FAA Clarifies 'Actively Engaged' for IA Renewals
Noting there has been widespread misunderstanding of the term "actively engaged" for renewing an aircraft maintenance professional's Inspection Authorization (IA), the FAA on August 4 issued a long-awaited clarification. The clarification of "actively engaged" in maintenance work, which NBAA has advocated for, added specifics to the definition, and for the first time stated clearly that supervisory personnel and managers could be eligible for IA renewal based on their role in the maintenance operation. Learn more about the FAA's clarification.

SIFL Rates for Second Half of 2011 Coming Soon
The Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) rates for the second half of calendar year 2011 have not yet been released by the Department of Transportation (DOT), but are expected this month. NBAA is in contact with DOT staff members and will make the rates available on the NBAA web site as soon as they are released. SIFL rates are used to apply the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) aircraft valuation formula to calculate the value of non-business transportation aboard employer-provided aircraft and impute the income of traveling employees as required by IRS rules. View NBAA's resources on non-business use of aircraft.

Fractional Ownership Grows as New Programs Drive Value
Even amidst a turbulent economy, the nation's fractional jet market has made a turn toward what appears to be a period of sustained growth, according to several sources. A continuing focus on "value" has been key in driving that growth, and fractional operators have been responding with a variety of programs and add-on benefits to enhance the value proposition of the fractional model for business aircraft use. Learn more about the fractional market.

Last Chance to Participate in NBAA SMS Survey
The NBAA Domestic Operations Committee has developed a short survey to help identify issues related to implementing a safety management system (SMS). The survey will be open for participation until this Friday, August 19 and is intended both for operators who have enacted an SMS and those looking to begin the implementation process. Committee members will share the results of the survey, as well as their own experiences utilizing an SMS at departments of all sizes, during an NBAA 64th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2011) education session. Begin the survey now.

Reminder to Aviation Community of MANPADS Danger
While the U.S. government, in cooperation with numerous other nations, has destroyed more than 32,500 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) in more than 30 countries since 2003, these highly mobile, shoulder-mounted, surface-to-air missiles remain a threat worldwide to aviation interests, according to a new report issued in July by the U.S. State Department. Learn more about the MANPADS report.

Michigan Airport Open House to Feature Advocacy Video
A pilot in Detroit, MI, will use a No Plane, No Gain advocacy campaign video this month to help convince neighbors of Michigan's Oakland County International Airport (PTK) that business flying is an essential part of the local economy. "I don't want this airport to die," said Manuel Garcia. The 62-year-old pilot will show the No Plane, No Gain video titled "Business Aviation Works" at the airport's annual Open House and Airshow on August 28. Learn more about this airport's advocacy efforts.

Business Aviation a 'Vital Resource' in Mountain State
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has declared August 2011 "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the Mountain State, to "encourage all citizens to recognize the vital strategic resource that aviation is in West Virginia." Governor Tomblin is the second West Virginia governor to proclaim the value of general aviation – including business aviation – to his state's citizens, companies and communities, echoing the themes of the No Plane No Gain campaign. The proclamation, which was announced at the West Virginia Aviation Conference held last week, was presented to NBAA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Lisa Piccione by state officials. Read more about the proclamation.

When Adding Lift, Choose Wisely
When flight department trip requests are declined because of excessive demands on the aircraft, it's probably time to consider additional lift. Whether choosing fractional or shared ownership, charter, prepaid jet cards or aircraft acquisition, the decision depends upon a factual evaluation of the flight department's operations. "Before you consider more lift," said Deborah Bew, president of Aircraft Acquisitions, "you have to determine if the available options compromise company policies, such as those involving security, or in the case of a chartered flight, if the aircraft's crew matches your company's flight department safety standards." Learn more about adding lift in this Business Aviation Insider online extra.

Podcast: Does Being a Pilot Make You a Better CEO?
A new study by finance professors suggests that businesses run by pilots are substantially different than those run by non-pilots. "What we found is that [pilot] CEOs actually create more value for their firms," Cain said. "At least in the CEO context, the ability to take on greater risk is actually a beneficial thing." NBAA Flight Plan podcast host Pete Combs decided to get a first-hand perspective on the matter. He recently took to the sky with Brad Pierce, CEO of NBAA Member Company Restaurant Equipment World. Learn what Pierce has to say about the study.

