FAA Extension Passes; Further IRS Excise Tax Guidance to Follow
On August 5, the Senate approved and President Obama signed a bill extending authorization for federal aviation programs and ending the partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). HR 2553 extends through September 16, 2011, aviation programs that expired on July 22. Beginning today, air transportation excise taxes must be collected and remitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS did issue an announcement providing some information about the reinstatement of federal excise taxes, but many questions still remain. NBAA is in communication with IRS officials about these issues, such as the application of fuel taxes, and further guidance is expected. Learn more about recent IRS guidance.

NBAA Welcomes Sen. Roberts' Legislation to Preserve BARR
The Association last week applauded Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) for introducing legislation to preserve the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program and allow business aircraft operators to opt out from having their movements tracked over the Internet. The bill states that "the federal government's dissemination to the public of information relating to a noncommercial flight carried out by a private owner or operator of an aircraft, whether during or following the flight, does not serve a public policy objective." Review NBAA's full statement.

NBAA Calls Upon FCC to Maintain GPS Network Integrity
Comments recently submitted by NBAA call for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain "the complete integrity of the GPS signal," over plans by telecommunications provider LightSquared to overpower those frequencies with its 4G-LTE wireless network. "We wish to join those expressing concerns and dismay over the interferences the proposed LightSquared system will impart on the Global Positioning System (GPS) L Band frequencies," NBAA Senior Vice President, Operations & Administration Steve Brown stated in response to a request for public comment following LightSquared's June 30 filing with the commission. Review past NBAA stories on this topic, as well as NBAA's full comments to the FCC.

Updated 'SeeAndAvoid' Site Offers Information for Avoiding Midairs
Recent midair collisions involving general aviation aircraft have highlighted the need for pilots to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. A partnership between the FAA and the Department of Defense has paved the way for the development of a helpful web site for improving awareness. Effective last month, the updated SeeAndAvoid.org web site includes links to the military's Mid-Air Collision Avoidance (MACA) programs, as well as greater access to information about military aircraft movements. Learn more about this collision avoidance resource.

New Video: The Value of Creating a Safety Culture
Creating the environment of trust required for a workplace safety culture can be a complicated undertaking. Many people worry that, should they step forward with concerns about a safety issue, they'll be reprimanded. A new video, produced for NBAA by its Safety Committee, aims to change that line of thinking, urging Members to create a "culture of safety." NBAA Vice President of Safety, Security & Regulation Doug Carr says of the new resource: "We're hoping this video will be a good place for [people] to understand what [a safety culture] means, what it looks like, how to start the process." Listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast interview with Carr and view the safety video.

Hazmat: Hazardous to Your Bottom Line?
Last month, large freight operator FedEx incurred an unusually heavy fine from the FAA of nearly $690,000 for mistakes in shipping hazardous materials (hazmat). Is there a lesson here for NBAA Members who carry hazmat? "Your pilots and anyone else involved in handling hazmat need to know and follow the rules and how to fill out the paperwork properly, every time," said W. Ashley Smith, Jr., of Jet Logistics in Raleigh, NC, who serves on NBAA's Domestic Operations Committee. Learn more about avoiding hazmat fines.

Members Made the Difference in Debt-Ceiling Debate Outcome
While the deal struck to raise the debt ceiling last week did not include user fees or changes to depreciation schedules for business aviation, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen advised: "Our industry could once again be targeted for new tax or user fee proposals. In short, we've lived to fight another day, but more battles are likely ahead, and it will be as important as ever for the business aviation community to ensure that its voice is heard." NBAA Member action was crucial in delivering a unified message to policymakers as negotiations progressed. "We thank the business aviation community for answering our calls to action," said Bolen. "Their activism has been critical to shaping a positive outcome for the industry." Find out how to stay involved.

For Safe Operations, Crew Resource Management Should Be Pervasive
Inside the cockpit, crew resource management (CRM) teaches the interpersonal acumen needed to safely and efficiently fly an airplane using all available resources: crewmembers, hardware, air traffic control, workload management and more. This collaborative approach to cockpit communication enhances situational awareness and has the potential to reduce human error. "We make it a habit to share information while we're flying," said Hertz Aviation Manager Skip Keeler. "There's a constant dialogue during the trip." The safety practice is the focus of an online extra article for the current edition of Business Aviation Insider. Learn more about CRM.

Panel to Clarify Expectations for UK Travel During 2012 Olympics
Uncertainty about travel requirements in the weeks surrounding the 2012 Olympic Games, to be held July 27 to August 12 in London, is a concern not just for those flying into London airports in conjunction with the event, but also for companies planning missions to the city that are unrelated to the games. That's why some of Europe's largest charter operators will convene September 20 at England's Cambridge Airport to hold a "Practicalities of the Olympics" panel designed to clear the air about aviation issues related to event. Learn more about Olympics planning.

NBAA Leaders Joining Regional Groups in San Diego and Addison, Aug. 16
Next Tuesday, August 16, NBAA executives will update regional groups in California and Texas on current issues facing the industry. At a meeting hosted by the Southern California Aviation Association in San Diego, CA from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will discuss industry-wide issues and the importance of business aviation to regional economies. In Addison, TX, NBAA Senior Vice President, Operations & Administration Steve Brown will join the North Texas Business Aviation Association from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. to talk about the government's move to end the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. Register for these and other upcoming regional events.

BWI Runway Closure Planned for Sept. 9–12
Due to construction at Baltimore Washington International Marshall Airport (BWI), Runways 10-28 and 15R-33L will be closed from September 9 at 11:00 p.m. to September 12 at 6:00 a.m. Runways 4-22 and 15L-33R will remain open, but operators are advised to expect delays and check notices to airmen (NOTAMs) for the most current information on runway status. If there are any construction delays due to weather, alternate closure dates are September 16 to 19. For more information, contact Maryland Aviation Administration's Wayne Schuster at (410) 859-7018 or wschuster@bwiairport.com, or review BWI's related General Aviation Bulletin.

Register Now for the 15th Annual Safety Standdown USA
Presented by Bombardier in partnership with NBAA, the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the 15th Annual Safety Standdown USA is one of business aviation's leading safety events. Offered free of charge, the four-day event features general sessions and practical training in the form of full and half-day workshops. This year seminar will introduce new live fire training and bring back the popular land evacuations training. This event will be held from October 24 to 27 in Wichita, KS. Register for Safety Standdown now.

Student Registration for NBAA2011 Now Available
Once again this year, NBAA will offer a full program for middle school through university students at the Association's 64th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2011). Registration is free for the Careers in Business Aviation Day to be held on October 12, the third day of the Convention, where students will hear from aviation heroes and tour the exhibit floor, talking to professionals representing many different career paths in the industry. Student registration for the full three-day convention is only $75. Students, teachers and chaperons can register now.

Donate Items for NBAA/CAN Charity Benefit in Las Vegas
The NBAA/CAN Charity Benefit, which supports the Corporate Angel Network's (CAN) work to schedule free flights for cancer patients on business aircraft, is one of the highlights of NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention. At this year's convention in Las Vegas, NV, the charity benefit will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Bellagio Hotel and will feature the Beach Boys performing live. NBAA is requesting donations for the benefit's Live and Silent Auctions. Learn more about the auction and how to donate.