NBAA, Members Continue Response to President's Mischaracterization of Business Aviation
As NBAA has reported previously, the Association and industry continue to forcefully respond to President Obama's recent comments denigrating the use of a business airplane. NBAA has put the facts about business aviation forward with a host of news organizations, as exemplified in comments from NBAA Senior Vice President, Dan Hubbard, who told the New York Times for its July 7 story that the president's remarks amounted to "an attempt to score some cheap political points on the back of an industry that employs 1.2 million people." Companies in NBAA's Membership have echoed the Association's message; for example, JSSI Chairman and CEO Lou Seno highlighted the industry's value in a recent CNBC interview, and St. Louis Business Aviation Association president did likewise in an letter recently published in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Read NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen's letter detailing recent initiatives.

Tell Congress to Reject Obama's Attempt to Vilify Business Aviation
As NBAA Members know, the Association has repeatedly denounced the president's recent rhetoric and policy proposals for business aircraft. Ed Bolen and other NBAA staff members have highlighted for news outlets like the New York Times, CNN, NPR and CNBC the value of business aviation, including the 1.2 million jobs it generates. You can help NBAA put the facts about business aviation before members of Congress, who would ultimately vote on any proposal the president puts forward. To make your voice heard, use the Association's Contact Congress resource now.

As White House Makes Headlines About Business Aviation, BARR Battle Continues
Although the nation's major news outlets have been focused over the past two weeks on the president's remarks about business aviation as part of the larger deficit-reduction debate, NBAA and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) continue to challenge in court the DOT's plan to dismantle the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. NBAA has posted frequently asked questions and answers about how Members can support the BARR Legal Defense Program, which was established in response to Members' request for a way to help support the fight against the DOT's plans for the BARR. The FAQs include how to contribute to the fund, disclosure requirements and details on the court challenge itself. View the FAQs and contribute today.

NBAA Applauds Grizzle's Appointment as COO for ATO
NBAA last week applauded Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt's announcement that David Grizzle was appointed chief operating officer (COO) of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), responsible for the safe and efficient management of the nation's air traffic system. "David Grizzle has proven to be a strategic thinker and a strong manager as both chief counsel and acting COO for the FAA," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "He's been sensitive to the priorities and concerns for the business aviation community, and he understands the industry's important role in our air nation's transportation system." Read about Grizzle's appointment.

TSA Names Wilson New Acting Manager for GA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last week named Kerwin Wilson acting general manager for general aviation, following the departure of Brian Delauter, who previously held the post, and was known as an effective partner with the general aviation community. Wilson, whose appointment took effect July 5, comes to the position after serving as an assistant general manager with responsibilities over a number of programs related to the general aviation community. "Kerwin has always had an open door to business aviation, and shown a readiness to listen to NBAA's concerns," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said following the TSA's announcement. "His department at the TSA, which focuses on general aviation, has had an effective, collaborative relationship with industry stakeholders in recent years, and we look forward to working with Kerwin to build on that relationship." For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

Point of Impact: NBAA Companies Explain How White House Rhetoric Harms Industry
In the days following President Obama's negative caricature of the business aviation community, NBAA has been highlighting first-hand accounts from people and companies in the industry who explain how the president's recent rhetoric and policy proposals could be detrimental to the industry, especially in this challenging economy. For example, Wayne Estopinal, founder of The Estopinal Group, an architectural, engineering and interior design company based in Jeffersonville, IN, says: "Adding even more taxes on general aviation is an ill-conceived concept…. When we use corporate aircraft to serve our clients, it is so our staff can be efficient and productive." George Feldstein, president of Crestron Electronics in Rockleigh, NJ, agrees. "What [more taxation] would do is take away the money that would otherwise be reinvested in the business," he says. To read more and hear audio commentary, view NBAA's Point of Impact page.

Wyoming Is Latest State to Recognize Business Aviation Value
Joining a host of his fellow governors in states from coast to coast, Wyoming Governor Matthew H. Mead recently declared June 2011 as General Aviation Appreciation Month in the Equality State. In his proclamation, issued June 27, Mead noted that general aviation plays a "critical role in the lives of our citizens." Wyoming is the 29th state to officially recognize the value of general aviation, including for business purposes, since the beginning of 2010. Review the Wyoming proclamation details.