China Opens More Airspace for General Aviation
More airspace is opening for general aviation (GA) flights in China, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and non-government sources in the country. "It is a big step forward for all GA interests," said Jason Liao, NBAA's chief representative in Asia. "It almost certainly means China will become the second-largest market in the world [after the U.S.] for GA aircraft like helicopters and turboprops." Learn more about general aviation in China.

When Flying Internationally, Be Aware of Cabotage Rules
Failure to comply with regulations involving cabotage – the commercial transport of goods or people between two points in one country, onboard an aircraft registered in another – can result in serious consequences. If your next mission takes you across the U.S. border, are you up to speed on cabotage restrictions? NBAA discussed this issue with Sam Barone, president and CEO of the Canadian Business Aviation Association, and the topic also will be discussed at the upcoming CBAA/NBAA Cross-Border Issues Conference, to be held December 8 and 9 at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel. Learn more about cabotage rules.

Top Officials to Address Two Western Regional Groups Tomorrow
On Tuesday, August 16, two top NBAA officials will be giving operators in Southern California and North Texas a "Washington Update" on the continued progress being made by the No Plane, No Gain advocacy campaign, and the policy outlook for business aviation. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will address the Southern California Aviation Association, and NBAA Senior Vice President Steve Brown will talk with members of the North Texas Business Aviation Association. Learn more about these events.

Industry, Others Weigh in on Republic Airport Planning
Business aviation supporters were among those present when officials at Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale, NY, on Long Island, held a recent open house to gather input on a vision plan that airport officials are drafting to define the airport's role for decades to come. The meeting comes as the first phase concludes in a two-phase production process for the vision plan. "We're getting input from everyone, and then we'll come up with a plan that satisfies everybody as much as possible," said Michael Geiger, Republic Airport director. Learn about Republic Airport issues.

Preliminary Information Released on Martha's Vineyard TFR
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released preliminary information regarding temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) expected to be in place during President Obama's travel to Martha's Vineyard, MA from August 18 to 27. General aviation operators planning to fly in or out of Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) during the TFR will need to undergo security screening at a designated gateway airport and follow other specific requirements. The gateway airports will be Green State (PVD) in Providence, RI, Barnstable Municipal (HYA) in Hyannis, MA, and Westchester County (HPN) in White Plains, NY. Learn more about the TFR.

NBAA to Honor Clay Lacy, Don Spruston With Top Awards
The Association will present its highest honors to legendary pilot and entrepreneur Clay Lacy and international business aviation pioneer Don Spruston at NBAA2011, to be held from October 10 to 12 in Las Vegas, NV. Lacy, a world-renowned pilot and founder of Clay Lacy Aviation, will receive the 2011 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award for lifelong contributions that have materially advanced aviation interests. Spruston, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, will receive the John P. "Jack" Doswell Award for individual achievement in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. Read more about Lacy and Spruston's achievements.

Call for Speakers, Sponsors: 2012 Leadership Conference
"Leadership = Competence + Character" is the theme for the 2012 NBAA Leadership Conference, which will be held February 22 and 23 in San Diego, CA. NBAA is seeking potential presenters, as well as sponsors, for this two-day event. Presentation proposals should include a title, brief description of the topic and background on the presenter. All levels of sponsorship are currently available. Contact NBAA's Jay Evans about both speaking and sponsorship opportunities at jevans@nbaa.org, or review NBAA's request for speakers.

Business Aviation Insider Reader Survey Winner Announced
NBAA congratulates Mike Blout, president of Carolina Ground Service Equipment, who has won two free passes to NBAA2011 in Las Vegas for his participation in the 2011 Business Aviation Insider reader survey conducted earlier this year. Results of the reader survey will be featured in the November/December issue of the magazine. The winner of this promotion was selected by random drawing. Read and subscribe to Business Aviation Insider.