Webinar: Action Needed Now on Proposed BARR Limitations
"I simply can't underscore the importance of having NBAA's Members weigh in on the government's plans to severely curtail the Block Aircraft Registration Request [BARR] program," Doug Carr, NBAA vice president of safety, security & regulation, told participants in a live, interactive webinar hosted by NBAA on March 16 to discuss the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) plans to severely limit participation in the BARR program, and to urge industry mobilization to oppose it. Listen to a playback of the webinar and register your comments.

Bolen Op-ed: BARR Changes Would Allow 'Electronic Stalking'
In a recent opinion piece published by a Bloomberg News feed widely read by policymakers and opinion leaders, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen warned that all citizens should be alarmed at the FAA's proposed limitations to the BARR program, whether or not they ever set foot on an aircraft. "If federal agencies decide it's all right to broadcast information on the private movements of general aviation airplanes flying in federal airspace, what will stop the government from giving out information on the private movements of automobiles operating on federal highways with an E-Z Pass?," Bolen asks in his op-ed, titled, "Small Aircraft Stalking Trumps Privacy in FAA Plan." Review the op-ed.

FAA Withdraws ANPRM for SMS Proposal, for Now
While it may have brought sighs of relief from many Part 91 and Part 135 operators, the full impact of the FAA's decision last week to withdraw an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on safety management systems (SMS) remains unclear. And it doesn't mean that the issue goes away, since the FAA may decide to revisit the issue later on. In the interim, NBAA Members may find it worthwhile to implement a voluntary SMS as a best practice, even if they operate solely in the U.S. Learn more.

FAA Aircraft Re-Registration: Important Reminder
As previously reported by NBAA, the FAA is requiring all U.S. civil aircraft registered before October 1, 2010, to be re-registered over a three-year period. The expiration date and required re-registration period is determined by the month in which the current certificate of registration was issued. Aircraft that had a certificate of registration issued in March (of any year) were required to apply for re-registration between November 1 and January 31. Aircraft in this first group must be re-registered successfully by March 31, 2011, or risk having their registrations cancelled. Learn more.

NBAA Member Asks, and Congresswoman Joins House GA Caucus
Concerned about the future of the BARR program and FAA reauthorization, NBAA Member representative Robert Mark earlier this year asked his congresswoman, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9-IL), to join the General Aviation (GA) Caucus in the House. After listening to Mark's concerns, she did. "We can't assume that someone else is going to stand up for our industry, our programs and our airports," said Mark. "So it's important to pick up the phone. What makes it worthwhile is establishing a relationship with your representative. Now, when Rep. Schakowsky's aides have a question about the BARR program, they call me." Learn more.

Safety Is a Learning Process for South Carolina Aeronautics Commission
South Carolina Aeronautics Commission was one of just two Member Companies to receive NBAA's 75 Year Safe Flying Achievement Award in 2010. The commission's two full-time pilots undergo annual recurrent training, and its two maintenance technicians are factory trained, and undergo periodic refresher instruction as well. Chief Pilot Hugh Tuttle says, "Flying can be easy, but when things get tough, that's when you separate the good pilots from the bad." Find this story in the latest issue of NBAA's bimonthly Member publication, Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Baldwin Aviation and AIC Title Services. Learn more.

Following Japan's Geographical Shift, Instrument Approaches Survive
Numerous airports and ground-based NAVAIDs in Japan were affected by the earthquake and tsunami that happened there earlier this month. But ground-based instrument approaches not ruined by the quake, tsunami or loss of electrical power are still operational, and it is not expected that the use of GPS for aerial navigation or approaches will be affected. What's the outlook for what permanent effect, if any, the earthquake will have for aviation? Learn more.

Flying to Europe? Avoid Potential 'Gotchas'
Many flight departments that had previously flown in the U.S. only are starting to see destinations whose ICAO identifiers do not begin with "K." "Flying to Europe is not particularly complex," said Nancy Pierce, a business consultant for Jeppesen. "But there are specific operational requirements, regulations and potential 'gotchas' for flying to Europe that flight crews and schedulers need to be aware of well before engine start." These and more topics will be covered at this week's NBAA International Operators Conference. Learn more.

New Hampshire Governor Proclaims General Aviation Appreciation Month
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch last week proclaimed March 2011 "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state. "Many communities in New Hampshire depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state," said the governor, echoing the central themes of the No Plane No Gain campaign. Lynch's proclamation came as the Granite State Airport Managers Association (GSAMA) was holding its GSAMA at the Capitol Day on March 16. Learn more.

