| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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NBAA Rebuts USA Today Endorsement for White
House Aviation Budget
An opinion piece by NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, published in the February 7 edition of USA Today, counters an editorial from the
newspaper that casts support for the Bush Administration's budget proposal for aviation. "For the giant airlines, Valentine's Day comes early this
year," Bolen's opinion piece states. "The president's budget, released Monday, is a sweetheart deal for the airlines. It would give them a massive
tax cut, to be paid for largely by a 'general aviation' industry that serves many of the nation's small and midsized businesses and their
communities." Last week, Bolen renounced the White House budget proposal as a "toxic mix of higher taxes, new fees and airline control." As expected,
the budget proposes to introduce user fees and raise taxes for general aviation. To review Bolen's opinion piece and other statements, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/letters/USAToday20070207.php
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Sensationalist Local News Story Stokes General Aviation
Security Concerns
Earlier this month, a television news affiliate in Houston, Texas, aired a sensationalistic story designed to portray general aviation as vulnerable
to terrorist threats. NBAA requested an on-camera interview to bring balance and context to the story, but the Association's request was denied. As
expected, the story has helped to stoke concerns about general aviation security in Washington policymaking circles. NBAA will continue to remind
regulators and members of Congress that business aircraft operators have historically provided one of the safest and most secure transportation
options available, and have taken a number of steps since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to harden general aviation from terrorist threats. NBAA
encourages Members to review the NBAA Best Practices for Business Aviation Security to help ensure the best possible security for aircraft
both at and away from home base. For more information about post-9/11 security measures for the general aviation community, or to review NBAA's list
of security best practices, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/bestpractices
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Highlights From ABACE2007 Available Online
The second Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2007) was held last week at AsiaWorld Expo Convention Center located on the
perimeter of Hong Kong International Airport. "It truly was a superb venue with indoor Exhibits and Information Sessions located in AsiaWorld Expo, a
short bus ride from the Static Display of Aircraft at Hong Kong Business Aviation Center", said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The proximity of
the two facilities made it very convenient for Attendees and Exhibitors to access all that ABACE had to offer." ABACE2007 closed with more than 2,200
registered Attendees, 65 indoor Exhibitors and 12 aircraft on Static Display, making it the largest business aviation event in the region. An ABACE
photo gallery, a podcast interview with Ed Bolen, and several presentations related to business aviation in the region are available on the ABACE web
site at:
http://www.abace.aero
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SIFL Rates Announced for First Half of Calendar Year
2007
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) rates for the six-month period from January 1, 2007, to
June 30, 2007. These data are necessary when applying the IRS's aircraft valuation formula to compute the value of non-business transportation aboard
employer-provided aircraft and impute the income of the employee as required by the Internal Revenue Service Rules Section 1.61-21(g). NBAA Members
may access the new SIFL rates and an online Personal Use Calculator at:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/taxes/sifl/2007-1.php
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Is it Necessary to Obtain an RVSM LOA after Purchasing an Aircraft that is
Already RVSM Compliant?
Yes, Letters of Authorization (LOA) for operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace and other Special Areas of Operation (SAO)
must be issued in the name of the current aircraft operator. When an aircraft is sold, each LOA issued in the name of the previous operator becomes
invalid. Prior to conducting an operation into any SAO, it is the responsibility of the new operator to obtain proper authorization in the form of an
LOA. Following the purchase of an aircraft, the new operator should contact the FAA Flight Standards District Office having jurisdiction over their
operations to make application for all necessary LOAs. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/rvsm
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Are U.S. Flightcrews Required to Have a Visa When Flying
to French Territories?
