| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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Congress Extends Current FAA Authorization
With work on the reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still unfinished, Congress last week passed a "Continuing Resolution"
bill extending the current FAA authorization through December 14. By that date, Congress must either pass a new FAA reauthorization bill, or extend
the current FAA bill again. "With a crowded schedule, and a limited number of business days left in this congressional session, it appears that the
FAA reauthorization debate may continue into the new year," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "NBAA Members should continue making their voices
heard on the issue with their elected representatives, who will be in their home states over the holidays. Our industry must keep sending a message
to Congress in support of the fuel tax for FAA funding, and against user fees." To use NBAA's Contact Congress resource to send a message on the
issue, visit:
http://web.nbaa.org/userfees
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Chertoff Further Discusses GA Security Plans As NBAA
Continues Industry Advocacy
Last week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff began to reveal some of the possible components in the plans under
development at DHS for general aviation security enhancements. Speaking to a business aviation audience, Chertoff said his agency's goal is, "to move
the security levels to a higher state, but without unintentionally compromising your ability to do what you need to do, which is move people around."
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, "The good news is that the DHS does seem to be getting the message we keep sending them that a
'one-size-fits-all' approach to security won't work. Unfortunately, we continue to have concerns with some of the specific concepts the DHS is
proposing." To review a DHS background paper regarding GA security, visit:
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1194374790421.shtm
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Customs Extends Comment Period for Private Aircraft Proposal
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has notified NBAA that it intends to extend the comment period for the proposed changes to international
private aircraft operations by 15 days. NBAA was among the general aviation organizations that requested an extension from the CBP. The new deadline
for comment submissions is December 4. While there has not yet been an official notice of this comment period extension in the Federal
Register, NBAA will post a copy of the official extension on the web site once it is printed. In addition, NBAA has developed a guide to assist
Members in developing their comments to the CBP proposal. For additional information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org, or download the guide at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/apis/cmtguide.php
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NBAA Members Reporting Customs Radiation Tests; NBAA Web
Site Has More Information
Through NBAA's Air Mail and other resources, Association Members have recently reported that the CBP is monitoring international aircraft arrivals
for radiation. As NBAA has previously reported, this testing is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technology, the radiation
isotope identifier, which detects and identifies radiation. All internationally arriving general aviation aircraft can be required to undergo this
test. Initial NBAA Member reports are that the tests are brief and relatively simple. To report personal experience with the testing, contact NBAA's
Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org. For more information on the program, visit the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/update/?radiationtesting
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CA Law Assesses Fractional Aircraft Tax; NBAA Resource
Available Online
In California on August 24, Senate Bill (SB) 87 was signed into law, creating a system for assessing property tax on fractionally owned aircraft for
the first time in the U.S. California already assesses local property tax on aircraft based in California and utilized in operations conducted under
Parts 91, 121 and 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, but until now, did not impose property tax on fractional aircraft. This law contains a
number of features that will generate undue burdens, result in inequitable treatment and may ultimately lead to judicial challenges. SB 87 also may
lead other states to consider the adoption of similar legislation that could result in the assessment of personal property tax on fractional
interests in other venues. NBAA has a new resource that details the new California law, its mechanics and pitfalls. To download the PDF, visit:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/taxes/state/cafrax.pdf
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NBAA Helps Members Understand Aviation Fuel Taxes, Refunds and
Credits
Flight departments have raised numerous questions pertaining to aviation fuel taxes, specifically regarding which taxes apply and available credits
or refunds. While the payment of fuel taxes is simple and unavoidable, the process to obtain refunds can be confusing. A new NBAA online resource
provides answers to many questions commonly asked by flight departments and fixed base operators, especially after the enactment of the Surface
Transportation Reauthorization Act. This new article complements NBAA's Federal Excise Tax Handbook, another resource available to NBAA
Members. To view the information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/taxes/federal
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NBAA Announces Static Display, Exhibit Hall Locales
Next year, Florida's Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will host the NBAA 61st Annual Meeting &
Convention (NBAA2008). With over one million square feet of exhibit space, the north and south halls of the OCCC will accommodate NBAA2008 indoor
exhibits and Information Sessions. As one of the preeminent general aviation airports in the country, Orlando Executive Airport has agreed to provide
space for the NBAA2008 Static Display, where Attendees can view over 100 state-of-the-art aircraft. Next year's Annual Meeting & Convention will
take place on Monday, October 6 through Wednesday, October 8. To view highlights from NBAA2007, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/2007
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NBAA's Regional Forum in Oakland, CA Is a Success
On November 8, more than 900 Attendees participated in the NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum at the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
(OAK) in Oakland, CA. The event featured 57 Exhibitors, 21 static aircraft and two aircraft mockups. All sessions were well attended, and in the
coming weeks, NBAA will make podcasts and PowerPoint presentations from the sessions available on the NBAA web site. The next Regional Forum will be
held on February 14 in the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre at Hong Kong International Airport. For a full list of 2008 NBAA Regional Forums,
visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/forums
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Runway on TKI in McKinney, TX Closed for Repair
Some operators reportedly are filing flight plans to Collin County Regional Airport (TKI) in McKinney, TX despite the active notice to airmen (NOTAM)
that indicates that Runway 17/35 is closed for repairs. NBAA urges operators to check NOTAMs prior to flight and refrain from using Collin County
Regional Airport until the repairs are made and the runway is re-opened on or around November 29. For more information, contact NBAA's Operations
Service Group at info@nbaa.org.
