In Major DC Address, Bolen Outlines Set of Guiding Principles for Aviation's Future
In an address to one of the nation's most important aviation policy discussion forums today, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said aviation would be key to defining America's leadership in an increasingly global economy, and he outlined five priorities to ensure the industry's continued success. "Throughout history, great economies and great countries have been defined by their transportation systems," Bolen told attendees at a lunch meeting of the Aero Club of Washington. "In America, the 21st century will also be defined by transportation, and the key mode will be aviation. The fact of the matter is, we are trading and competing in a global marketplace, and aviation remains the fastest and safest way for people from around the world to connect with one another." Learn more.

NBAA: Fairness Needed in NTSB's Certificate-Suspension Review Process
A request for basic fairness is at the heart NBAA's recent call for National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials to revise the Board's appeals process for pilots, maintenance professionals, dispatchers or anyone whose FAA certificate is subject to an emergency suspension by the FAA. "We're not suggesting the FAA should not have the authority to issue violations or emergency suspensions," said NBAA Vice President, Safety, Security & Regulation Doug Carr. "What we are suggesting is that when the certificate holder chooses to appeal, the process should have more balance." NBAA's comments on the issue were made in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking from the NTSB. Read an article and the comments in their entirety.

FAA Advises Operators on LED Visibility
The FAA has issued an information for operators (InFO) message advising that when viewed through an advanced vision system (including enhanced flight vision systems, enhanced vision systems or night vision goggles), light emitting diodes (LEDs) are significantly less visible than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LEDs are being installed at airports and obstacles worldwide to save energy. The FAA urges operators to use caution when relying on an advanced vision system, as dramatic image changes may occur when maneuvering from a surface marked with incandescent lights to one marked with LED lights. Additionally, LED obstacle beacons may be more difficult to identify. Read the InFO.

Business Aviation Leaders Cautiously Optimistic About the Future
Business aviation leaders are expressing cautious optimism that the industry is witnessing a budding economic recovery. "We've been through two difficult years and fortunately, we are starting to see some positive signs," declared John Rosanvallon, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) chairman, and president and CEO of Dassault Falcon, at a Washington, DC press conference last week. GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce agreed, adding, "This industry has not stopped producing product – in fact, the pace has been accelerating." Learn more and hear a special edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast, featuring a state-of-the-industry interview with Bunce, or read a detailed article.

Business Aviation Milestone: February 1979
This month, business aviation marked the 32nd anniversary of a world record for altitude in a business jet. Made by No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign spokesman Neil Armstrong on February 21, 1979, the flight reached 51,131 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, in the process breaking five world records for business jets. Learn more.

NBAA Supports New Hampshire Group's Local Advocacy
The Granite State Airport Managers Association (GSAMA) holds its third "GSAMA at the Capital Day" on March 16 to educate legislators about the importance of community airports to New Hampshire's economy. With only two airports served by the airlines, New Hampshire's communities and startup companies rely on business aviation. "NBAA has been a strong supporter of GSAMA's efforts in educating New Hampshire legislators," said Dale Wilde, a GSAMA member and business development manager at civil engineering company Hoyle, Tanner & Associates. Learn more.

Rise and Shine: Strategies to Avoid Pilot Fatigue
If humans could sleep at any time and wake up refreshed, managing fatigue would be a snap. But in the aviator's world of multiple cycles, quick turns or droning through numerous time zones, staying alert can be tough. The FAA is considering changes to the rules for rest for Part 135 operations, but companies can be proactive about setting rest standards for the crew. The 3rd Annual Safety Issue of Business Aviation Insider has details on what companies can do to improve rest and fight fatigue. Learn more.

Get Real-world Guidance on International Business Aviation Operations
The expanding global economy and its accompanying security concerns have prompted a growth in international flying in support of business. NBAA's International Operators Conference explores regional differences in regulatory and operational requirements, and provides safety management guidance to help you operate safely and efficiently in unfamiliar environs. This year's conference will be held from March 21 to 24 in San Diego, CA. Learn more about the conference.

EBACE2011 Exhibitor Directory Now Online
Aviation companies from around the world will exhibit at the 11th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2011) from May 17 to 19, 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland. Hundreds of companies will present their products and services at Geneva Palexpo and the Static Display of Aircraft at the adjacent Geneva International Airport. Now available online, the EBACE2011 Exhibitor Directory provides contact information and descriptions for the world's leading aviation companies, and buyer's guide listed by product category. View the online EBACE2011 Exhibitor Directory.

