NBAA: Make Your Voice Heard on BARR Changes
The window for submitting public comment to the FAA regarding proposed, onerous changes to the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program will close on April 4, so if you value the privacy of your flight operation, now is the time to speak up. NBAA’s Doug Carr, vice president for safety, security and regulation, says "The more comments we get the more important it will be for government officials to respond to all of these positions." Read more about the FAA's proposed changes to the BARR and hear an interview with Carr in this week’s edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

Aviation Coalition Renews Call for FAA Reauthorization Passage
Last week, NBAA was among 33 aviation organizations and companies that sent a joint letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives urging swift passage of H.R. 658, the multi-year FAA reauthorization package currently under consideration in the House. The letter notes, "H.R. 658 contains many provisions important to the aviation community, including strengthening the ability of FAA to implement the procedures, policies, and technology necessary for the success of NextGen." Read a copy of the industry letter.

Operators Encouraged to Participate in FAA GA Survey
Early next month, the FAA will send invitations to participate in its annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey. The FAA uses the survey data to develop its accident statistics for general aviation and on-demand charter operations. The full participation of the industry will ensure accurate survey results, which are critical to FAA planning and forecasting, benefiting the entire business aviation community. NBAA encourages all operators who receive an invitation from the FAA to complete the survey. Learn more.

Senate GA Caucus Recruiting New Members
The co-chairs of the Senate General Aviation (GA) Caucus, Sens. Mark Begich (D-AK) and Mike Johanns (R-NE), are recruiting to increase their membership, which currently stands at 30 senators. In a recent letter to colleagues, Begich and Johanns wrote, "GA contributes significantly to local economies, generating over $150 billion annually with 1.3 million American jobs directly tied to the GA industry." NBAA senior vice president for government affairs Lisa Piccione welcomed the co-chairs' efforts, saying, "We look forward to working with caucus members, and all aviation supporters in Congress, to ensure a thriving air transportation system, create jobs and better serve America's small towns and communities." Read more.

Newspaper Ad Highlights Industry's Opposition to CT Aircraft Tax
A full-page advertisement in the April 2011 issue of Atlantic Flyer warns Connecticut residents that the state's proposed budget could cause "severe" damage to the entire general aviation industry in the state. The ad was sponsored by NBAA and five other major general aviation organizations, and placed in ad space donated by Atlantic Flyer’s publishers. Learn more.

Wings of Hope Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
One of the world’s oldest and largest aviation charities is Wings of Hope, founded nearly 50 years ago when volunteers restored and donated a Cessna 337 in-line twin to a Kenyan nurse caring for people in nomad camps. Today, with operations in 45 countries and 3,000 participants around the world, Wings of Hope, an NBAA Member Company, is a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. The president of Wings of Hope is Douglas Clements, who, at 62, works in the Ecuadorian Amazon, commuting in a 1958 Cessna Skyhawk 172. In a Business Aviation Insider Online Extra, read more about his and Wings of Hope’s story.

U.S. Government Prohibits Flights Over Libya
Citing "safety and national security concerns," the FAA on March 20 issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting U.S. civilian flights over Libya. SFARs are used to define requirements that are not included in existing regulations. This SFAR notes "An armed conflict is ongoing in Libya and presents a potential hazard to civil aviation." Specific hazards listed in the SFAR include damaged pavement on runways at Libya's international airports in Benghazi and Tripoli and possible loss of air navigation services. Learn more and read the SFAR.

Business Aviation’s Value Visible in Europe
A report last month from Eurocontrol shows that as the European economy is recovering, businesses there are starting to fly again. Eurocontrol's analysis shows the number of 2010 business flights in Europe rose by 5.5 percent over 2009 – travel that largely takes place among small and mid-sized communities. The value of business aviation in serving communities with little or no airline service is one of the main themes of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Learn more.

U.S.-Canada Border Plan Could Streamline Crossings
Someday, flying across the U.S.-Canadian border could be almost as seamless as going from state to state, or province to province, for companies that use business aviation. Paving the way toward that goal, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this year signed a declaration of intent to work together on ways to streamline and simplify border crossings. Called "Beyond the Border," the new U.S.-Canada perimeter border security plan would implement new technologies and more up-to-date border security procedures. Learn more.

Learn Aircraft Ownership Essentials at Dallas Forum, Apr. 14
NBAA's next Business Aviation Regional Forum is fast approaching; it will be held on April 14 in Dallas, TX. The program features several in-depth education sessions, including "Business Aircraft Ownership 101," which will cover regulatory, financing, liability, insurance and tax considerations. Featuring 50 indoor Exhibitors and nearly 20 aircraft on Static Display, the Dallas Forum will bring together local aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers and customers at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Register now.