New York Group Focuses on Airports for This Year's Advocacy Day
The New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) is holding its annual Advocacy Day tomorrow, March 22, in Albany and will focus on securing essential investments in airport infrastructure that were left out of the state's five-year capital plan. Following last year's Advocacy Day, state legislators established an aviation caucus that NYAMA supported as it grew to nearly half the legislature. "We work closely with the caucus membership to ensure they understand that a strong aviation industry keeps jobs in New York," said NYAMA President Carl Beardsley. Learn more.

Education Opportunities at Regional Forum in Dallas
NBAA’s next Regional Forum will be held on April 14 at Business Jet Center on Dallas Love Field (DAL). In addition to nearly 20 static aircraft and more than 50 Exhibitors, several education sessions will be held on topics such as legal and tax issues for prospective and current business aircraft owners, flight deck datalink issues and safety management systems. Exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more and register online.

STMP in Place for Augusta, GA Airports, Apr. 4–11
A major event always impacts all forms of transportation, including aviation, in the event's host city, which is why the FAA will have a special traffic management program (STMP) in effect for airports in the Augusta, GA area from April 4 to 11 during the Masters Golf Tournament. Arrival slots will be required daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Augusta Bush Regional Airport (AGS), Daniel Field Airport (DNL), Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK) and Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU). There will be preferred arrival and departure routes throughout the week. For additional information, review the NOTAM.

Leesburg Executive Airport Now Has ILS Approach
Runway 17 at Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO) is now equipped with an instrument landing system, which went into service March 10. Leesburg, VA mayor Kristen Umstattd was onboard for a ceremonial "first approach" flight for the ILS, and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10-VA), were on hand for the dedication. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org. Learn more.

Regional Groups to Host Scholarship Events in Arizona, California
NBAA Members based in the Arizona and Southern California regions will have prime opportunities to support local students by participating in upcoming scholarship benefits. The Arizona Business Aviation Association will host its 10th Annual Golf Benefit and Reception on March 25 and 26 in Scottsdale, AZ, and the Southern California Aviation Association will hold its 5th Annual Golf Benefit on April 4 in Carlsbad, CA. Both events will raise money for scholarship programs benefitting aviation students. To learn more and register, visit the NBAA Regional Events page.

Point of Impact: BARR Changes Would Hurt Companies of All Sizes
The FAA's plans to limit the BARR program to all but a few flights would compromise privacy and security for entrepreneurs and strike a blow to competitiveness for companies of all sizes. Just ask Brad Pierce, who runs a family business called Restaurant Equipment World. "My company's competitive edge is at stake," Pierce explains. Or consider John and Martha King, whose comments opposing the FAA's plan for the BARR program noted that before signing up to have their airplane number blocked, Martha King "received e-mails from an individual listing everywhere we had flown." These are among several stories that will be profiled in a new "Point of Impact" series detailing how BARR changes could have unintended consequences for businesses. Listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast interview with Pierce. Read Pierce's story.

NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey Participation Deadline Extended
The extended deadline for participation in the 2011 survey is March 30. NBAA encourages companies to participate in the survey so the results are as comprehensive and accurate as possible. This indispensable business tool helps NBAA Members create and run the most effective and efficient flight departments. All data will be held strictly confidential and only NBAA Member Representatives from Member Companies that operate aircraft, or those designated by the Member Representative, may enter survey data. Participants will receive free online access to survey results once compiled. Learn more and take the survey.

NBAA Provides New Resource on California Use Tax Exemptions
In addition to sales tax, states also often impose a use tax on tangible personal property, including aircraft that are purchased for use or basing within the state. A new NBAA Tax Committee article details the specific use tax exemptions available to aircraft owners in California. While California use tax exemptions are attainable, advance planning is necessary to ensure that the specific exemption is properly applied. Review the article to learn how.

Register for CASS by Next Week for Discounted Room Rate
NBAA and Flight Safety Foundation will host the 56th Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar (CASS) from April 19 to 21 in San Diego, CA. This year's CASS will examine such topics as fatigue management systems, professionalism in aviation, selecting crew members for safety, runway excursions and mitigation strategies, safety leadership, medical certification standards and policies and more. To reserve a hotel room at the discounted rate, register by next Monday, March 28. Learn more.

NBAA Board Revises Bylaws
The Association's Board of Directors recently approved an amendment to NBAA's Bylaws that provides flexibility in the number of directors who may serve on the Nominating Committee. Review the current NBAA Bylaws. Review the current NBAA Bylaws.