| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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Ed Bolen Represents General Aviation in Opposing User Fees
at FAA Forum
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen underscored the flaws in user-fee-based aviation systems during a panel discussion held last week focusing on the
forthcoming reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will determine how the Agency is funded and potentially governed
over the next five years. The panel, which was held amidst the FAA's Annual Forecast Conference, featured participants from government and industry
alike. Bolen noted that user fee systems require a large bureaucracy to administer; they are costly for operators (especially in general aviation);
and they are unstable in economic downturns, requiring government bailouts or fee increases just when industry is least able to afford them. NBAA
continues to urge Members who have not yet contacted their federal officials in opposition to user fees to do so by visiting:
http://www.nbaa.org/govt/action/?ISSUE=nbaa0005
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2006 NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey Now Online
The NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey was developed to help NBAA Member Representatives and their company salary administrators
evaluate their flight departments by providing a comprehensive review of aviation department personnel salaries and operational data. The 2006
edition of this survey is now underway, and all NBAA Member Representatives for companies that operate aircraft are eligible to participate.
Participants will receive free online access to survey results once compiled. For more information, contact NBAA's Sarah Dicke at sdicke@nbaa.org or visit:
https://secure.nbaa.org/member/ops/cbs
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EBACE2006 Booth Total Already Surpasses Last Year's Final Number
More than 9,000 Attendees are expected for the 6th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2006) to be held May 3 through
5 in Geneva. To date, 1,167 exhibit booths already have been reserved by hundreds of companies, compared to the 878 total booths at last year's
event. More than 50 business aircraft will be located on the Static Display at Geneva International Airport, where additional space has been secured.
During EBACE2006, the only exhibition to focus exclusively on business aviation in Europe, Attendees will have the opportunity to examine
state-of-the-art equipment first-hand and speak directly to EASA, Eurocontrol, European Commission and FAA representatives. For agenda, registration
and other details, visit the official EBACE web site at:
http://www.ebace.aero
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NBAA Welcomes New ICAO Leadership
The past few weeks have marked several significant leadership changes at the International Civil Aviation Organization, based in Montreal. After
nearly 30 years as ICAO Council president, Dr. Assad Kotaite has announced his retirement, effective July 2006. The Council has elected Mexico's
Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez as its new president and Algeria's Dr. Taieb Cherif as secretary general. In addition, the U.S. Congress has approved the
Administration's appointment of Don Bliss as the U.S. member of the ICAO Council. For a summary of recent ICAO developments and links to ICAO press
releases, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/icao20060306.php
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FAA Releases Video Briefing on New ATC Initiative, Airspace Flow
Programs
Since January 2006, NBAA has been regularly updating Members to prepare them for the new Airspace Flow Program (AFP) initiative that will be
introduced during the upcoming severe weather season. This week the FAA also released an AFP training video, Principles of Airspace Flow
Programs. Operators are encouraged to review the general AFP information available at http://www.nbaa.org/afp prior to watching the video, as the video is technical in nature. This video assumes that
the audience is familiar with severe weather avoidance plan issues and also has a good working knowledge of traffic flow management terms. Future
issues of the NBAA Update will provide details about a soon-to-be-released Advisory Circular and other training materials. Send AFP questions
and feedback to NBAA's Jo Damato at jdamato@nbaa.org. Access the new AFP training video online at:
http://www.fly.faa.gov/What_s_New/what_s_new.jsp
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Severe Weather Season Domestic Forecast Product Available
Operators are encouraged to incorporate viewing of the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) into their preflight planning during severe
weather season. The CCFP is a weather product developed with combined customer and FAA meteorologist input. It is produced multiple times daily
throughout the severe weather season starting on March 1 and continuing through October annually. The CCFP is the leading weather product used by FAA
traffic managers in implementing traffic flow initiatives in the National Airspace System. View the CCFP at http://aviationweather.gov/products/ccfp/. For more information on this and other traffic flow
management products, view the Traffic Management for Flight Ops Personnel briefing at:
http://www.fly.faa.gov/Products/products.jsp
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International Operators Conference Starts in Two Weeks
Hosted by the Association's International Operators Committee, the NBAA 33rd Annual International Operators Conference will be held March 20-23 at
the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina in Florida. This four-day event offers valuable information on virtually every issue that challenges a
flight department involved in international operations. Experts from around the world will provide insight on topics ranging from flight planning and
navigational systems to security and medical issues. For full Conference details, to make hotel reservations or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/ioc/2006/
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Local Business Aviation Organization Efforts Make a Difference
NBAA applauds its Local Business Aviation Organization Committee and regional business aviation groups based nationwide for their recent efforts in
contacting their congressional representatives about the controversial user fee issue. On February 15, Committee Chairman Jim Ladd requested that
each local organization's leadership call their members to action by using NBAA's Contact Congress resource to express opposition to user fees as a
funding mechanism for the FAA. NBAA believes that local activism is critical to ensuring general aviation access to airports and the National
Airspace System, and it urges members of regional business aviation associations to utilize the Contact Congress web site, available at:
http://www.nbaa.org/action
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Where Can I Find a Business Aviation Group in My Area?
