| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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As User Fee Debate Heats Up, GA Groups Announce FAA
Funding Principles
On March 8, NBAA hosted a media conference call with other leading general aviation (GA) associations to unveil unified principles for the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport and Airway Trust Fund reauthorization, including the retention of congressional oversight, development of a
modernization and investment plan, and rejection of a user fee funding scheme in lieu of the current fuel tax system. The announcement by the
presidents of NBAA, General Aviation Manufacturers Association and National Air Transportation Association came as the largest airlines' trade
association formally launched a massive campaign to persuade Congress to follow its formula for FAA funding. Review the press release, which includes
links to the guiding principles and a recorded online playback of the media conference, at:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2006/20060308-009.php
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Mineta Remarks on User Fees Prompt Confusion
Recent remarks by Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta have prompted confusion among general aviation groups about whether the
Administration's forthcoming reauthorization plan for the FAA includes user fees for general aviation. Speaking before a congressional committee
hearing, Mineta told committee members that the plan, which is currently being considered by the Office of Management and Budget, "has no user fees
imposed on GA." However, shortly after the hearing, a DOT official said Mineta's remarks referred to recreational pilots. To learn more, contact
NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
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EBACE2006 Poised to Be a Record-Breaker; 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, 1,183 3-meter by 3-meter booth spaces already have been reserved by 270 companies, compared to the 878 total booths at last
year's event. The number of exhibit booths has grown 39 percent since last year and 150 percent since the event's founding in 2001. Indoor exhibit
booth space is sold out; however, a waitlist has been started should additional space become available. Companies interested in being placed on the
waitlist should contact NBAA's Linda Peters at (202) 783-9368 or lpeters@nbaa.org. More than 50 business
aircraft will be located on the Static Display at Geneva International Airport, where additional space already has been secured. For full event
details, visit the official EBACE web site at:
http://www.ebace.aero
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2006 National General Aviation Award Winners Announced
Each year, the General Aviation Awards Program and FAA recognize aviation professionals for their contributions to aviation safety and education.
This awards program is a cooperative effort between the FAA and a dozen industry sponsors, including NBAA. The 2006 award winners are: Richard L.
Stowell of Ventura, CA, certificated flight instructor of the year; Eugene C. Hudson of Mission Hills, CA, aviation safety counselor of the year;
Joseph C. Hawkins of Murfreesboro, TN, aviation maintenance technician of the year; and, Terry D. Markovich of Bedminster, NJ, avionics technician of
the year. FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey will present these awards in July during EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, WI. NBAA congratulates these
winners for their contributions to aviation safety and education. For more information, contact Alexander Hill at (303) 485-8136 or GenAviationAwds@aol.com.
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When Is an SIC Type Rating Required?
The second-in-command (SIC) type rating requirement has been in effect since September 6, 2005. Pilots who plan to fly outside U.S. airspace and land
in foreign countries, and who are acting as second-in-command of an aircraft certificated for operations with a minimum flightcrew of at least two
pilots, must obtain an SIC pilot type rating. Pilots must comply with this requirement by June 6, 2006. Pilots may find a copy of the rule,
background information and the procedures for getting an SIC type rating on the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/sic
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Did You Know? Facts About the Next Sunspot Cycle
Predicting the sun's cycles helps plan for active bouts of solar storms, which can disrupt aircraft communications and satellite functions. The next
sunspot cycle will be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the last one and will begin as much as a year late, according to a breakthrough forecast using a
computer model of solar dynamics developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The next solar cycle, known as Cycle 24, will
produce sunspots across an area slightly larger than 2.5 percent of the visible surface of the sun. The scientists expect the cycle to begin in late
2007 or early 2008 and reach its peak by about 2012. For more information, view the NCAR press release at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/cns/sunspots200603.php
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International Operators to Meet in Tampa Next Week
Hosted by the Association's International Operators Committee, the NBAA 33rd Annual International Operators Conference will be held March 20 through
23 in Tampa, FL. 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. Full Conference details are available online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/ioc/2006
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NBAA Opposes New Jersey Bill That Would Expand
Air Transportation Tax
A New Jersey sales tax bill (S. 288) introduced this legislative session has prompted opposition from the business aviation community. The measure,
introduced by the Senate majority leader, would extend the state's 6-percent sales tax to air commerce or air transportation services that "originate
and terminate" in the state. There is no wording in the bill to limit the extension only to scheduled services or to define what is meant by
"originate and terminate." NBAA strongly opposes the legislation, which would substantially increase the cost of commercial air transportation and
drive consumers away from flights provided by local operators. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org or Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org, or download the
legislation in PDF format at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/taxes/state/nj/Senate288_2006.pdf
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San Diego Group Meeting This Wednesday to Focus on Local Issues
The San Diego Regional Aviation Association (SDRAA) meeting planned for this Wednesday, March 15, will feature Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem Matt Hall, who
will address issues concerning the City of Carlsbad and Palomar-McClellan Airport (CRQ). An airport ally, Councilman Hall is a candidate for mayor
and seeks support from CRQ's aviation community. In other news, SDRAA seeks nominations for its board and encourages its members to utilize NBAA's
Contact Congress resource (available at http://www.nbaa.org/action) to oppose user fees for general
aviation. The meeting, which will include a complimentary lunch, will be held at 12:00 noon, 5934 Priestly Dr., Carlsbad, CA. For additional
information, contact SDRAA's Dave Richter at drichter@sdraa.com or NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.