New York Legislature Honors Aviation Group During Advocacy Day
During the New York Aviation Management Association's (NYAMA's) Advocacy Day in Albany last week, the state legislature adopted a special resolution honoring NYAMA and recognizing the value of all aviation, including business aviation, in the Empire State. The resolution, introduced by New York Legislative Aviation Caucus co-chairs Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Bill Larkin, cited the benefits business aviation generates in New York, echoing themes of the No Plane No Gain campaign. Read more and view a copy of the resolution.

Flying to Houston? Prepare for Traffic-Management Initiatives
Major events always require transportation planning in the host cities, including for aviation, and that is the case for the Houston, TX area starting this week. Houston will host the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four tournament from April 2 to 4, and the Shell Houston Open from March 31 to April 3. While no slot programs are in place for any Houston area airports, traffic management initiatives such as general aviation airport program (GAAP) ground delay programs and required routes are possible from March 31 to April 5. Operators are strongly encouraged to confirm their flight schedules with their FBO prior to departure. For more information, contact NBAA’s Dean Snell at dsnell@nbaa.org.

Addison Runway Construction to Affect Operations
Addison Airport (ADS) near Dallas, TX, will begin a runway improvement project next month that will continue until August and affect aircraft operations. The construction, which includes pavement repairs, asphalt overlay and lighting upgrades, will affect runway length, requiring displaced thresholds. During a two-week period in June, the runway will be closed during evening hours. For more information, contact Addison Airport deputy director Darci Neuzil at darci.neuzil@urs.com or NBAA's Steve Hadley at shadley@nbaa.org. Operators are encouraged to consult FAA notices to airmen (NOTAMs) and the Addison Airport web site.

Register Now for Southern California Scholarship Benefit, Apr. 4
The Southern California Aviation Association (SCAA) will host its 5th Annual Golf Benefit on Monday, April 4 at the Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, CA. The tournament benefits the association and its scholarship fund, which provides support to area students pursuing careers in aviation. Last year's tournament raised nearly $10,000 in scholarships. For more information, contact SCAA's Debi Carlston at info@sdraa.org. Learn more and register now.

Make a Difference: Take Product-Support Surveys
It's almost that time of year again, when business aviation product-support surveys hit the inboxes of most NBAA members. The survey results are very important to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). "For a business jet OEM, the true measure of proficiency in product support is to be found in the first-hand experiences of the operator," said Frank Youngkin, senior vice president of customer service for Dassault Falcon. "We must rely on feedback from real live human beings when it comes to sharing experiences and learning from one another." Learn more.

Webinar: Decrease Your Flight Department's Vulnerability to Crime
Do you know your flight department's critical assets and vulnerabilities to crime? NBAA will present a live webinar on how to "Protect Your Flight Department" this Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Two security experts, Air Security International president Charlie LeBlanc and V1 Analytical Solutions CEO Sam Harris, who has over 24 years of aviation, military and special operations combat experience, will share lessons learned for decreasing your flight department's target for criminal activity. Learn more.

CAM Governing Board Seeks Director Nominations
NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Governing Board is calling for nominations to a director position. Nominees must be CAMs in good standing and able to support the work of the Governing Board. Directors serve three-year terms beginning with the Governing Board meeting following the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention. The deadline for nominations is April 29. To submit a nomination, including the nominee's written acceptance of nomination, resume and statement of qualifications, contact NBAA's Jay Evans at jevans@nbaa.org. Learn more.

Save 50% on Recording of NBAA’s Entire 2010 Tax Conference
For tax season, NBAA is offering the entire video recording of the 2010 NBAA Tax, Regulatory and Risk Management Conference for 50 percent off to NBAA Members through April 15, a savings of $300. The recording, which includes downloadable presentations for 16 individual education sessions, is available through NBAA's On-Demand Education portal. The sessions, including "Excise Taxes on Transportation and Fuel" and "FAA's Re-Registration Rule," offer timely information for saving money when acquiring, owning and operating aircraft. Learn more and order now.

Apply for a Summer Internship With NBAA
NBAA has an exciting paid internship opportunity in Washington, DC for an intern to assist subject matter experts with research activities on regulatory and technical issues related to the operation of business aircraft. The internship is an excellent opportunity for an articulate, organized undergraduate in aviation management or similar field to learn about business aviation. Read the job description and download the application.