Yes, according to the French Consulate, U.S. flightcrews are required to have visas, not only when entering France, but also when entering French
"Overseas Departments." These include Guadeloupe (Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, Désirade, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélémy), French Guiana, Martinique,
and Réunion. As with the visa requirement for entering France, this policy has been effective for some time, but not enforced. Flightcrews operating
into France or any of its Overseas Departments are encouraged to obtain visas as soon as possible. For more information, contact NBAA's Operations
Service Group at info@nbaa.org or visit the Embassy of France web site at:
http://www.info-france-usa.org/visitingfrance/usvisas.asp
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Feb. 17 Deadline Approaching for Comments on SMO Runway
Proposals
NBAA urges all Members using California's Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to learn more about proposed changes to the airport's runway and
submit comments on the proposal to the FAA. The City of Santa Monica (which operates SMO) has advanced a proposal to the FAA's Office of Safety and
Standards, which, if accepted, could make changes to the airport's runway, reducing Runway 21's length by 217 feet and effectively reducing Runway 03
by slightly greater than 800 feet for landing. Currently, SMO's Runway 3/21 is 4,987 feet long and 150 feet wide, but there is no excess airport
property for a new, standard runway safety area (RSA). In December, the city presented a proposal to the FAA and airport users to enhance the RSA "to
the extent practicable." Since obtaining the entire safety area could make the runway unusable for many NBAA operators, the revised city proposal
uses alternative means to enhance runway safety by using declared distances and the installation of arresting systems. NBAA urges Members to send
comments to the FAA about the city's proposal no later than February 17. Learn more at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/smo/rsa200701.php
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Safety Guidance for Departures from Utah's Heber City Municipal
Airport
High performance aircraft departing Heber City Municipal Airport (36U) to the southeast through southwest under VFR may conflict with aircraft on the
Salt Lake City International (SLC) SPANE Four Arrival, causing a loss of IFR separation. This exact scenario has occurred twice recently causing TCAS
resolution advisories for aircraft on the SPANE Arrival to SLC. The Salt Lake TRACON and Salt Lake ARTCC have compiled guidance information for
operators. FAA suggests that high performance aircraft departing 36U under VFR, climb north through east until communication and radar contact is
established. VFR climbs above 15,500 MSL are strenuously discouraged in the vicinity of SPANE intersection. To review the guidance material,
including a diagram of the area, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/airspace
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Chicago Area Business Aviation Association Meeting on Feb. 16
The Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) will hold a meeting on February 16 at Lewis University, Lewis-Lockport Airport (LOT) in
Romeoville, IL. Duncan Aviation will make a presentation on "Glass Cockpit Retrofits" using the latest flat panel displays with the myriad of display
capabilities. The meeting is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with luncheon at Noon. To RSVP, visit http://www.cabaa.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Bob Quinn at bquinn@nbaa.org.
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Ed Bolen to Speak at Westchester Aviation Association Forum on Feb. 20
On February 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the Westchester Aviation Association (WAA) will host a forum to discuss proposals under consideration by
the new Congress that could impact individuals and businesses using general aviation in the Westchester area. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and
AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula will discuss issues of national importance. HPN Airport Manager Peter Scherrer and
Teterboro (TEB) Airport Manager Lanny Rider will discuss regional issues. Local business, community leaders and government elected officials have
also been invited. The forum will take place at the Westchester Marriott 670 White Plains Rd, Terrytown, NY. For more information, contact NBAA's
Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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PNBAA to Host FAA Customer Forum and the Potential SEATAC/BFI Merger
On February 22, the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association will host an FAA Customer Forum where Dennis Roberts, Administrator of FAA
Northwest Mountain Region, and a dozen members of his staff, will address issues surrounding the potential acquisition of Boeing Field (BFI) by the
Seattle Port Authority. The FAA will provide Portland Hub, Seattle Hub and Service Center briefings and discuss the Traffic Flow Management Tools
that are available. During lunch, NBAA's Bob Lamond, Director of Air Traffic Services, will review airspace and access issues. The event will be held
at the Museum of Flight at BFI, and will begin with coffee at 9:00 and briefings at 9:30. Lunch will be served at noon. Please contact Gene Clow at
(425) 985-0155 or gclow@tagaviation.com to make reservations. For more information, contact NBAA's Dan
Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.
