TSA Stepping Up Inspections at All Commercial Airports
In the wake of the U.S. military's strike against Osama bin Laden, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is stepping up inspections of access points at all commercial (Part 1542) airports to ensure that businesses and transient operations are following proper badging and escort procedures. Reportedly, information found during the military's raid on bin Laden's compound earlier this month indicated a heightened focus by terrorists on disrupting transportation services in the U.S., specifically rail. While organizations such as al-Qaeda have always viewed aviation as an attractive target, the TSA's current efforts appear to be ensuring that everyone follows proper access control and identification procedures. Airports and operators may see new tactics employed to determine compliance with security requirements. Direct questions to NBAA's Operations Service Group at osg@nbaa.org. Review NBAA's security best practices.

National Groups Remind Congress: Preserve the BARR
Five major business and aviation groups have called upon members of Congress to support language in the House FAA reauthorization package (HR 658) that preserves the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. "Privacy of movement is a fundamental American value," the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers and Business Roundtable stated in a joint letter to the Senate conferees. "We believe the federal government should, to the greatest extent possible, protect such information rather than transmit it to anyone in the world with a computer connection." The Aerospace Industries Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association expressed similar concerns in a letter they jointly sent to congressional lawmakers. The House and Senate each approved FAA reauthorization measures earlier this year; a conference committee now must be convened to reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills. Review the letters.

You Can Tell Congress to Preserve the BARR in FAA Reauthorization Bill
In hundreds of comments submitted to the federal docket and thousands of signatures to an online petition, the business aviation community has forcefully expressed a unified concern about the FAA's plans for severely curtailing the BARR program. As the U.S. House and Senate select a "conference" group of representatives from each chamber to reconcile the separate FAA reauthorization bills passed earlier this year, you can make sure lawmakers hear from the industry on the need to support language included in the House FAA reauthorization bill to preserve the BARR program. NBAA has provided a new Contact Congress letter template you can send to communicate your support for the House language; if you would like to author your own letter, a new background paper on the BARR can help you assemble your concerns. Create a letter using NBAA's Contact Congress resource.

Babbitt Discusses Need for Final FAA Reauthorization Bill
In remarks before the Atlanta Aero Club last week, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Randy Babbitt said a final FAA reauthorization bill would help the agency's planning and management of the large-scale, long-term work involved in completing the transformation of today's ground-based aviation system into a satellite-based Next Generation (NextGen) system. Once the necessary NextGen technologies are installed, Babbitt pointed out, savings in costs and time would follow for all aviators. Following his remarks in Atlanta, Babbitt was interviewed for this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast. Listen to the podcast recording, or read the full article.

FAA Reminds Pilots to File Flight Plans with Correct RNP Authorization
Before filing a flight plan indicating that their aircraft is approved for RNP 4, operators must verify that they have received the proper authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During a recent review, the FAA determined that some operators were filing flight plans indicating RNP 4 approval when in fact the aircraft did not have the required authorization. Even if an aircraft is equipped for RNP 4 operations, specific FAA authorization is required before that capability can be filed on a flight plan. Incorrectly stating that an aircraft holds a specific authorization can result in a potentially unsafe situation. Review NBAA's resources on RNP.

Buying Business Aircraft Still Complicated by Financing Challenges
While the business aircraft market is seen to be slowly recovering, the difficulty of securing financing makes purchasing an aircraft today much more challenging than it was before September 2008. "The time required to close the financing is often much longer," said Jeff Wieand of Boston Jet Search. "That means buyers who don't want to pay cash have to begin arranging financing as soon – and maybe even before – they reach a deal on an aircraft." Bankers recommend that buyers be prepared to make the case for how the aircraft will help them achieve their business goals. Learn more.

State Taxes Impacting Business Aviation – Could Your Aircraft Be Affected?
State tax rules can be confusing even to tax attorneys or accountants, because the rules vary among the states, and business aircraft are operated in multiple states. Misconceptions abound regarding the applicability of taxes to aircraft operated for business, and there is no prohibition against "double taxation," so states can impose multiple taxes on aircraft. To help operators understand the rules for their own aircraft, leaders of NBAA's Tax Committee presented a recent webinar titled "State Taxes Impacting Business Aviation." The NBAA State Aviation Tax Report also provides comprehensive information on the tax policies in each of the 50 states. Read more and order the webinar recording.

NBAA Tells State Aviation Officials: No Plane, No Gain
With congressional legislators out of Washington for a home work period last week, NBAA took the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign message to a gathering of state transportation policymakers. NBAA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Lisa Piccione addressed a May 3 meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to speak with state aviation directors about the value of business aviation in states across the country. That value is being increasingly recognized as a host of states from across the country have issued proclamations highlighting the industry's importance to citizens, companies and communities. Learn more about No Plane, No Gain.

