NBAA Joins Coalition Backing Senate EU-ETS Prohibition
As part of a coalition representing all segments of aviation, NBAA is urging senators to back legislation introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) that would prohibit all U.S. aircraft operators from participating in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). The coalition, which includes 14 other organizations representing aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers and others, sent a letter to senators noting that the program will cost U.S. operators billions of dollars that "likely will directly subsidize the coffers of foreign governments." The letter also explained that the International Civil Aviation Organization has "recognized that unilateral emissions schemes like the EU-ETS undermine the need for a global solution for a global industry." Read more of the coalition's letter.

FAA: Shining Lasers at Aircraft Could Draw a Civil Penalty
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week published another notice on the dangers of "lasering" aircraft, making good on its October promise to increase public awareness of the problem. The new notice, in the December 8 edition of the Federal Register, refers to a June 1, 2011, interpretation of Federal Aviation Regulation 91.11, which says "no person may assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember's duties aboard an aircraft being operated," and that persons violating the FAA regulation will be "subject to a civil penalty." Learn more about lasering.

LightSquared Says GPS-Interference Issue Resolved; Others Skeptical
Last week, telecommunications provider LightSquared claimed that newly produced filters could protect Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers from interference with powerful 4G broadband signals, but a leaked government report says that significant work remains to be done before the issue is completely resolved for the millions of GPS devices now in the field. NBAA is a member of the Coalition to Save Our GPS, which has more than 200 members and is committed to resolving the threat to GPS and preserving its benefits for industries, government and citizens. Review the latest on the LightSquared controversy.

Winter Temps Don't Have to Freeze Out Your Operation
Winter can be particularly tough to bear for those who park their aircraft on a ramp instead of inside a hangar, but with a few extra steps, aircraft can be kept at the ready even in cold temperatures. "It is incredibly important to secure the airplane as if there's going to be a major storm," said Dave Dinneen, president of King Aviation Mansfield. "Be sure to tie it down very well, and use the recommended gust locks and controls." Dinneen also recommended checking the pilot's handbook for winter guidance on engine oil, tire pressure, winterization plates and other components. Get more tips for cold weather maintenance.

Business Aviation Initiatives Promote Holiday Giving
The holiday season has always been a time of year when people consider a way to say thanks for all they have. Often, that's achieved by donating time and money to support worthwhile humanitarian endeavors. Several recent initiatives coordinated through the business aviation community – by for- and non-profit organizations such as Atlantic Aviation, Pentastar Aviation, TGH Aviation, Banyan Air Service and Sky Hope Network – are designed to help people give back. Learn more about some of the industry's noteworthy charitable efforts this season.

Aviation Community Marks the Passing of J. Lynn Helms
The Association extends condolences to the family of J. Lynn Helms, a former FAA administrator and general aviation leader who passed away this past weekend in Westport, CT. Following his retirement as a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, he served in many roles, including president and chairman of Piper Aircraft and chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. During his tenure as FAA administrator, Helms originated and oversaw development of the 1982 National Airspace System Plan. He received numerous awards from the aviation community during his career, including in 1978 being named General Aviation Man of the Year.

Wasilla Mayor Defends Business Aviation in Alaska
The mayor of Wasilla, AK, has joined his state's senior U.S. senator, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), in speaking out against President Obama's proposal to target general aviation (GA) with a $100 per-flight user fee. "GA is essential to keeping Alaska communities connected to each other and the rest of the country," wrote Mayor Verne Rupright in a December 7 letter published in the Juneau Empire. Noting that business flying supports Alaska industries like fishing, forestry, oil and gas exploration and access to medical care, Rupright emphasized "the huge potential harm of a new user fee tax on businesses and groups that rely on GA." Read more of Rupright's letter.

Building a Strong Relationship Between Hangar and Headquarters
While flight departments are often based in a hangar miles from a company's headquarters, communication with many company departments – including finance, legal, human resources, security and executive administration – is essential to the success of both. "Those people play an important role in the success or failure of the flight department," said the VanAllen Group's Jeff Agur. "The aviation managers I know who have a great rapport with this group embrace them and go 'downtown' regularly." In a Business Aviation Insider online extra, several flight department leaders and experts cover the essentials for communicating with headquarters.

Podcast: Unlocking Opportunities in China, the Industry's New Frontier
These days, China is often described as aviation's next frontier – a land of opportunity for manufacturers, flight operators and investors alike. Many companies are considering a move into this emerging marketplace but are not sure of the timing. "It's absolutely now," reports Jason Liao, NBAA's chief representative in Asia. "Right now, China needs everything. It needs pilots, skilled aviation personnel, mechanics, designers, researchers, production specialists. If you are in the general aviation industry, you'd better come here and start looking at the opportunities in China." Hear an interview with Liao in this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast, and read the full article.

East Coast, Rocky Mountain Airspace Changes Planned for Coming Weeks
The FAA is once again making changes to the national airspace this holiday season, accommodating expected fluctuations in traffic, both along the Eastern Seaboard and in the Rocky Mountains. While the programs being implemented are much the same as in years past, there are a few noteworthy changes designed to streamline the process. NBAA's GA Desk has guidance for Members. Learn more about the planned airspace changes.

NBAA and PNBAA to Discuss State Tax Strategy This Week
In recent years, NBAA and the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) have worked with a broad local coalition to hold back a variety of harmful proposals in Washington State to raise taxes on business aircraft owners and operators. Tomorrow, December 13, NBAA's Vice President for Operations, Education & Economics Mike Nichols and Northwest Regional Representative Kristi Ivey will meet with PNBAA to plan grassroots strategies for defeating any new tax proposals that could force aircraft out of Washington. Ivey and Nichols will also support PNBAA in meetings with state officials to highlight the importance of business aviation to the Washington economy. For more information on tax issues in Washington State, contact Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org. Learn more about PNBAA.

Departure Slots Required at New Orleans Airports for Bowl Games
Departure slot requirements will be in place at two airports serving New Orleans, LA for two college football events next month, the Sugar Bowl on January 3 and the BCS National Championship on January 9. Departure slots, available from the FAA's e-STMP webpage, will be required out of Louis Armstrong International (MSY) and Lakefront Airport (NEW) from 9:00 p.m. CT the day of each game to 2:59 p.m. the following day. For more information, contact the NBAA GA Desk at gadesk@nbaa.org. NBAA has posted more guidance online about related special air traffic procedures, including preferred routes in place for the BCS Championship.

View Latest Event News Online, and Subscribe
The December issue of NBAA Exhibitor Update recently mailed to subscribers with tips about discounted rates for next month's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Diego, as well as news about plans to release the first-ever mobile app for that event. NBAA Exhibitor Update is NBAA's monthly e-newsletter providing the latest news, announcements and deadlines related to Association events, as well as information about NBAA activities and Member benefits. All Members are invited to subscribe for free and to review the December issue.

Download the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference Prep Guide
The 2012 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference Prep Guide is now available online. Provided to help Attendees plan ahead and get the most out of the S&D Conference, the guide has hotel, ground transportation and networking information. It also includes conference survival tips and a pre-conference checklist. Themed "Pushing the Envelope: Beyond All Limits," the 2012 S&D Conference will be held from January 15 to 18 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. Get the guide and register now.

Online Registration Now Open for 2012 Leadership Conference
Registration for the NBAA 20th Annual Leadership Conference, to be held on February 22 and 23 in San Diego, CA, is now live. The conference agenda features presentations by management expert Ken Blanchard, BusinessWeek.com columnist Bruce Weinstein, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and many other leadership experts. Register for the 2012 Leadership Conference now.