NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #10-09
Monday, March 01, 2010

NBAA Update is the National Business Aviation Association's weekly e-newsletter providing a synopsis of the latest operational, regulatory and legislative news for the business aviation community, as well as information about NBAA activities, Member benefits and upcoming industry events. Subscribe for free or review the archives at www.nbaa.org/update.

BUSINESS AVIATION NEWS & ISSUES

Court Rules Against Protection of Data in BARR Program
Last week, a Federal District Court judge for Washington, DC, ruled that aircraft tail numbers submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for blockage from distribution under NBAA's Blocked Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) Program must be made available in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. The ruling does not permit the disclosure of real-time flight data, historical data or operator names. "NBAA has long believed that security and other imperatives make it absolutely essential to protect our Members' aircraft and flight information from being made widely available, which is why we created the BARR Program," said Bob Lamond, NBAA director, air traffic services & infrastructure. "Unfortunately, and in spite of our work to uphold the BARR Program through every legal avenue available, the court has ruled the information cannot remain permanently sealed." To read NBAA's release on the issue, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2010/20100226-014.php

Senate Prepares to Debate FAA Reauthorization
News organizations continue to report that the U.S. Senate will resume debate over FAA reauthorization this month. NBAA will continue to stand with the general aviation community in supporting aviation system modernization as part of the FAA reauthorization. "We have supported proposals that increase the fuel tax to help pay for modernization, instead of resorting to user fees," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. In recent years, NBAA and other organizations have supported congressional proposals to increase fuel taxes from 22 to 36 cents per gallon to help fund system transformation. To learn more about NBAA's position on FAA reauthorization, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/issues/modernization

NBAA Details GA Security for Media Outlets, Facebook Fans
As news organizations have recently turned their focus to general aviation security in the wake of the February 18 suicide plane crash in Austin, TX, NBAA has been quick to respond to stories containing incomplete or inaccurate coverage. As one example, Bolen told USA Today that he thinks the Austin incident "has a lot to do with a troubled individual. I don't think it's a reflection of the industry," Bolen was quoted as saying in the February 26 edition of the paper. Bolen has also sent letters that have been published in the Tacoma News Times, Houston Chronicle and elsewhere. Bolen also posted an entry to NBAA's official Facebook Fan Page on the topic of GA security after meeting with the business aviation community at industry events around the country. Read the post at:
http://www.facebook.com/NBAAfans

NBAA Submits Concerns About TSA Repair Station Proposal
NBAA recently weighed in on a proposal from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requiring FAA-certificated Part 145 domestic and foreign aircraft repair stations to implement a standard security program, and comply with a new mandates from the agency. The proposed rule comes in response to a directive in the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. NBAA's comments emphasize that repair stations located off airports should not be included in the regulation, and that repair stations not working on airline aircraft should be exempted. To view NBAA's comments, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/programs/repair-station

Rep. Tiahrt Continues Effort to Support Industry Jobs
Recognizing the role business aviation plays in supporting job creation, Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-4-KS) last week sent a letter to House leaders requesting an extension for accelerated depreciation tax treatment of aircraft purchases through the end of this year. The policy, which was originally enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has been credited with spurring aircraft purchases and preserving manufacturing jobs. To read Tiahrt's letter, visit:
http://noplanenogain.org/images/0806_001.pdf

Notice Underscores Need for Vigilance When Using RNAV Procedures
Recent incidents at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) underscore the need for continued vigilance when flying area navigation (RNAV) departure procedures. NBAA has become aware of incidents where business aviation operators have been involved in a pilot deviation from the procedure, requiring air traffic control (ATC) to intervene. In at least one instance, a pilot deviation report has been filed. It is imperative that operators review and understand the procedure and ATC clearance prior to departure and ensure the aircraft is flown in accordance with the procedure and ATC instructions. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/cns/pbn/rnav-sid-advisory.php

CBP Expands Aircraft Preclearance at Shannon Airport
Beginning today, March 1, aircraft departing Ireland's Shannon International Airport (EINN) for the U.S. may utilize preclearance services available at the airport. Preclearance allows the Department of Homeland Security to screen travelers before takeoff through much the same process a traveler would undergo upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Following preclearance inspection, private aircraft may land at one of over 200 U.S. airports capable of handling and processing international garbage as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NBAA is interested in receiving feedback from operators that utilize the preclearance process; please contact the Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org or (202) 783-9451. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/customs-regulatory/customs/preclearance

