Bolen Interviews Babbitt on NextGen at U.S. Chamber Forum
At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual Aviation Summit last week, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen discussed the transformation to a Next Generation (NextGen) aviation system with Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt. "There's so much to be gained to completing the shift in navigation that will come with NextGen – so much potential, on so many levels," Babbit told Bolen before an audience of aviation policy leaders at the Chamber's Washington headquarters. "The question we should be asking is not what will it cost to do this, but what will it cost not to do this?" Learn more and see a video of the interview.

Bolen to Provide Washington Report at Upcoming Industry Events
As part of an ongoing emphasis on providing Washington policy updates to people and groups outside Washington, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen this week will participate in the gatherings of two groups: the Aerospace Insurers Association (AIA) and the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA). Bolen will summarize recent developments on the industry's policy priorities, including congressional passage of a reauthorization package for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the continuing work being done to implement a Next Generation air traffic system. The AIA event will take place in Orlando on May 3; the NAFA event, also in Orlando, will take place on May 5. Direct questions to NBAA's Dan Hubbard at dhubbard@nbaa.org.

GA Coalition: Data Needed Before EPA Rules on Low-Lead Fuel
In comments submitted last week to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NBAA and several other groups called upon the EPA to extend the agency's timeline for evaluating whether further restrictions on 100 octane low lead (100LL) aviation gas (avgas) are needed. The agency is considering further restrictions as part of a review of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQs). In the comments, NBAA and the other groups note that 100LL "contains 50 percent less lead than it did when the lead NAAQs were first introduced," and that "changes to lead monitoring requirements in 2010 will provide important new data on lead emissions, but not until at least 2012." The coalition wants the EPA to extend its review timeline so that the new data can be included. Review the comments.

What's Involved in New RVSM Height-Monitoring Requirements?
RVSM provides several benefits for operators, and because it relies on exacting altimeter accuracy, the FAA has set up an altimeter-monitoring process for operators. Starting next month, height-monitoring flight requirements will be introduced to the industry. While the requirements have prompted some in the industry to be concerned that compliance will be onerous, the process for compliance should be simple and straightforward for most operators. NBAA is also aware that this requirement could add compliance costs for some Members that do not operate near one of the monitoring stations and is working with the FAA to determine if alternate options exist for height monitoring. Learn more.

FAA to Hold Public Meeting on Non-Citizen Owner Trusts
The FAA is reviewing its policies on registering aircraft as owner trusts that have beneficiaries who are neither U.S. citizens nor resident aliens. The agency has scheduled a public meeting on June 1 in Oklahoma City to solicit, among other items, views from the public on the appropriate requirements and limitations for such owner trusts. A year ago, the FAA proposed a moratorium on non-citizen owner trusts, which would have had a harmful impact on the business aviation industry. The FAA withdrew the moratorium in response to vigorous opposition from the industry. NBAA will participate in the June 1 meeting and invites Members to share their thoughts on the questions posed by the FAA in the meeting notice by contacting the Association's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org. Review the notice.

Nominate a Safety Innovator for Flight Safety Foundation's Barbour Award
The Flight Safety Foundation's Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award is an opportunity for NBAA Members to nominate an individual or group for achievement in improving aviation safety. Created by the Barbour family in memory of Laura Taber Barbour, who died in the 1945 crash of a DC-3 near Morgantown, WV, the award recognizes improvements in method, design, invention or study that enhance aviation safety. Nominations are due June 1. Learn more and submit a nomination.

International-Themed Edition of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
Today, business aviation is a truly global activity, and NBAA provides the events and resources to support Members in their international operations. Now online, the May/June issue of Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Baldwin Aviation and Universal Weather & Aviation, Inc., features an international theme, with articles on international security planning for overseas missions, SAFA checks, tips for schedulers and dispatchers and more. Printed copies of the issue are mailing to Member subscribers now. View the issue online or subscribe today.

