House Approves FAA Reauthorization Bill
NBAA last week applauded passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a reauthorization measure (H.R. 658) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure continued progress on modernizing the nation's aviation system. The bill reflects a number of business aviation priorities and preserves the general aviation fuel tax in lieu of creating user fees. "We commend the House for this action to strengthen our nation's aviation system by approving this FAA reauthorization measure," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. Learn more.

NBAA Welcomes Congressional Action to Preserve the BARR
Last week, NBAA welcomed legislation to preserve the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. The legislation – included in the FAA reauthorization bill the House approved last week (H.R. 658) – directs the FAA to allow aircraft owners and operators to opt out of having their flight information published by flight-tracking services. "We commend congressional leaders for supporting the BARR program, and taking this important action to help protect citizens' privacy, prevent corporate espionage and preserve the security of business operations," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Learn more.

Congress Acts on BARR; Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard
While NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen applauded congressional action to preserve the BARR, he was quick to remind Members that it's still very important for people in the industry to submit comments opposing the FAA's plan to the public docket. "The official way for our industry to comment to the FAA about its proposal is by submitting statements to the docket during the public comment period," said Bolen. "It's very important that everyone who is concerned about the FAA's plan for the BARR weigh in on the issue." The comment deadline is today; use NBAA's link to submit your concerns to the docket, and sign an online petition opposing the FAA's plans.

NBAA's Formal Comments on FAA's BARR Plan Highlight Flaws in Proposal
In comments submitted to the federal docket on March 31, NBAA outlined a number of serious concerns raised by the FAA's plan to severely limit the ability of companies using general aviation airplanes to opt out of having their movements published by flight-tracking services. The FAA's proposal is "fundamentally inconsistent with well-established public policy principles regarding the government's obligation to protect the sanctity of wholly private conduct – principles that are currently receiving more attention than ever from the administration, other agencies and Congress," NBAA says in its comments. Learn more and review NBAA's comments.

U.S. Chamber 'Contacts Congress' in Support of BARR
Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging approval of a multiyear FAA reauthorization bill and listed among the high priority items included in the legislation accelerating the transition to a Next Generation ("NextGen") air transportation system and preserving the "effective and efficient" BARR program. "FAA has provided no data to demonstrate that changes to the BARR program are necessary," the letter states. The reauthorization measure, H.R. 658, was passed by the House on Friday. Read the Chamber's letter.

New FAA Safety Outreach to Focus on GA
The FAA has announced a new initiative for reducing the general aviation (GA) fatal accident rate, in part through the use of voluntary safety standdowns. "Safety is a top priority for our industry, which is why business aviation enjoys an outstanding safety record," said Doug Carr, NBAA vice president of safety, security and regulation. "The business aviation community knows first-hand the value of safety standdowns, and we are pleased the FAA is finding value in hosting its own standdown events." Learn more.

FAA Provides Additional Guidance on RVSM Monitoring Requirements
As NBAA reported previously, the FAA is instituting a new policy that requires aircraft approved for reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) operations to undergo height monitoring every two years or within intervals of 1,000 flight hours per aircraft, whichever period is longer. Operators have until November 18, 2012, to comply with these new monitoring requirements. The FAA recently published additional guidance material that provides details on the monitoring process and answers frequently asked questions. Review the FAA guidance.

CNN Highlights Business Aviation Flights to Support Veterans
A video spotlighting the generosity of businesses in flying wounded U.S. veterans to medical appointments or other events was posted on March 28 to the premier business news site CNNMoney.com, in its "Conscious Capitalism" series. Walter Fricke, executive director of the all-volunteer Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), explains that VAC coordinates some 1,800 pilots and aircraft owners nationwide who provide the no-cost transportation for wounded and disabled veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more.

2010 Business Turbine Aircraft Accident Review Now Available
NBAA Member Company Robert E. Breiling Associates has released the 2010 Business Turbine Aircraft Accident Review. The review contains over 500 pages of detailed narrative accounts for 355 turbine business aircraft accidents and incidents reported worldwide in 2010. Available electronically or in hardcopy, the review can be purchased in its entirety or sections can be purchased individually and prices range from $180 to $380. To order the review, contact Breiling Associates at (561) 338-6900 or rbreiling@bigplanet.com, or order online.

Grassroots Alliance Advocates for Aviation at Local Events
What would bring organizations as disparate as the National Farmers Union, Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors and the West Virginia Coal Association together in common cause? Promoting the value of general aviation, of course. That's the goal of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, which has recently been represented at a host of local events across the country to promote awareness of the industry's value. NBAA is a member of the Alliance, as are a number of other general aviation groups. Learn more.