NBAA: Nighttime Ban at California Airports Won't Fly
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen today told four congressmen that a proposed ban on nighttime flights at Bob Hope Burbank (BUR) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports in southern California would hurt local businesses and severely impede interstate air commerce. "This amendment would establish exactly the type of 'patchwork quilt' of local restrictions that the 1990 Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) was designed to prevent," said Bolen in a letter to the congressmen. Learn more and review the letter.

TSA Adds New Flexibility to DCA Access Program
Based on feedback from NBAA and operators approved to conduct flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), greater flexibility will now be provided for general aviation operations at DCA. Effective March 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement changes to the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) that will allow approved operators greater flexibility when conducting flights to and from DCA. These improvements are a direct result of collaboration between NBAA, TSA and users of the DASSP. "We appreciate the concerted effort TSA has undertaken to bring improvements to the DASSP and look forward to increased use of the program by NBAA Members," noted Doug Carr, NBAA vice president, safety, security & regulation. Direct questions to NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org. Review enrollment instructions on NBAA's DASSP web page.

NBAA Actively Engaged in Connecticut State Tax Issues
Proposed legislation introduced in Connecticut poses a serious threat to the entire general aviation industry in the state. Currently, all aircraft repair labor performed in Connecticut is exempt from the 6 percent state sales tax, but a new proposal (Governor's Bill 1007) would eliminate this exemption for aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds. The existing exemption is critical to the success of small to medium-sized repair stations in the state. Governor's Bill 6387 would also impose a personal property tax on all aircraft based in Connecticut. NBAA opposes these proposals and is working directly with legislators and Connecticut-based Members to explain the negative effects of this proposed legislation. Learn more.

Customs Services Return Investment to Local Airports, Communities
As business aviation becomes increasingly global in nature, the demand for customs services at community airports has been rising. Having clearances available helps make an airport (and the surrounding community) more attractive to businesses. A good example is Lunken Airport (LUK) on the east side of Cincinnati. "Having customs clearance at Lunken is another tool in our toolbox that helps differentiate us from our competition," says Doug Moormann, vice president of economic development for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Learn more.

Lessons Learned From the Dulles Jet Center Roof Collapse
It's perhaps one of the most expensive insurance claims in aviation history. As many as 20 aircraft were damaged or destroyed in when the roof of the Dulles Jet Center hangar buckled under the weight of almost 30 inches of ice and snow in February 2010. Lawsuits surrounding the collapse are still pending in court and could take years to settle, but losses could exceed $400 million. What should you look for when you negotiate a hangar lease? In this edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast, Tim Bonnell, president of PIM Aircraft Insurance, says you should keep a wary eye on the loss provisions of your contract. Listen now.

Chicago Operators and FlightSafety Offer Scholarship
The Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) and FlightSafety International will jointly offer a scholarship to promote professional development for a business aviation career. One high school senior, graduating in 2011, will receive a Citation II SIC pilot training course to be fulfilled at FlightSafety's training center in Toledo, OH. Members of CABAA said the award was established to encourage others to reach the highest level of achievement in their aviation studies and career preparation. Applications are due May 1, and for more information, visit the CABAA web site.

Safety-Themed Edition of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
Providing Members with the latest developments in safe flight operations is a top priority for NBAA. The 3rd Annual Safety Issue of Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Baldwin Aviation and AIC Title Service, features articles on safety management systems, fatigue avoidance and developments on rulemaking regarding duty and rest time for pilots. Printed copies of the issue are mailing to Member subscribers now. View the issue online.

NBAA's Flying Safety Award Validates Companies' Professionalism
NBAA's Flying Safety Awards recognize Member Companies for exceptional achievement in maintaining safe flying operations – and industry professionals say the recognition amounts to more than just words on paper. "You can tell people you have a culture of safety, but receiving the NBAA award is tangible evidence to our staff and customers," said Mark Myers, marketing and charter director for Lane Aviation. The deadline for 2011 award applications is tomorrow, March 1. Learn more about the awards and their value to NBAA Members.

Get Free Access to NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey Results
The NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey provides a comprehensive review of aviation department personnel salaries, maintenance details, ownership options and more. Respondents who complete the survey will have access to free online results. Non-participating Members will be able to purchase online access to the results for $150. Only NBAA Member Representatives, or those designated by Member Representatives, are eligible to take the survey. NBAA strongly encourages all Member Companies that operate aircraft to participate in the 2011 survey to ensure that the results are as comprehensive and accurate as possible. Begin the survey now.

Update Your Records With NBAA's New Payment Address
NBAA will be using a new payment address, effective this Thursday, March 3. Any new Membership applications or renewal payments should now be sent to this updated address: National Business Aviation Association; Attn: Membership; P.O. Box 55481; Boston, MA 02205-5481. Please take a minute to update your records so NBAA can ensure smooth payment processing in the future. Learn more about Member categories and dues.