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Leadership Conference Opens in San Diego Next Week
How do you "manage-up?" How do you manage your boss and other top executives? How do you manage customer expectations and then exceed them? How do
you manage your service delivery team? And, most importantly, how do you manage yourself? Join your industry peers as you explore these challenging
problems and their practical and powerful solutions. This year's Leadership Conference will be held at Sheraton San Diego Hotel on February 21 and
22. For more information, or to register online, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/leadership
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NBAA Reaches Out to Build Membership Levels
NBAA is actively building its Membership and becoming an even stronger voice for business aviation. In the coming weeks, the Association will be
reaching out to dedicated business aviation professionals who can benefit from NBAA Membership, with direct mail and e-mail campaigns. NBAA obtains
mail and electronic lists from outside sources, so even if your company is currently a Member, you may inadvertently receive an invitation to join
due to discrepancies with the mailing address. NBAA thanks its Members for their help and support during this process. If you are interested in
helping NBAA grow into a more powerful voice for our industry, and know of a business aviation company who could benefit from NBAA Membership, you
can earn an additional three months Membership with your next paid renewal. Call NBAA at (800) 394-6222 for more information. NBAA Update subscribers
who are not currently NBAA Members are invited to join by visiting the online application at:
http://www.nbaa.org/join/update
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Deadline for April CAM Exam Is Feb. 15
Through the certification process, NBAA and the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Governing Board seek to recognize excellence in the field of
business aviation and raise the level of professionalism and quality of management within flight departments. A CAM Exam will take place on Thursday,
April 5, in San Diego, CA, following the Maintenance Management Conference. Applications for the April 5 exam should be submitted no later than this
Thursday, February 15. For more information, contact cam@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam
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Maintenance TRACS Scholarship Applications Due Feb.
15
The NBAA Maintenance Committee is dedicated to promoting technical education and professional development as a means for corporate maintenance
technicians to enhance their careers. To further this effort, NBAA offers the Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship (Maintenance
TRACS), which offers current and aspiring maintenance technicians the opportunity to receive training courses for several aircraft and engine models,
as well as professional development courses. NBAA offers the Maintenance TRACS program in conjunction with 10 corporate sponsors: Bombardier
Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft, Cornerstone Strategies, FlightSafety International, GE Engines, Global Jet Services, Gulfstream Aerospace, Honeywell,
Sino-Swearingen Aircraft Corp. and Rolls-Royce. For a full list of awards, refer to the scholarship application, available online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/education/scholarships/mxtracs
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NBAA Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Scholarship
Application Now Available
The NBAA Flight Attendants Committee is dedicated to promoting education and training as a means for business aviation flight attendants and flight
technicians to enhance their professional careers. To support this position, NBAA offers aspiring and current flight attendants/flight technicians
the opportunity to receive scholarships in conjunction with 18 sponsors. For the 2007 Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Scholarship, there will be
53 recipients. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 30, 2007. Download the application at:
http://www.nbaa.org/education/scholarships/fltatt
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Regional Forum Coming to Ft. Lauderdale Mar. 22
On March 22, a Business Aviation Regional Forum will be held at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). The Forum will feature approximately 25
aircraft on Static Display, 50 indoor Exhibitors, and a number of seminars and briefings for the business aviation community. NBAA President and CEO
Ed Bolen will give a presentation on business aviation issues with local and regional officials. For more information, or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/forums/20070322
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Application Deadline for April CAM Exam
February 15, 2007
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Professional Development Program (PDP) Course: Performance Reviews and Feedback Systems
February 20, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Leadership Conference
February 21–22, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Certified Aviation Manager Exam
February 23, 2007, San Diego, CA
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
February 28, 2007, Bedford, MA
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
March 5–6, 2007, Houston, TX
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
March 7–8, 2007, Houston, TX
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
March 22, 2007, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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34th Annual International Operators Conference
March 26–29, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Maintenance Management Conference
April 2–4, 2007, San Diego, CA
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
April 4, 2007, West Chicago, IL
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Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam
April 5, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
April 26, 2007, White Plains, NY
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FSF/NBAA 52nd Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar
May 8–10, 2007, Tucson, AZ
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
May 21, 2007, Geneva, Switzerland
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7th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2007)
May 22–24, 2007, Geneva, Switzerland
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Business Aviation Taxes Forum
June 1, 2007, Chicago, IL
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
June 8, 2007, St. Louis, MO
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
June 20, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
June 25–26, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
June 27–28, 2007, San Diego, CA
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12th Annual Flight Attendants Conference
June 29–30, 2007, San Diego, CA
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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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