NBAA Thanks Kansas Representative for Bill to Preserve BARR
NBAA last week welcomed a bill introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (R-4-KS) to fully reinstate the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. "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," reads the bill. Backed by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, Pompeo's bill follows similar legislation recently introduced in the Senate by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS). Read more about the legislation and Congress's efforts to preserve the BARR.

Congress Passes Another FAA Funding Extension
On September 15, the Senate passed a measure approved unanimously by the House earlier in the week to extend through January 2012 the current funding levels for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "NBAA has long been unified with the rest of the aviation industry in supporting a multi-year reauthorization for the FAA, so that the agency is best equipped to make decisions about long-term priorities," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Nevertheless, we commend Congress for passing an extension of funds until a final reauthorization package is approved, so that FAA employees can continue working on existing priorities." For more information, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.

FAA Approves New AvGas Standard for Aircraft Using 100LL
The FAA has approved a new avgas standard for use in aircraft that now fly on 100 octane low lead (100LL). The new specification, called 100 VLL (very low lead), contains 20-percent less lead than the current specification, according to a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) issued by the FAA on September 14. The new specification is the result of a year's work by the GA Avgas Coalition, of which NBAA is a member, along with the petroleum industry and makers of airframes and engines. Learn more about the new avgas standard.

Podcast: ICAO Chief Calls ID Theft a Serious Security Challenge
When Raymond Benjamin, the secretary general of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization, addressed a recent four-day security summit in Montreal, he noted that while much has been done to harden aviation from security vulnerabilities since the terror attacks of 9/11, one frequently overlooked concern is the threat of identity theft. "We first need to sharpen our focus on preventing identity fraud as we maintain our traditional emphasis on document security," Benjamin told conferees. This week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast has experts' tips for preventing identity theft when you travel.

FAA Makes Mandatory Change to RVSM Authorizations
The FAA is in the process of making a mandatory change to letters of authorization (LOAs) that allow operators to conduct flights in RVSM airspace. The purpose of this change is to prevent continued RVSM authorization of an aircraft after changes to the airworthiness certification have been made. While most NBAA Members will not be affected by the change, operators should expect to receive an updated LOA A001 with new language addressing aircraft with experimental or special airworthiness certificates. Members experiencing any difficultly resulting from the LOA re-issuance should contact the NBAA Operations Service Group at (202) 783-9250 or info@nbaa.org. Learn more at the NBAA RVSM resource page.

IATA Warns of Fraudulent E-mails
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is warning operators to be on the lookout for fraudulent invoices that are being sent to users of IATA products and services. Any legitimate invoices from IATA will always be sent from the "iata.org" e-mail address and be accompanied by a digital signature. Any operators that receive an invoice and are in doubt about its authenticity should forward the information on to IATA at information.security@iata.org. Review the IATA warning about fraudulent e-mails.

NBAA Convention's Second-Day Session Features Aviation Luminaries
When the industry gathers at NBAA2011 in Las Vegas to bestow NBAA's highest honor on aviation legend Clay Lacy, an all-star lineup of distinguished pilots will be on hand to provide their perspectives on the remarkable breadth of Lacy's career. On October 11, the second-day opening session of NBAA's 64th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2011) will feature a roundtable moderated by famed air show performer Sean D. Tucker with reflections by actor and aviator Harrison Ford, Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt, astronaut Gene Cernan, world-renowned air show pilot Bob Hoover and retired U.S. Air Force General Lloyd "Fig" Newton. Read more about the NBAA2011 second-day opening session.

Professor Is Studying Pilots' Emergency Cognition; You Can Help
A professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who is also a doctoral candidate at Capella University, is conducting research to investigate the cognitive processes employed by pilots during extended, extreme in-flight emergencies, and business aviation pilots can help support his work. The researcher, Clint Balog, is recruiting participants for the study, which entails an interview lasting about two hours at each participant's location. Interested pilots can contact Balog at (602) 502-6934 or clintbalog@cs.com. Learn more about the pilot study.

Media Advisory: Applications Due for Gold Wing Award
Applications for NBAA's Gold Wing Award for Reporting Excellence, which recognizes journalism's important role in making known the value and contributions of business aviation, are due September 30. The award is presented each year at NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention for excellent, accurate and insightful reporting on issues related to business aviation, by trade or nontrade media. Download the 2011 NBAA Gold Wing Award application.

Pennsylvania Governor Affirms Value of Business Flying
Pennsylvania last week joined 30 other states in proclaiming the value of general aviation (GA), when Governor Tom Corbett declared September 2011 "General Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month." Citing the 8,550 jobs supported by business aviation in the Keystone State, the governor stated that "the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing…community airports and airport operators." Read the Pennsylvania governor's proclamation.