Kansas GA Economic Summit and Proclamation Highlight Industry's Value
In a nod to the role of general aviation (GA) in generating economic activity, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback (R-KS) focused on ways to build on gains the industry already brings to the state in the first in a series of summits held on April 25 in Wichita. Declaring that Kansas must get out of its "defensive posture in aviation and get on the offensive position," Brownback also issued a proclamation designating May 2011 "General Aviation Awareness Month" in Kansas; during the summit, more than 160 GA industry and educational institution leaders offered suggestions for encouraging GA enterprises in the state. Learn more.

Going Global? International Security Planning for Overseas Missions
The terrorist attacks and political upheaval that have erupted this year around the world – from Moscow to the Middle East – have prompted business aircraft operators to redouble their focus on security when operating overseas. Ensuring the safety and security of international operations involves knowing the risks specific to a destination, planning to avoid or mitigate those risks, and being prepared to respond to unplanned events and security breaches. The May/June issue of Business Aviation Insider has advice for ensuring secure international operations. Read the article.

Government Issues Travel Alert Following U.S. Military Activity in Pakistan
In the wake of the U.S. military's strike against Osama bin Laden, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for U.S. citizens traveling or residing in areas where the events have the potential to prompt anti-American sentiment. "U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations," the alert states. "U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times." View the alert and receive regular updates from the State Department.

General Aviation Industry in China Growing Fast
Since the Chinese government opened up much of its airspace to civilians a few years ago, the general aviation industry in China has been growing aggressively. International airframe manufacturers like Cessna, Boeing, Eurocopter, Groen Brothers and Diamond have recently built or planned production facilities in China to meet the growing demand. "No longer can China be called 'the sleeping dragon' where GA is concerned," said Jason Liao, NBAA's chief representative in Asia. "Recent relaxation of airspace restrictions by the Chinese government and the booming economy are having a decidedly positive effect on GA, particularly business aviation in China." Learn more.

Sugar Land Airport: Serving Local Businesses and the Community
Twenty years ago, the city of Sugar Land was a sleepy burg of fewer than 25,000 citizens. Now, it's a vibrant city of more than 84,000, and its airport is a testimonial to the value of business aviation to a community. "It's one of the greatest economic development tools we have in the city of Sugar Land," said Keri Schmidt, president and CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. "We're really proud of it, we're glad that it's ours." In this week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast, Schmidt and other Sugar Land Airport supporters discuss why their advocacy efforts have ensured support for the facility by the surrounding community. Listen to the podcast and read the full article.

Chicago Safety Standdown Approved for CAM Credit
This week's Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) Safety Standdown has been approved for Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credit by NBAA's CAM Governing Board. This one-day event will be held on Thursday, May 5 and will feature National Transportation Safety Board Member Robert Sumwalt and include sessions on topics relevant to flight safety. Attendees are entitled to one point toward CAM qualification or recertification. Learn more about the CABAA Safety Standdown.

NBAA Celebrates Membership All Month Long
NBAA's annual celebration of Membership has officially begun! This year, the Association is featuring a Benefit a Day in the Month of May, offering incentives for anyone who refers new Members to join during the month, and giving you the chance to tell NBAA your favorite Membership experience for a chance to win great prizes! Check NBAA's home page, Facebook page and Twitter feed regularly to get the daily updates and ensure you and your colleagues are making the most of your company's Membership. Get complete details about May Is Membership Month.

Why Join NBAA? In Video Comments, Members Count the Reasons
NBAA's web site and materials describe many Membership benefits, but in the end, it's often what NBAA Members say that means the most. And because NBAA considers May to be Membership Month, the Association is sharing a series of video interviews focused on what NBAA membership offers. This week's video focuses on NBAA's advocacy role. Ernie Edwards of Embraer says, "The whole point of the organization is to have a unified voice of all Members, of all the aircraft owners and operators, and take that to the people who matter in the government." Learn more and view the video.