At NBAA's Oshkosh Tent, 'Our Doors Are Open'
The eyes of the aviation world soon will turn to Oshkosh, WI, home of the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture show. NBAA will again have its big white tent right along the flight line, where Members and non-Members alike are encouraged to stop by and meet the staff. "Our doors are open!" said Chris Strong, NBAA vice president, membership marketing. "We want people to come in and ask questions about using their aircraft for business. We want to hear their stories." NBAA will host an informal gathering for members of aircraft type clubs, and Hawker Beechcraft will display a Bonanza XTRA – a factory upgraded aircraft fitted with all the latest technology. Review NBAA's Oshkosh plans.

Industry Analyst: EU-ETS May Dampen Business Aviation Recovery
Business aviation industry analyst Brian Foley, of Brian Foley Associates, on July 5 issued a white paper predicting that the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) could negatively impact business aviation and throttle back the industry's nascent recovery. "It's the costs and complexities [of the EU-ETS plan] that jumped out at us," Foley said. Learn more about Foley's report and NBAA's work to advocate for Members on EU-ETS.

Community Outreach in Focus This Week at NBAA's San Jose Forum
Following three successful regional gatherings earlier this year, NBAA will reach out to the West Coast business aviation community at this week's San Jose Business Aviation Regional Forum, to be held this Thursday, July 14, at Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) in California's Silicon Valley. The event will include over 70 indoor exhibits, 20 static aircraft and education sessions on topics including business aviation safety and aircraft tax deduction information. From 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on July 13, the event will be preceded by a special community outreach event for students with professional aspirations in business aviation. Learn more about the San Jose Regional Forum.

Tall Ships Prompt New Arrival Procedure at Philadelphia International
In the past, when tall ships transited the Delaware River near Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), arrivals at Runway 35 were suspended for lengthy periods of time. Recently, a working group of FAA, airport and industry representatives developed a new arrival procedure to increase access to the airport at Runway 35 and preserve safety standards at the airport. The new procedure will be implemented on August 1, and will be available from sunrise to sunset and only during visual meteorological conditions. Review the PHL procedure details.

In South Carolina, Grandparents Introduce Kids to Aviation
On July 2, at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in Greenville, SC, a group of children from across the U.S. took their first look at business aviation, thanks to their grandparents. The kids visit their grandparents in a nearby suburb each summer, and organizer Gerald Gaige said the airport trip attracted more interest than any other summer activity. "The kids were saying 'Oh, wow, this is great!' and 'Cool!'" said Steve Wiley of Special Services Corporation, an NBAA Member employee who arranged for tours of the company's three Cessna Citation jets. Share your stories with NBAA at feedback@nbaa.org, and review this inspiring youth outreach story.

NBAA Marks the Passing of James Hoblyn
Last week, NBAA marked the untimely passing of James Hoblyn, Bombardier president of customer services & specialized and amphibious aircraft, and a member of NBAA's Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC) and Learjet Subcommittee. A leader in the business aviation community, and one focused on safety, Hoblyn will be remembered for his enthusiasm for the industry and contributions to it. He is survived by his wife Josée and his three daughters.

Tell Us What You Want in the NBAA Management Guide
All Members are encouraged to participate in a brief 20-question survey about how they use the NBAA Management Guide. One of the most valued NBAA Member benefits, the Management Guide provides detailed guidance to flight departments on operational, maintenance, administrative and other considerations. The survey is important to improving future editions of this evolving publication. Take the survey now.

How Do You Use Your iPad for Business Aviation?
For the magazine's July poll, NBAA's Business Aviation Insider is asking Apple iPad owners how they use the device for business aviation operations and administration. Do you use your iPad to view navigation charts, file flight plans, get weather forecasts before a flight or in other aspects of your operations? Take the quick two-question poll and tell NBAA; the results will be reported in an upcoming issue of Insider. Take the poll now.