Local business aviation organizations facilitate both regional and nationwide communication among business aviation professionals. These independent
organizations promote the safety, efficiency and acceptance of business aviation in their home communities as well as provide useful guidance for
NBAA Standing Committees. Access and activism are local in nature and NBAA encourages Members to get involved with a regional business aviation
association in their area. Operators may find links to existing groups and meeting dates, as well as contact information for NBAA Regional
Representatives, on the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/adm/regional
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Dallas Regional Forum to Address Hot Topics in Business Aviation,
Apr. 13
NBAA's next Business Aviation Regional Forum is planned for Thursday, April 13, in Dallas, TX. This day-long learning and networking experience is
designed to meet the needs of the regional business aviation community, and to provide an introduction to local business leaders interested in
learning more about business aviation. The Dallas Regional Forum will feature approximately 30 static aircraft, 50 Exhibitors and hundreds of
Attendees. It also will feature sessions on "business aviation today"; managing distractions in the cockpit; aircraft acquisition, ownership and
leasing; and very light jets (VLJs), including an update on the Eclipse 500 program. For more information or to register online, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/forums/20060413/
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Piccione to Speak Tomorrow at Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium
The Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium, which started March 5, will be held until March 7 at the Ramkota Inn in Bismarck, ND. This event provides
educational sessions, aviation vendors and static displays of interest to pilots, operators, FBOs, airport managers and aviation students. A
highlight of the event will be an awards banquet and North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame Induction, and keynote speakers will include NBAA Vice
President, Government Affairs Lisa Piccione, who will speak at the luncheon on March 7. For more information, visit http://www.ndac.aero/umas.htm or contact NBAA's Paul H. Smith at psmith@nbaa.org.
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New York Group to Host Aviation Advocacy Day, Mar. 7
The New York Aviation Management Association will host its annual Aviation Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event
brings aviation professionals and state legislators together at the State Legislative Office Building in Albany as a means to promote aviation and
bring about a better understanding regarding the needs of the aviation industry. The exemption of a state sales tax on aviation parts and repairs is
due, in part, through relations established during past Aviation Advocacy Days. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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Iowa Airports Reception to Feature Piccione Presentation, Mar. 8
The Iowa Public Airports Association (IPAA) will host its annual Day at the Capitol from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 in Room 116 of
the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. This event allows Iowa elected officials to meet with representatives of the state's airports and
aviation community and discuss public policy issues. NBAA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Lisa Piccione will give a brief presentation at
12:15 p.m., and NBAA also will sponsor a light lunch. For more information, visit the IPAA web site at http://www.iowaairports.org/legislateupdt.htm or contact NBAA's John Balsiger at jbalsiger@nbaa.org.