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Dulles Customer Group to Hold ATC Open Forum on Mar. 22
Operators are invited to meet from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 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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2006 NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey Underway
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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NBAA Announces 2006 International Operators Scholarship Winners
NBAA and its International Operators Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2006 International Operators Scholarship, sponsored by
ExxonMobil Aviation and the Avitats. Selected from a highly competitive field, the winners are Gabe Langenderfer, a pilot with Presrite Corp. in
Cleveland, OH, and Stephanie Henderson, a student pursuing her bachelor's degree in aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Since 2002, NBAA and ExxonMobil and the Avitats have offered this scholarship to provide training for those who are involved or wish to become
involved in international business aircraft operations in any capacity. The winners will be recognized during the NBAA 33rd Annual International
Operators Conference, to be held in Tampa from March 20 to 23. Conference details are online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/ioc/2006
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Maintenance Management Conference Comes to Dallas Next Month
At the 2006 NBAA Maintenance Management Conference, to be held April 18 and 19 in Dallas, TX, business aviation maintenance personnel will receive
the most up-to-date information on issues directly related to their roles in the flight department. 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. In addition to the Conference, two seminars will be
offered on April 20: NBAA's Maintenance Manual Workshop and Professional Development Program (PDP) Course on Applied Economics and Marketing
(separate fees required). For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/mmc/200604
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Learn to Support the Corporate Mission at Safety Seminar, May 9-
11
The Flight Safety Foundation/NBAA 51st Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar (CASS), themed "Supporting the Corporate Mission," will be held May 9
to 11 in Phoenix, AZ. With more than 300 business aviation operators expected, CASS is the industry's premier business aviation safety event,
featuring presentations by leaders of industry, operators and users, government officials and university researchers. Sessions will be held on topics
such as operational risk management, safety culture, aviation maintenance safety system, hangar safety, ground accident prevention, hypoxia
awareness, corporate flight operation quality assurance, human factors and more. Other highlights include appearances by FSF President and CEO Stuart
Matthews and NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, and the presentation of the FSF Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award. For more information or to
register, visit:
http://www.flightsafety.org/seminars.html#cass
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San Francisco Seminar to Focus on Business Aviation Tax Issues, Jun.
2
Companies must be vigilant in their tax planning and compliance, including tax issues related to business aircraft. To ensure a proper structure and
maximum benefit for the aircraft owner, tax planning must be balanced with the Federal Aviation Regulations. To address these issues, NBAA announces
a Business Aviation Taxes Forum to be held June 2 in San Francisco, CA. Hosted by the NBAA Tax Committee, this seminar is designed to provide an
intermediate-to-advanced overview and discussion of a variety of tax and related issues affecting business aircraft ownership and operations.
Substantial time has been allocated for in-depth presentation and discussion about non-business use of employer-provided aircraft, including
legislative and regulatory developments. To access the preliminary agenda and online registration, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/fedtax/20060602
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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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Business Aviation Taxes 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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4th Annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE2006)
August 10–12, 2006, São Paulo, Brazil
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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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