NBAA Commends FAA Administrator, Controllers for Redoubling Safety Focus
In the wake of a series of recent, highly publicized incidents involving air traffic controller fatigue, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen welcomed the steps being taken by Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt and the air traffic controllers union to address the situation. "Business aviation especially relies on the professionalism of controllers, given the remote nature of many of the airports businesses rely on, and we welcome the steps being taken to ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in aviation safety," Bolen said. Read the full statement.

NBAA: USA Today Overlooks 'Key Facts' About Business Aviation
When USA Today recently published a story about non-business use of a company airplane without explaining the reasons why some companies make allowances for such use, NBAA was quick to respond. "Given the 24/7 nature of senior-level positions, it is reasonable that these managers are conducting company business in-flight, while reporting the use of aircraft as personal to meet federal requirements," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said in a letter published in the April 18 edition of the newspaper. Read Bolen's letter in its entirety.

SMS Survey Planned for NBAA Members Next Month
NBAA's Domestic Operations Committee will conduct a survey of NBAA Members next month on issues related to implementing safety management systems (SMS). The survey will be open to operators that have established an SMS and those that have not. Committee members will share the results of the survey, as well as their own experiences implementing an SMS, in an education session at the NBAA 64th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2011). For more information, contact NBAA's Mark Larsen at mlarsen@nbaa.org. Learn more about the committee.

NBAA Advocacy Resources Help Media Accurately Cover Industry
When the Atlanta Journal Constitution recently questioned business airplane use, two No Plane No Gain resources helped ensure that the coverage would be well informed. "The majority of companies operating business aircraft have fewer than 500 employees, and only 22 percent of the passengers on business aircraft are top management, according to a study by research firm Harris Interactive," the story reports, adding, "Companies that used business aircraft outperformed nonusers in a variety of measures, including average annual revenue growth and profit growth, according to a report by NEXA Advisors LLC." Review the No Plane No Gain resources.

Missouri Governor's Proclamation Follows Aviation Advocacy Day
Missouri recently became the 21st state to officially recognize the value of all general aviation (GA), including business aviation, when Governor Jay Nixon issued a proclamation declaring March "General Aviation Appreciation Month." The governor made his proclamation during the fifth annual Missouri Aviation Day on March 22, jointly hosted by four local GA groups in Missouri and sponsored in part by NBAA. "The state of Missouri has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation," said the governor. Learn more.

Studies Point to Business Aviation Potential in India
Two recent reports point to remarkable growth in business aviation in India. "The growth opportunity for private jet manufacturers to deliver their products into India is tremendous," says Justin Firestone, who produced one of the reports. "As the world's largest democracy, the second-most populous country, and one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is clearly embracing the need for safe and efficient business jet travel." Learn more.

Gulf of Mexico Reduced Separation Project Moves Forward
The FAA and aviation authorities in Mexico have announced a two-phase plan to allow for more efficient operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The first phase, set to begin on October 20, will reduce lateral separation from 90 or 100 nm to 50 nm for aircraft authorized for RNP 10 or RNP 4 operations. Aircraft not approved for at least RNP 10 will still be allowed to operate in the Gulf of Mexico, but may receive less direct routings. Phase 2, scheduled for April 2012, will implement an area navigation (RNAV) route structure in the Gulf. Learn more.

Los Angeles Officials Try to Snuff Out SMO Flight Schools
Los Angeles City Council officials have passed a resolution supporting efforts to close six flight schools operating at Santa Monica Airport (SMO) on the grounds that they are a safety hazard. The council's resolution also expresses concern about the safety of the departure paths utilized from SMO, and the environmental impact of aircraft taking off and landing at the airport. Although the resolution has no immediate impact, the council's unjustified criticism of flight schools is the latest in an unfortunate trend of local actions unfriendly to general aviation in the region. Learn more.

Maine Legislature Moves to Support General Aviation
State legislators in Maine have introduced two bills that that would help attract business aviation. The new bills would allow nonresidents to bring their recently purchased aircraft to Maine without being subject to use tax and expand the current sales tax exemption to all aircraft. "This tax exemption isn't a giveaway to companies that are already here," said Mark Goodwin, vice president of Portland, ME-based Northeast Airmotive, "it's about enticing business to come to Maine that isn't coming now." Get the local story online and learn more about the tax proposals and how to get involved.

Potentially Devastating Property Tax Removed from Connecticut Budget
As a direct result of significant efforts by NBAA Members, the Connecticut Legislative Aviation Caucus and the Connecticut Business Aviation Group, a provision to impose a burdensome personal property tax on aircraft has been removed from the governor's budget. NBAA engaged Members in advocacy efforts that included testifying at a finance committee hearing and meeting with legislators to explain how the personal property tax would have caused many businesses to relocate aircraft to neighboring states. "We thank Governor Malloy and the legislature for listening to the concerns of NBAA Members and taking decisive action to remove this provision," said NBAA Northeast Regional Representative Dean Saucier. Review NBAA's Connecticut state tax resources.

FAA Issues Departure Advisory for North Las Vegas Airport
More than 80 pilot deviations have occurred over the last two years at North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) among aircraft flying the North Town 2 standard instrument departure (SID). With four busy airports in the Las Vegas valley, it is critical that operators fly the SID exactly as published to prevent loss of separation with other traffic. Pilots should review the procedure during their pre-flight planning and briefing; controllers will not provide radar vectors when the departure is issued. Learn more and review the FAA advisory.

Shouldn't Everyone in Business Aviation Have an NBAA Membership?
You count on NBAA for advocacy. You rely on NBAA for the best safety and operational resources. You look to NBAA for premier events, like the Association's Annual Meeting & Convention. Shouldn't all companies that rely on business aviation have access to these resources? May is Membership Month for NBAA, and any new Member you refer to join will save 20 percent if they join during the month of May. Additionally, you'll both be entered for a chance to win one of several prizes. Just direct them online and have them enter Promo Code REFERRAL and your name, when prompted. Learn more about NBAA benefits.

Maintenance Management Presentations Now Available Online
For those who missed this year's NBAA Maintenance Management Conference, held from April 5 to 7 in San Diego, CA, presentations from the conference are now available on NBAA's web site. The presentations include conference sessions on professional development, safety issues, regulatory issues, aircraft value management and aircraft pre-purchase evaluations. Download the presentations now.

NBAA Staff to Answer Questions, Provide Commemorative Photos at EBACE
All Attendees at next month's European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2011) in Geneva, Switzerland, are invited to stop by Booth 1731, where NBAA staff will answer questions about exclusive products and services available to Members and share updates about NBAA's 64th Annual Meeting & Convention this October in Las Vegas. NBAA also will host a coffee social at the booth on May 18 at 11:00 a.m., and offer commemorative photos showing some celebrated Las Vegas legends in the backdrop. Learn more about EBACE2011 and register.