NBAA, FAA Working to Resume Full Access to Flight-Tracking Opt-Out
Since the November 17 passage of the Department of Transportation's budget for Fiscal Year 2012, which includes language prohibiting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from continuing to implement the "valid security concern" prerequisite to aircraft owners and operators' ability to opt out from having their movements broadcast over the Internet, NBAA has been in discussions with FAA officials to determine how the logistics of blocking will be accomplished. NBAA expects more complete guidance shortly, but at this point it is clear that anyone currently blocking their movements as part of the FAA's Certified Security Program will not have a gap in their "blocked" status. It is also clear that the FAA will now accept new blocking requests, but as a result of the budget legislation, aircraft operators will no longer need to certify or even reference a "valid security concern" in order to have their blocking request accepted. As additional details of the reinstatement are finalized, NBAA will make the information available. Check NBAA's BARR page for updates.

NBAA Determining Details of FAA Plan to Charge for iPad Charts
A recent announcement that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will soon charge users to download aeronautical charts was met with strong dissent within the aviation community. Pilots and app developers may see the move as yet another means for the agency to separate pilots from their wallets, but the FAA maintains the change is necessary to preserve the safety and integrity of vital aeronautical information. The FAA will hold a December 13 meeting with industry stakeholders to take comment on the proposed change, and NBAA will participate in the meeting to ensure that business aviation interests are represented. Learn more about the proposed iPad chart fees.

NBAA-Led Committee Recommends Against Requiring ADS-B In
After 17 months of research, members of a committee responsible for recommendations to the FAA on implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) told FAA officials earlier this month that requirements and regulations for ADS-B "In" are not yet justified, given the current state of technology. "There's additional research and development needed," said NBAA Senior Vice President for Operations & Administration Steve Brown, who is co-chair of the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). "There's additional specification of standards for both design and implementation that need to be improved before there is a sufficiently mature system that can be deployed and used on a global basis." Learn more about the ARC's report on ADS-B In.

Recent Court Case Provides Insight on Hobby-Loss Rules
One of many different ownership structures used by people and companies who operate aircraft for business is a separate leasing company, which is a separate legal entity that leases the aircraft to one or more businesses. Due to depreciation rules, the entity owning the aircraft often shows a loss for tax purposes. In recent years, IRS auditors have tried to disallow deductions due to these losses because of "hobby-loss" rules. Recently, a court case held that business aircraft operations were considered part of a "unified business enterprise" and thus were not subject to hobby-loss rules. As an NBAA Tax Committee article explains, this case may impact the selection of an aircraft ownership structure for many operators. Read the NBAA resource on hobby-loss considerations.

Industry Volunteers Fly Wounded Solider Home for the Holidays
Private First Class Cory Doane was badly injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in July and, after multiple surgeries, is currently learning to walk using a prosthetic leg at the New Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. His family, however, lives in Portland, OR. Doane was able to fly home for Thanksgiving because of Veterans Airlift Command, which coordinates free business airplane transportation for veterans through its network of aircraft owners. "It is very important for [recovering soldiers] to see people who care about them, and help them through it," said Kimberlie Miller, chief pilot for Jynair LLC, who flew Doane on his final segment to Portland. Read more of Doane's story.

Study Shows Massachusetts Airports Support Thousands of Jobs
When Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick proclaimed November "General Aviation Appreciation Month" several weeks ago, he unveiled an economic impact study showing public use airports in the Bay State generate nearly $12 billion in economic activity and support about 124,000 jobs. Patrick announced the results during a visit to New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB), which is in the middle of a $17 million runway safety improvement project. "Infrastructure investments just like these create jobs and improve public safety," said Patrick. "New Bedford Airport is one of many great examples of the importance of aviation facilities to our economic strength." Read more of the study's findings.

Productivity Soars Higher With In-Flight Internet
In a few short years, broadband Internet service has become widely available on business airplanes, and is quickly becoming a top consideration for passengers as well as flightcrews. "Business travelers are demanding the ability to be connected at all times," said Kate Murchison, director of marketing at EMS Aviation. "For businesspeople, it's an ability to keep in touch with people on the ground, be responsive to their managers or get the contract done on the way." Read more about the latest connectivity options in a Business Aviation Insider online extra.

Podcast: Concerns Grow as EU-ETS Start Date Nears
With just a month to go before the scheduled implementation of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), and Congress possibly set to advance legislation to prevent all U.S.-flagged aircraft from participating in the scheme, many international operators are concerned about what to do. "It could be illegal to participate in the ETS under U.S. law…and yet participation would be required if you were to fly in European airspace," explained Steve Brown, NBAA senior vice president for operations & administration. Meanwhile, the International Civil Aviation Organization recently tried to assert its jurisdiction over aircraft emissions control. Listen to an NBAA Flight Plan podcast and read more about the conflict over EU-ETS implementation.

More Countries Now Participating in Cape Town Registry
The Cape Town International Registry (CTIR) was created by international treaty to protect financial interests in aircraft and engines. The U.S. ratified the treaty, which in 2006 became an important part of most business aircraft transactions. The CTIR recently announced that 49 countries have now ratified the treaty and Brazil has nearly completed the ratification process. By the 10-year anniversary of the convention, 50 countries will likely be participating in the registry. For details on how the registry impacts aircraft transactions, review the CTIR resources on NBAA's Aircraft Registration & Transactions site.

Considering IS-BAO? Attend Workshop to Learn Basics
Introduction to IS-BAO Workshops are hosted regularly in locations nationwide to assist operators who are implementing, or considering implementing, the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), a set of recommended best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve high levels of safety and professionalism. At the core of the IS-BAO is a scalable safety management system (SMS) tool for business aircraft operators, from single aircraft/single-pilot operations to large multi-aircraft flight departments. The remaining 2011 workshops will be held on November 29 in Morristown, NJ, December 13 in Houston, TX, and December 20 in Manchester NH. Learn more, register or download the agenda.

Industry Professional Honored as Outstanding Business Leader
The founder and president of an NBAA Member aircraft brokerage in Texas has been selected as one of the Great Women of Texas "Women of Influence" for 2011. Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Houston-based Par Avion Ltd., was one of 18 women chosen for the award by the Fort Worth Business Press. "The extensive professional network I have built through membership in NBAA and other industry organizations enables me to be an important source for business aviation transportation solutions," said Iannarelli. Learn more.

Join NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee
NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Committee is accepting applications for new members from now until January 27. Experienced individuals interested in sharing their ideas for advancing the scheduler and dispatcher profession are encouraged to apply. More information about the S&D Committee and the NBAA standing committee application are available online. Learn more and apply.

Webinar to Address Best Practices for Outsourcing Maintenance
NBAA Maintenance Committee Vice Chairman Jim Sparks will moderate a live webinar on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET, on outsourcing maintenance projects. Focusing on the importance of setting realistic expectations and identifying pitfalls with any outsourced project, panelists will speak to the perspectives of the customer, broker, regulatory advisor, original equipment manufacturer and the maintenance facility. Register for the maintenance webinar now.