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North Florida Group to Hold Luncheon Meeting on Mar. 8
Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) Chairwoman Mary Burnett will be the guest speaker at the North Florida Business Aviation Association (NFBAA)
luncheon meeting to be held at 12:00 noon on March 8 in the SheltAir Aviation FBO on Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The JAA operates four
airports, including JAX, Craig Municipal Airport (CRG), Herlong Airport (HEG) and Cecil Field (VQQ). To RSVP, contact NFBAA's Pat Mulvihill at pmulvihill@aerospaceinvestments.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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NBAA to Address Grassroots Efforts During Connecticut Meeting, Mar. 13
At the Connecticut Business Aviation Group meeting to be held on Monday, March 13, NBAA Director of Government Affairs Dick Doubrava will discuss the
hot aviation legislation topics facing NBAA, including how the Association has engaged Capitol Hill and is working to improve local participation. He
also will discuss the importance of grassroots efforts at the local, state and federal levels. The meeting will be held at Dorio's, 231 Bank St.,
Waterbury, CT, starting at 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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Dulles Customer Group to Hold ATC Open Forum on Mar. 22
Operators are invited to meet with representatives of Dulles Tower, Potomac TRACON and Washington Center to discuss ATC matters in the Washington,
DC, area. Questions for the ATC participants may be e-mailed in advance to Potomac TRACON's Jim Bedow at james.c.bedow@faa.gov, with "IAD ATC and Customer Forum" in the subject line. The forum will be held at the
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Conference Room A/B, located on the east end of the baggage claim level in the main terminal of Dulles
International Airport (IAD). Lunch will be provided by Landmark Aviation and NBAA. To RSVP or for more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at
hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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Georgia Group to Host ATC Briefing at Meeting on Mar. 29
The Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) will hold a luncheon meeting and ATC briefing from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on March 29 at the
Bellsouth Hangar, Fulton County Airport (FTY), Atlanta. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with FAA representatives from the Atlanta TRACON
and East Coast tactical operations managers. To RSVP and submit questions for briefing participants in advance, send an e-mail to Jeff Agur at jagur@vanallen.com with "GBAA ATC Meeting" in the subject line. For more information, visit the GBAA web site at
http://www.gbaa.org or contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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Call for Nominations: 2006 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 to focus exclusively
on business aviation. This year nominations are due by March 31. For more information about EBACE2006, which will be held May 3 through 5 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.ebace.com/welcome/pressroom/20060306.php
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Eclipse's Mike McConnell to Speak at Maintenance Management
Conference
The 2006 NBAA Maintenance Management Conference will be held April 18 and 19 in Dallas, TX, in conjunction with two events on April 20, a Maintenance
Manual Workshop and a Professional Development Program (PDP) Course on Applied Economics. The NBAA Maintenance Management Conference provides
business aviation maintenance personnel with the most up-to-date information on issues directly related to their roles in their corporate flight
departments. Keynote speakers for this event are NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and Eclipse Aviation Vice President of Sales and Product Support
Mike McConnell, who has more than 15 years of management experience in the high-tech industry, including stints at Mooney Aircraft and Dell Computer.
Registration and agenda details for this event are now online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/mmc/200604/
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PDP Review Committee Evaluates Course Offerings
The Professional Development Program (PDP) Review Committee met at NBAA Headquarters last week to review 14 courses. Results from the meeting will be
announced in April. NBAA's Professional Development Program was developed to prepare business aviation professionals for management roles within
business aviation flight departments. Through the work of its PDP Review Committee, NBAA recognizes educational providers by approving courses that
meet defined PDP objectives. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/photos/20060228/
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Leadership Conference Photos Now Online
Photos depicting some key moments from the NBAA Leadership Conference, held February 22 to 23 in Dallas, TX, are now online. More than 180 people
attended this event, which is designed to help current and aspiring aviation managers lead and manage more effectively. View the photos at:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/photos/20060222
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33rd Annual International Operators Conference
March 20–23, 2006, Tampa, FL
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
March 30, 2006, St. Louis, MO
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
April 13, 2006, Dallas, TX
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Maintenance Management Conference
April 17–19, 2006, Dallas, TX
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Maintenance Manual Workshop
April 20, 2006, Dallas, TX
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Professional Development Program Course: Applied Economics and Marketing
April 20, 2006, Dallas, TX
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6th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2006)
May 3–5, 2006, Geneva, Switzerland
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FSF/NBAA 51st Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar
May 9–11, 2006, Phoenix, AZ
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Federal Tax Forum
June 2, 2006, San Francisco, CA
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
June 8, 2006, Washington, DC
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
June 9, Washington, DC
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11th Annual Flight Attendants Conference
June 23–24, 2006, Denver, CO
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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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