Colorado Group: June Is 'General Aviation Appreciation Month'
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO) has issued a proclamation declaring that June 2011 will be "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state. The action comes just over a month ahead of the Colorado Aviation Business Association's (CABA) second annual "Aviation Saves" open house, to be held from June 10 to 11 at Centennial Airport in Englewood, CO, near Denver. The proclamation is one of several that have been issued by states across the country over the past year; this most recent declaration is the result of the efforts of numerous CABA volunteers, said Reggie Arsenault, CABA chairman. Learn more.

A Lost Comm Overseas Doesn't Have to Be Foreign Experience
Losing communications with air traffic control can be a highly stressful situation, even for experienced pilots flying over familiar territory. The stress level rises when the radio falls silent over the ocean, or another country. Experts say planning and education before flying outside the U.S. are key to handling such a situation, and NBAA has tips and tools to help business flyers prepare for a lost comm situation. Read the full story in the Business Aviation Insider tip of the month.

APIS Newsletter Provides Details on Data Requirements
In cooperation with NBAA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a recent issue of its newsletter on best practices for complying with Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) requirements. In the issue, CBP explains the specific data sufficiency requirements that operators must adhere to when making APIS transmissions. The key to successfully complying with the regulations is to provide complete, correct and accurate data to CBP. For example, passenger information submitted through APIS must match exactly with the information on the passenger's travel document. Review the complete newsletter.

Connecticut Groups Keep New Aviation Taxes Out of State Budget
Thanks to the focused advocacy of local and national aviation groups, the Connecticut state legislature last week passed a budget without two tax proposals that would have imposed a new personal property tax on all aircraft and eliminated the sales tax exemption for maintenance and repair of light aircraft. "Once people [in the industry] met their legislators and government officials, a better understanding evolved between all parties and the representatives saw how much business aviation fuels the Connecticut economy," said NBAA's Dean Saucier. Review NBAA's Connecticut state tax report and read the full story.

Greater Cincinnati Airport Courts Business Aviation to Fill the Void
As the commercial airlines have scaled back operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), the airport has been actively courting business aviation to fill the gap. As the commercial airport serving the Greater Cincinnati area, including southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky, CVG offers a great location and the kinds of amenities business aviation customers are looking for, according to supporters. Learn more.

Increased Operations Expected in Seattle Area This Month
Seattle TRACON is expecting increased operations throughout the week of May 16 to 20 at Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) due to a business event. Parking at BFI is expected to be at capacity with limited space for GA aircraft parking. Operators are encouraged to check with FBOs at BFI and throughout the area for availability of parking and services during the week prior to departing for this area. Also, arrival delays of up to 15 minutes are possible during times of peak demand. Significant departure delays are anticipated on May 20 as the event ends, especially between 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. While no programs are anticipated for this event, some traffic management initiatives such as miles-in-trail and gate holds are likely to help mitigate demand during peak arrival and departure periods. Direct questions to NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org.

A-380 Scheduled Flights to Begin at Dulles on June 6
Business aviation flightcrews should remain vigilant and maintain airport surface orientation as the new Air France A-380 schedule will go into effect at the same time as favorable summer weather permits additional taxiway/runway rehabilitation and construction activity at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Crews should be prepared for intermediate holds while taxiing during A-380 surface movement. For more information contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org, or visit NBAA's runway safety page.

Why Join NBAA? In Video Comments, Members Point to Networking
May is Membership Month at NBAA – an entire month dedicated to recognizing NBAA Members and highlighting the many benefits associated with NBAA membership. Throughout the month, NBAA is sharing a series of video testimonials from Member representatives about what the Association offers. In one video, focusing on networking and commerce, Amy Roy of IMS Health says NBAA is all about "letting me get in touch with other departments out there [and] network with a lot of people in my industry." Learn more and view the video.

Tell NBAA About Favorite Experience for Chance to Win iPad
NBAA loves hearing from its Membership! In honor of May is Membership Month, NBAA asks you to share your favorite Membership experience, what you love about NBAA or even just the Member benefit you value most. Share your story with NBAA and you'll be entered for a chance to win an Apple iPad. For your chance to win, complete the form by May 31. Learn more.

Premium Listings in NBAA Member Directory Offer Greater Exposure to Customers
Companies looking to gain exposure to potential business aviation customers should consider upgrading to a new premium listing in the Products & Services section of NBAA's Member Directory. A premium listing affords companies more space to describe their business and allows companies to post their logo at the top of each category. "This prime location and enhanced listing is a cost-effective way to zero in on some of the best potential customers – namely, other Member Companies of NBAA," said Chris Strong, NBAA vice president of membership marketing. Learn more.

Maintenance Conference Raises Thousands for Scholarships
One of the main goals of NBAA's annual Maintenance Management Conference is to raise money for the Association's Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship (TRACS) program, and this year, the event raised more than $14,000 to assist students with travel costs associated with maintenance training. The money was generated through the raffle of a Snap-On toolbox and a silent auction. Read about 2011 NBAA Maintenance Management Conference highlights.