As Safety Providers, Flight Attendants Need Recurrent Training Too
Recurrent training for flight attendants is important to ensuring the safety of the flight department, according to the members of NBAA's Flight Attendants Committee. "Training is not just service-oriented anymore," said Training Subcommittee Chair Amy Nelson. "Flight attendants are recognized as safety providers." Most recurrent training programs take two to three full days and cover topics such as evacuations, water landings, decompression, fires and medical emergencies. A recent Business Aviation Insider Online Extra has the full story. Learn more.

Do Your Research Before Flying Internationally
Planning an international flight requires more than a business jet capable of long-distance trips and a pilot with many hours of domestic flying experience; it requires studying your destination's regulations, airspace and operational issues, socio-economic conditions and airport infrastructure. "There is a bit of a tendency – particularly among people who think that 'Well, I own the airplane, I'm going to go' – that the worst they're going to run into is 'U.S. lite,' and it's not," said Bill Stine, NBAA director of international operations. To avoid unexpected problems, learn how best to prepare for an international flight.

House Defeats Curfew Amendment for California Airports
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected an amendment to the FAA reauthorization measure, H.R. 658, to ban night operations at the Bob Hope Burbank (BUR) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports. The House vote reflected opposition from the business aviation community – NBAA Members from coast to coast recognized the potential national impact of such a ban, and used the Association's Contact Congress resource to alert congressional lawmakers to the situation. Learn more.

Virginia Governor Signs Bill to Attract Business Aviation
Legislation recently enacted in Virginia includes a new "fly-away" exemption and provisions to encourage aviation-related businesses to locate their headquarters in the state. The fly-away exemption allows non-residents to purchase an aircraft in Virginia without being subject to Virginia sales tax if they relocate the aircraft away from the state within 60 days of closing. The exemption makes Virginia's tax treatment more competitive with neighboring states. See NBAA's state aviation tax report for Virginia.

Fort Lauderdale International Starting Runway Project May 3
The first phase of a significant runway construction project at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will begin on May 3. Runway 9L/27R will be closed for most of a 65-day period and is expected to be returned to service on July 8. The construction project will affect arrival and departure rates, likely resulting in traffic management initiatives such as general aviation airport program (GAAP) ground delay programs. Direct questions to NBAA's Dean Snell at dsnell@nbaa.org or learn more.

Ohio, Chicago Groups Holding Safety Events This Spring
Regional safety events, such as safety standdowns, are ideal forums to share best practices and enhance the professionalism of the entire business aviation industry. This month, the Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association is sponsoring the first Ohio Business Aviation Training Standdown from April 20 to 21 on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. On May 5, the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association will hold its 5th Annual Safety Standdown at the Hilton Garden Inn near DuPage Airport (DPA). Learn more about these and other upcoming regional events.

Chicago Group Offers Scholarship for Graduating College Students
The Chicago Area Business Aviation Association and FlightSafety International are jointly offering a scholarship to provide pilot training to college graduates. The organizations will present one college senior, graduating in 2011, with a free Citation II SIC pilot training course to be fulfilled at FlightSafety's training center in Toledo, OH. Applications are due May 1. Direct questions to info@cabaa.com.

Country Music Star Aaron Tippin to Keynote Maintenance Management Conference
On stage, country music star Aaron Tippin appears alternately patriotic, romantic and irreverent – fans might never guess that he's a pilot, or even an A&P mechanic. Tippin is one of two keynote speakers at NBAA's 26th Annual Maintenance Management Conference, being held this week from April 4 to 8 in San Diego, CA. Hear an interview with Tippin in a special edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast and read a related article on the conference.

Bolen to Provide Industry Update at Dallas Regional Forum, Apr. 14
With several key bills and regulations pending in Washington, DC and many states taking up aviation tax issues, this is a critical time for business aviation. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will provide an update on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry at the Business Aviation Regional Forum in Dallas, TX. The day-long learning and networking event will be held on April 14 at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), featuring 50 Exhibitors and nearly 20 business aircraft on display. Register now.

NBAA GA Desk Makes Transitional Move
As NBAA's General Aviation (GA) Desk staff transfer from their facilities in Reston, VA to a new location in Warrenton, VA, GA Desk Manager Ernie Stellings assures those who rely on the desk that the quality of service they receive will continue. "Our subscribers shouldn't see any change in the level of service, except maybe some improvements, thanks to a faster network and improved work stations and floor layout," Stellings reported. Learn more.