New EU-ETS List Released
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) requires aircraft operators to report their carbon emissions when traveling to, from or within EU member countries. The EU-ETS assigns a single member country to be responsible for each operator that performs aviation activities in the EU. The European Commission recently published a new list of aircraft operators and the EU country to which they are assigned for the purpose of complying with the EU-ETS. The new version of the list and additional information on the plan can be found on NBAA's web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ets

Registration for EBACE2010 Is Now Online
Registration for the 10th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2010) is now available online. Held May 4 to 6 in Geneva and located at Geneva Palexpo, right on Geneva International Airport, EBACE2010 will showcase business aviation's role in powering business growth and success. Be a part of EBACE and help celebrate the tenth year of advancing the goals of business aviation in Europe and beyond. Learn more and register at:
http://www.ebace.aero

Become a ‘Fan' of CARE's New Facebook Page
Business aviation provides support for people and communities in times of crisis, and that fact is front and center on a new Facebook page created by the volunteers involved with the Corporate Aircraft Responding in Emergencies (CARE) group. CARE, which was established with NBAA's support in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has played a significant role in coordinating Haiti earthquake relief flights. The group's new Facebook page has photos, accounts of relief missions, and more. Become a fan of the Facebook page today by visiting:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=345189284760

Take the NBAA Update Reader Survey
NBAA needs your help to make NBAA Update as informative and useful as possible, so please take a few minutes to complete the first-ever reader survey for this publication. As an incentive to complete the survey, your participation will enter you for a chance to win two free passes to the NBAA 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2010), to be held October 19 to 21, 2010, in Atlanta, GA. To qualify for this chance to win, please fill out the survey in its entirety and provide your contact information when prompted at the end of the survey. Otherwise, you have the option of filling out this survey anonymously. The deadline for participation is Friday, March 12. Take the survey now at:
http://www.nbaa.org/survey/update

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REGIONAL NEWS

WA State Excise Tax Issue Nears Critical Juncture
NBAA has sounded renewed concern over an aircraft excise tax introduced in the Washington State legislature that could lead to an increase of up to 1,400 percent. "This enormous new tax would be a very bad precedent," said Kristi Ivey, NBAA Northwest regional representative. "Now is the time to step up and let your legislators know of business aviation's opposition to the tax." State House Bill HB 3176 and companion Senate Bill SB 6873 call for a new 0.5 percent excise tax to replace the current aircraft registration fee. To access NBAA's online grassroots resources for taking action on the issue, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/admin/taxes/state/wa/201002-wa-hb-3176-aircraft-tax.php

NBAA Flight Pan Podcast Focuses on WA Aircraft Tax
As Washington State lawmakers contemplate a proposed new excise tax for aircraft, this edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast details the proposal, and the central role of the business aviation community in mobilizing against it. NBAA Northwest Regional Representative Kristi Ivey joins Chuck Kegley, coordinator for legislative affairs on the board of the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association, to outline steps people in the industry can take to make their voices heard in advance of an upcoming vote on the matter. To hear the podcast, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/flight-plan

NBAA Continues Fighting to Preserve Van Nuys Access
On February 26, the Los Angeles City Council voted to ban Stage 2 aircraft from Van Nuys Airport (VNY) within six years. NBAA has called the proposal unreasonable, and in filings before the council, the Association has cited factual and legal flaws in the proposal. The Association maintains that a phase-out would be discriminatory and serve no valid purpose. NBAA will monitor the FAA's review of the city council vote and keep Association Members advised as developments unfold. Read more about the ongoing fight to preserve business aviation access at VNY online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/vny

Pacific Northwest Safety Day Is Thursday
The Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) will host its 2nd Annual Safety Day this Thursday, March 4, at Seattle's Museum of Flight on King County International Airport (BFI). Speakers include National Test Pilot Schools founder Sean Roberts, former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Greg Feith, Bob Agostino, the "father of the Safety Standdown" and aviation safety analyst John Nance. For more information, contact NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org. To register, visit:
http://www.pnbaasafetyevent.com

Restructured North Dakota Group Meets Mar. 7
The North Dakota Business Aviation Association (NDBAA, formerly the North Dakota Aviation Association) will host an informational program for attendees in conjunction with the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium, from March 7 to 9 in Fargo, ND. Session topics include updates on WAAS approaches, bird-control issues, and a briefing on the state of the industry. For more information, contact NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org, or visit:
http://www.ndac.aero/umas.htm

South Florida Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Mar. 10
The South Florida Business Aviation Association (SFBAA) will hold its first quarter general membership meeting on Wednesday, March 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jetscape FBO on Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). National Air Transportation Association President Jim Coyne will be the featured speaker. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Silver Lining Catering. RSVP to SFBAA's Jeff Ramsden at jr@ramjetaviation.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.

