NBAA Welcomes Stay of FCC Prohibition on 121.5 ELTs
In an order released on January 11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the commission will not move forward on a previously proposed prohibition for the certification, manufacture, importation, sale or use of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) that transmit distress alerts on frequency 121.5 MHz. The FCC has taken this action at the request of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As previously reported in NBAA Update, NBAA joined the FAA and others in the aviation industry in protesting the uncoordinated FCC proposed rule when it was issued last summer. Though NBAA opposed the mandatory prohibition of 121.5 ELTs, the Association recommends that Members phase out 121.5 ELTs gradually in favor of 406 MHz ELTs, in conjunction with any new equipment, aircraft and avionics upgrades. Review FCC Order 11-2A1 online.

Business Aviation Insurance: What You Should Know for 2011
For much of the past decade, business aviation operators have enjoyed a buyer's market for aviation insurance. That cycle is ending, and prices are likely to rise. This is the consensus of several experts on the Aviation Insurance Working Group, part of NBAA's Tax Committee, who offered explanations for the trend and how NBAA Members can best respond. NBAA's experts have offered a checklist to help Members prepare for rising insurance rates. Learn more.

Webinar Covers 2011 Business Aviation Tax Policies
In an NBAA webinar presented last week, experts from NBAA's Tax Committee discussed the tax benefits for business aviation in the stimulus bill signed by President Obama in December. Jed Wolcott, president of Wolcott & Associates, PA, and Ed Kammerer, partner at Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, LLP, provided detailed information for taking advantage of the 100-percent bonus depreciation and $500,000 Section 179 expensing provisions in the new law. Read a detailed article on the topic, or download the webinar recording with synched slides.

Business Aviation Still Helping in Haiti
A 12-year-old Haitian girl with the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome is alive today following a dramatic rescue made possible by a volunteer nurse practitioner in Haiti, a compassionate hospital in Charlotte and a U.S.-based business that offered its business airplane within hours of the call for help. The mission is just the latest example of the year-long work being done by people and companies in business aviation to help citizens of the island nation in the wake of a devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010. Learn more.

North Dakota Industry Leaders Organize Local Advocacy Group
To help educate citizens and elected officials in North Dakota about the value of using general aviation (GA) aircraft for business, members of the North Dakota Aviation Council are forming an advocacy group. "An airplane is a tremendous business tool for so many reasons. It makes us a smaller state, and we want to inform the public about that reality and general aviation's other benefits to North Dakota," said Jon Simmers with Bismarck Aero Center. Learn more about the group and why it is coming together.

2011 Industry Forecasts Turn More Positive
Thanks largely to an improved outlook for U.S. economic growth, those watching the business aviation industry are revising their forecasts, giving them a slightly more positive outlook. They say a turn-around already has started and will accelerate later this year and into 2012. "The economic news as we've entered 2011 seems to be gaining momentum, and I think that is reflected in the business aviation community," NBAA President and CEO Bolen said. Several analysts have more to say about the year to come in business aviation. Learn more.

Momentum Continues Building for ABACE2012
The world's major business aircraft manufacturers have committed to exhibit at NBAA's Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012). "We are delighted that virtually all the major manufacturers, including Airbus Corporate Jets, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft Company, Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Embraer Executive Jets, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, have turned their declarations of support for the show into commitments to exhibit," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. He noted that recent meetings with Mr. Nianzu Wu, chairman of the Shanghai Airport Authority, and manufacturers reflected the widespread enthusiasm for the show. Read the press release.

Fostering Effective Airport Advocacy
The people in business aviation know the many benefits a local airport confers on the surrounding community. But when airport officials want to reach out to the community, in order to create the goodwill to serve the airport in both good times and bad, how can they ensure their approach is effective? "You need to reach out beyond the fence of the airport," advises Robert Mark, business pilot and the CEO of business strategy firm CommAvia, an NBAA Member based in Evanston, IL. This week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast looks at effective advocacy at Addison Airport in Texas, and opens a multi-part look at how Addison officials are championing the airport's value. Learn more.

AZBAA, NBAA Support Annual 'Aviation Day at the Capital'
Leaders in Arizona's business aviation community will be joined by representatives from NBAA in promoting the variety and vitality of aviation in Arizona as they meet with state legislators during the state's sixth annual Aviation Day at the Capital. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer will open the event by addressing the gathering of industry advocates. The grassroots event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the grounds of the state capital. For more information, contact NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org or register at the AzBAA web site.

Business Aviation Insider Focuses on Money Matters
As NBAA Members consider the policies and trends that might impact their flight operations in the coming year, the January/February issue of Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Piper Aircraft, focuses on financial-management issues, including tax policy changes, tips for navigating the aircraft marketplace and fuel-saving strategies. Print copies are mailing to Member subscribers now. View the issue online.

Schedulers Conference Keynote Speaker Touts Sports, Business Expertise
The upcoming Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference opening session will feature Susan O'Malley, the first female president of Washington Sports and Entertainment, which runs the Washington Capitals and Wizards. O'Malley, focusing on themes of leadership and thriving in a tough business world, will share anecdotes and lessons learned as a pioneering woman in business. First an intern with the company, she ascended to the top of the company through a dedication to improving customer service. The 22nd Annual S&D Conference will take place from February 9 to 11 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Georgia. Read the press release.

International Operators Conference Web Site Now Live
Structured around the broad international operating requirements for the business aviation industry, NBAA's International Operators Conference (IOC) places a special emphasis on regulatory and operational requirements unique to different regions of the world. The conference will run from March 21 to 24 in San Diego, CA. Education sessions will explore regional differences and provide safety management guidance to help you operate safely and efficiently in unfamiliar environs. Information for education sessions, speakers and more is now online. Learn more.

Request 2010 Safety Award Commemorative Books, While Supplies Last
Each year, the NBAA Flying Safety Awards recognize Member Companies for exceptional achievement in maintaining safe flying operations. NBAA has extra copies of the commemorative 2010 Flying Safety Award booklets that were mailed to all Members receiving Flying Safety Awards last year. If your company received a 2010 Flying Safety Award and you would like an additional copy of this booklet, e-mail your request to update@nbaa.org while supplies last. All Member operators are invited to apply for the 2011 Flying Safety Awards. Learn more.