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NBAA Partners With Aviation Week for Very Light Jet Forum
Following the success of the first Very Light Jet (VLJ) Forum held in West Palm Beach, FL last May, NBAA again is partnering with Aviation
Week to sponsor the magazine's upcoming VLJ West Management Forum in San Diego, CA on November 27 and 28. The event will feature discussions on
business models for VLJs and light jets. Key industry players will explore aspects of this emerging market, including risk management, funding
strategies, business and growth opportunities, distribution technology and airport infrastructure. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet
face-to-face with operators and interact with peers and business partners. For more information, or to register, visit:
http://www.aviationweek.com/forums/vljwmain.htm
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St. Louis Business Aviation Group Meets This Friday
The Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association will hold a meeting this week on Friday, November 16 at Syberg's on Dorsett and Highway 270. The
luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m., and include a maintenance discussion by Dan Pradel, Houston engine shop manager for Landmark Aviation. Pradel will
discuss maintenance processes associated with TFE 731 engines. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for guests. RSVP by 12:00 noon on Wednesday,
November 14 to bevlehenbauer@sbcglobal.net. For additional information, contact NBAA's Bob Quinn at
bquinn@nbaa.org.
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GWBAA to Hold Annual Meeting and Elections This Month
The Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) will hold its annual meeting and board of directors election at the Signature Flight
Support facility at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Friday, November 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A reception will follow to
welcome incoming board members. All business aviation professionals are invited to attend. Free parking will be available in Lot 10, adjacent to
Signature. To RSVP, send attendee and company names to rsvp@gwbaa.com. For more information, contact the GWBAA's
Bob Blouin at info@gwbaa.com or NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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New Fall Issue of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
The latest issue of NBAA's official Member publication, Business Aviation Insider, will be mailing to Members through the end of November.
This printed newsletter serves as a helpful resource for all NBAA Members, regardless of the size of their business. The new fall issue includes a GA
security update, which explains the latest notice of proposed rulemaking recently released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Also included is an
interview with the TSA, guidance on how to manage outsourced maintenance, NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention highlights and the final
installment in NBAA's 60th anniversary series. Members have full access to all online articles on the Business Aviation Insider web site, and
can download PDF versions of each printed issue. To download an advance copy of the fall newsletter, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/insider
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Next CAM Exam Deadline Approaching; CBT Now Being Offered
In 2003, NBAA began offering the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program to acknowledge excellence in the field of business aviation and raise the
quality of management within flight departments. Today, the CAM Exam is recognized in the aviation community as a benchmark for business aviation
professionalism. Those certified as CAMs gain esteem and credibility within the industry and recognition for their professional commitment to safety,
security and effective management in business aviation. With the recent addition of computer-based testing (CBT), the exam now will be offered at
over 250 testing sites every other month beginning in January 2008. Three paper-based exams still will be offered next year. Applications for the
January CAM exam (in CBT format) must be received by November 26. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam
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Register Now to Attend 19th Annual S&D Conference in Savannah
NBAA's 19th Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference will be held next year from January 29 to February 1 at the Savannah
International Trade and Convention Center in Georgia. The Conference will feature keynote speakers Tom Whittaker, the first disabled person to summit
Mt. Everest, and Bill Garvey, editor-in-chief of Business & Commercial Aviation. The Conference also will host a number of Information
Sessions and Schedulers Professional Development Program courses addressing current needs and issues for the profession, such as customer service,
emergency preparedness and standards for international operations. To register, or for more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/sdc/2008
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Sponsorships Available for ABACE Forum in Hong Kong, Feb. 14
Sponsorship opportunities still are available for the ABACE Forum taking place on February 14 in Hong Kong. The event will feature business
aviation's top vendors, industry leaders and experts from around the world as they join together to demonstrate the value of business aviation to
emerging Asian markets. Over 50 Exhibitors and multiple Information Sessions will present the latest developments in aircraft technology,
demonstrating how it can help businesses succeed in the global economy. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, travel arrangements and
accommodations, visit:
http://www.abace.aero
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NBAA Headquarters Closed Today for Veterans Day
NBAA's Washington, DC Headquarters will be closed today, November 12, in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday. The office will reopen at 9:00 a.m.
on Tuesday, November 13.
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SPDP Course: Weather and Aircraft Performance
January 28, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Resource Management for Aviation Leaders
January 28–29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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19th Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
January 29–February 1, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Aviation Security for the Business Aviation Flight Department
January 29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Building a Higher Performance Flight Department Team
January 29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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3rd Annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2008)
February 14, 2008, Hong Kong
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Regulatory Hot Topics Seminar
February 22, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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PDP Course: Flight Department Finance and Budget Accounting
February 26, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Leadership Conference
February 27 – 28, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Certified Aviation Manager Exam
February 29, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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35th Annual International Operators Conference
March 10 – 13, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
March 27, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
March 28, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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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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