Idaho Declares September 'GA Appreciation Month'
Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter has declared September "General Aviation (GA) Appreciation Month" in the state. The proclamation, which was issued September 1, highlights the value of all aviation, including business aviation, to Idaho. "Governor Otter appreciates business aviation value in his state, and we thank him for issuing this proclamation," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Read the Idaho governor's proclamation.

Biofueled Business Aviation Flight Makes History
At dusk on June 18 in Morristown, NJ, a Gulfstream G450 taxied from the ramp onto the active runway. The red-and-white business aircraft lined up at the departure end and, with a roar of its powerful engines, took off on a flight to Paris. Sound like an everyday business flight across the Atlantic? Not this trip. Honeywell made history that day, when the company's transatlantic business-aircraft flight became the first to be powered in part by biofuel. Learn more about the ground-breaking flight using Honeywell's Green Jet Fuel in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

UK Provides Details on Airspace Restrictions for 2012 London Olympics
The UK government is in the process of developing airspace restrictions that will be in place during the London 2012 Olympics. The major restrictions will be centered on London and the Olympic Park and will run from July 14 to August 15. A smaller set of airspace restrictions will in place for the London 2012 Paralympic Games from August 16 to September 12. From July 21 to August 15, all aircraft arriving or departing from the coordinated UK airports will also be required to have an arrival and/or departure slot. The UK government has already developed significant resources, including a podcast, to help operators planning flights to the London Olympics. Those registered for NBAA2011 in Las Vegas also are invited to learn more at an education session titled "Flying to London Summer Olympics 2012, What's Involved?" on Monday, October 10 at 1:00 p.m. Visit NBAA's London Olympics resource page.

Upcoming Regional Safety Events Are CAM-Approved
Safety is in focus this month for three regional business aviation groups. The Southern California Aviation Association is hosting a Safety Standdown today, September 19, in Carlsbad, CA; the Utah Business Aviation Association's 3rd Annual Safety Day will be held September 28 in Ogden, UT; and the Kansas City Business Aviation Association will host a Safety Day on September 29 in Kansas City, MO. All three events qualify for credit toward NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program. For details about these and other regional events and to register, visit NBAA's Upcoming Regional Events listing.

New Study: Virginia GA Airports Support Thousands of Jobs
A just-completed study for the Virginia Department of Aviation shows that more than a quarter million jobs in the Old Dominion State depend on activity, including business flying, at Virginia's general aviation (GA) airports, generating a total economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. "Companies of all sizes, from major employers to small businesses, depend on Virginia's airports for the fast and efficient transportation of personnel, supplies and products," said the report, conducted by independent aviation group ICF SH&E. Read more of the report's findings.

South Florida's Witham Field Puts Main Runway Back in Service
Runway 12-30 at Witham Field (SUA) near Stuart, FL is now open after an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) was constructed ahead of schedule. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.

At AOPA Summit, NBAA Hosts Booth and LBA Conference
NBAA invites all Members and others planning to attend the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit in Hartford, CT this week to visit NBAA Booth #827. Meet staff, learn about the latest Member benefits and get information about NBAA's 64th Annual Meeting & Convention in Las Vegas. Plus, drop your card for a chance to win a free pass to NBAA2011, and pick up a set of complimentary NBAA2011 playing cards. Featured during the Aviation Summit will be the co-sponsored NBAA/AOPA Light Business Airplane (LBA) Conference, with programming designed to help owner/operators and single pilots use their general aviation airplane for business. These LBA sessions will be repeated at NBAA2011. Learn more and register for the LBA Conference.

Don't Miss International Operators Webinar Series Starting Sept. 26
For the first time ever, NBAA will offer an online expansion of its International Operators Conference in an eight-week interactive webinar series. To keep Members up-to-date on regulatory and operational requirements around the world, this online-only classroom-based course will be offered weekly from September 26 to November 18, based on the presentations made by subject-matter experts at the 2011 International Operators Conference. Regions to be covered will include the Middle East and Africa, Pacific Rim, Russia and China, Europe and more. If your company flies internationally, don't miss this opportunity to brush up on key issues from the convenience of your office or anywhere in the world, 24/7. Register now for this new virtual conference.

International Operators Scholarship Now Available Online
The NBAA International Operators Committee is dedicated to promoting education and training as a means for individuals to enhance their safety knowledge and professionalism. To further this objective, NBAA offers the International Operators Scholarship in conjunction with three new Member donors – Air Training International, Assessment Compliance Group, Inc. and UAS International Trip Support – to benefit business aviation professionals engaged in international operations. This scholarship applies mainly to those who are entering the business aviation industry or are seeking opportunities to expand their career in this industry. Download the scholarship application.