan
Recently, the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, Japan, announced a reduction from ten to three days in the lead time required for notifying Japanese regional
airport officials for landings from overseas. NBAA worked closely with the Consulate and Japanese officials to improve access to the airports, and
the decision comes as part of a three-year Japanese government plan to promote regulatory reforms that support commerce and business investment.
Members planning travel to one of Japan's regional airports can learn more by contacting the U.S. Consulate in Japan at Stephen.Anderson@mail.doc.gov or NBAA's Bill Stine at bstine@nbaa.org.
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California Senator Sponsors Aviation Funding Bill
In order "to address airport security, safety, and capacity needs", as recommended by the California Transportation Commission, Senator Abel
Maldonado (R-15) recently introduced Senate Bill 335, which would transfer $15 million from the state's general fund to the aeronautics account. This
is largely an effort of NBAA and industry representatives and is an example of the strength of coalitions and of working together to educate
legislators on the needs of our airport infrastructure. Over the coming months, NBAA will continue to work with other parties in the coalition to
promote and secure passage for the bill. Those who have questions or wish to be involved should contact NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.
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MBAA to Hold Quarterly Meeting on March 3
The Massachusetts Business Aviation Association (MBAA) will hold its quarterly meeting on March 3, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM ET at the Lexington House,
located at 94 Hartwell Avenue, in Lexington, MA. The featured speaker will be Thomas J. Kinton, Director of Aviation, Massport who will speak on
Massport's strategy for Hanscom Field (BED). For more information, contact Doreen Simonelli at (617) 561-2503 or Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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Space City Chapter for Women in Aviation To Host FAA Presentation on New Pilot's License on Mar. 15
The Women in Aviation Space City Chapter will host a presentation on March 15 to discuss a new type of pilot's license created by the FAA and called
a Sport Pilot's License. The license is issued to individuals who can no longer pass the regular flight medical exam. FAA representative Paul Downs
will provide information about the license, including who is eligible and what the license does and does not allow pilots to do. For more
information, contact NBAA's Paul Smith at psmith@nbaa.org.
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KC-Area Aviation Officials Consider Brief Closures During MKC Construction
The Kansas City Aviation Department is considering brief closures of Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) for the first two consecutive weekends
in March to accommodate construction related to the extension of Runway 1-19, which is part of an overall improvement plan for the airport. A
temporary taxiway will be built to accommodate traffic when construction on Runway 1-19 gets underway on March 28th. The location of the taxiway, and
the later construction work performed on Runway 1-19, may require complete closure of the airport over the two weekends, except to rotorcraft. It is
expected that a closure schedule, if necessary, will be communicated to airport tenants and users before the close of business today, February 28th.
Those with questions should contact the Airport Manager's Office at (816) 471-4946 or NBAA's John Balsiger at jbalsiger@nbaa.org.
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2005 Flying Safety Awards Applications Due Tomorrow
The NBAA Flying Safety Awards exemplify NBAA's focus on aviation safety, and are demonstrative of the high degree of professionalism inherent in safe
business aircraft operations. The awards have brought worldwide attention to the safety record for business aircraft and have been endorsed by the
National Safety Council. All applications for the 2005 Awards must be postmarked no later than tomorrow, March 1. For more information or to download
applications, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/safetyawards
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NBAA Leadership Conference This Week in Miami Lakes, FL
"Survive and Thrive-Proactive Leadership in a Reactive World" is the theme for this year's NBAA Leadership Conference, scheduled for March 1-2, 2005,
at Don Shula's Hotel in Miami Lakes, FL. More than 100 attendees are signed up for this year's event, which will feature Dr. Peter Diamandis, the
founder of the X-Prize Foundation, as the opening speaker. Conference sessions will focus on proactive conflict management, change leadership,
security and other topics designed to provide valuable insights into real-world management and leadership issues. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/leadership/2005
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NBAA International Operators' Conference to be Held Mar 13-15 in Colorado
Springs, CO
The 32nd Annual International Operator's Conference (IOC) will be held at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, CO, from Sunday, March 13 -
Thursday, March 17, 2005. As one of NBAA's premier conferences, the IOC showcases informational sessions on key regional and operational issues
provided by business aviation's leading international authorities. A full agenda and registration information are available at:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/ioc/2005
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Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Scholarship
Application Due April 1
NBAA's Flight Attendants Committee is dedicated to promoting education and training as a means for corporate flight attendants and flight technicians
to enhance their professional careers. NBAA, in conjunction with 18 corporate sponsors, this year offers a total of 41 awards to aspiring and current
flight attendants and flight technicians. The deadline to submit the 2005 application is April 1. For more information or to download an application,
visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/education/scholarships/fltatt
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Call for Nominations: 2005 European Business Aviation
Awards Due Mar. 15
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 to focus exclusively
on business aviation. This year, nominations are due by March 15. For more information about EBACE2005, which will be held May 18 through 20 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/2005/20050114-003.php
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Exhibitors Welcome at 50th Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar Apr.
26-28 in Orlando, FL
The annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar is presented jointly by the Flight Safety Foundation and NBAA, and is recognized as the premier forum
for discussion and exchange of safety information for corporate and business aviation operators. Each seminar presentation aims to deliver specific
information that can be applied directly to corporate and business operations. The annual event attracts people from around the world who are
directly involved in corporate flight operational safety; last year's seminar had a record-breaking 350 people in attendance, and more than 30
exhibitors present. NBAA expects to exceed that turnout for 2005, and exhibitors are again invited to participate in this year's event. To learn
more, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/cass/2005
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NBAA Leadership Conference
March 1–2, Miami Lakes, FL
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NBAA PDP Course: Management Control Procedures
March 3, Miami Lakes, FL
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NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Examination
March 3, Miami Lakes, FL
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
March 10, Teterboro, NJ
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NBAA 32nd Annual International Operators Conference
March 14–17, Colorado Springs, CO
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LABACE2005
March 31–April 2, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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NBAA Maintenance Management Conference
April 10–13, Colorado Springs, CO
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NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Examination
April 14, Colorado Springs, CO
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NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum
April 21, Farmingdale, NY
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NBAA Aviation Insurance & Financial Risk Management Seminar
April 26, Orlando, FL
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FSF/NBAA Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar
April 26–28, Orlando, FL
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Review the Full NBAA Events Calendar
http://www.nbaa.org/events
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Review Future NBAA Convention Dates
http://www.nbaa.org/conventions/futuresites.htm
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