APSI Holds Quarterly Meeting at Teterboro, Mar. 18
Aviation Professionals Sharing Ideas (APSI) will hold a quarterly meeting on March 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at First Aviation on Teterboro Airport (TEB). Featured speaker Adam Hartley of Universal Weather and Aviation will address the latest developments in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), which requires aircraft operators to report carbon emissions in the EU. For APSI membership information, contact Kerry Sailler at ksailler@jetsmartinc.com or Amber Salvatore at amber@nycjets.com. For more information about the March 18 event, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Long Island Group's Quarterly Meeting Is Mar. 24
The Long Island Business Aviation Association (LIBAA) will hold its quarterly meeting and dinner on March 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at Islip MacArthur Airport (ISP). The keynote speaker will be Bill Garvey, editor in chief of Business & Commercial Aviation. The hotel's address is 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway in Ronkonkoma, NY and the meeting is sponsored by KeyAir. To RSVP, contact LIBAA's Doris Giambruno at doris@libaa.org. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Westchester Aviation Association Hosts TSA, Mar. 26
The Westchester Aviation Association (WAA) will hold a breakfast meeting on March 26 at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, NY featuring guest speaker Brian Delauter, general manager of general aviation security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The breakfast meeting is free and will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Skytop Restaurant on the airport. Space may be limited; WAA members and non-members are invited and must RSVP. To RSVP or for more information, contact WAA's John Johnston at john_johnston@mcgraw-hill.com or NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

GBAA Compliance & Regulatory Seminar Is Mar. 31
This month's Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) seminar will cover compliance issues facing the business aviation community. The seminar will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. at the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant, 3829 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA near DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK). Lunch is included with the meeting registration. The seminar is free to the first GBAA member additional representatives per company and non-members are $25 each. RSVP to GBAAadmin@mindspring.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.gbaa.org

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NBAA NEWS

2010 Leadership Conference a Success
The 2010 NBAA Leadership Conference drew 220 attendees, an increase of 52 participants over last year's conference. The event was themed "Lead the Future: Beyond People, Planes and Passion," and took place February 24 to 25 in San Diego. Notable presenters included Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III, the iconic pilot who safely guided US Airways flight 1549 onto the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, after the airliner experienced a bird strike on takeoff. For information on NBAA events, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events

Maintenance Management Conference Will Focus on Aircraft Value
NBAA's 25th Annual Maintenance Management Conference (MMC) will be held from April 6 to 8 in San Diego, CA and will focus on the theme "Increasing Value Through Proper Asset Management." The program features nearly a dozen education sessions addressing that theme, including "Getting Consequential: How Maintenance Practices Affect You and the Sale of the Aircraft," presented by Deborah Bew Liu, president of Aircraft Acquisitions, Inc. The session will examine the impact of maintenance activities, facilities selection and recordkeeping practices on an aircraft's market value. Attendees will further learn how market perception influences market value, including the effect of timing in entering the market. For more information on this and other MMC education sessions, and to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/mmc

Compensation & Benchmark Survey Deadline Extended to Mar. 19
NBAA's Compensation & Benchmark Survey provides a comprehensive review of flight department personnel salaries and operational data. Members repeatedly rate the survey as one of the most helpful NBAA Member benefits and in today's economy, the results will be even more valuable for optimizing flight department operations. Participation from a wide variety of flight departments is essential to ensure that the results are as accurate as possible, so NBAA has extended the survey deadline to Friday, March 19. All data is held strictly confidential and only NBAA Member Representatives, or those designated by the Member Representative, may enter survey data. Begin taking the survey now at:
http://www.nbaa.org/admin/cbs

Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference Videos Available On-Demand
For those who unable to attend NBAA's 21st Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference in January, the Association's On-Demand Education (ODE) Program makes it possible to access valuable conference education sessions anytime. Last month's conference featured 34 education sessions, 14 of which will be available for purchase as interactive recordings. The recordings are synchronized with PowerPoint slides that are available on CD-ROM or online. For more information and to order session recordings, click on the Bundled Conference Packages link at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ondemand

Flight Attendants Urged to Apply for Scholarship Due Mar. 31
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 careers. To support professionals in these positions, NBAA offers the opportunity to receive scholarships in conjunction with 21 sponsors. A total of 40 monetary and training awards worth a combined value of more than $55,000 are available through this year's program. The application deadline is March 31. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/prodev/scholarships/fltatt

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