IRS Adjusts 2012 Air Transportation Excise Tax Rates
Last week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced inflation adjustments to the federal excise tax (FET) rates on air transportation for 2012. The new rates took effect January 1, 2012, and are valid for air transportation taken through January 31, 2012. The rates also apply to amounts paid on or before January 31, for transportation taken after that date. The Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011 only extends these FET rates through January 31. NBAA will provide Members with updates as legislation to authorize these taxes and FAA programs in the future continues to move through Congress. Review the inflation-adjusted rates.

FAA Releases Flight Duty and Rest Final Rule for Airlines
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a final rule overhauling commercial airline pilot schedules to ensure pilots have a longer opportunity for rest before entering the cockpit. The final rule only applies to Part 121 passenger-carrying operations, and specifically exempts Part 135 operators from these changes. The final rule has been sent to the Federal Register for publication and will take effect in two years to allow commercial passenger airline operators time to transition. For more information, contact the NBAA Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org or (202) 783-9451. Review the final rule.

International Conflict Over EU-ETS Intensified in 2011
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) went into effect yesterday, and has already pitted much of the rest of the world against European regulators, in part because the plan reaches beyond the borders of the EU. "A flight that originates in the United States and is going to land in Europe…is going to have to pay a carbon tax for its emissions over the entire length of the flight, even though it's only in European airspace for about 10 percent of the flight," said NBAA Senior Vice President, Operations & Administration Steve Brown in the latest edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast – the third in a three-part series focusing on major developments that impacted the industry in 2011. Listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast and read more.

At Election Year, Bolen Urges Members to Continue Advocacy Work
Citing the budget challenges that have led federal and state governments to target business aviation with proposals for per-flight user fees, new tax policies and other onerous measures, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen recently noted, "In this election year, it is as important as ever for people in the business aviation community to tell candidates for elected office what business aviation is all about and why it is essential in America today." In the latest edition of Business Aviation Insider, Bolen notes that the industry has achieved notable advocacy successes, including the growth of House and Senate GA Caucuses, and the host of governors who have issued proclamations noting the value of business aviation. However, Bolen's message continues, "Our work to promote the industry's significance only will be effective if candidates and elected officials are hearing your voice." Read Bolen's advocacy message.

Iowa Governor Declares December GA Appreciation Month
Noting that aviation in Iowa supports more than 47,000 jobs and accounts for $18 billion of the state's economy, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad on December 19 issued a proclamation declaring December General Aviation (GA) Appreciation Month. The proclamation notes the many benefits general aviation provides to the Hawkeye State, including through business aviation. "Iowa is a perfect example of how businesses that use GA can reach smaller communities in remote locales," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Governor Branstad's declaration calls Iowa's 108 public-use airports 'the on-ramp to the national air transportation system and the front door to communities they serve.' I couldn't have said it better myself." Learn more about the Iowa proclamation.

Defining the Role of Schedulers and Dispatchers
In the flight department, there's one job that demands knowledge of airports and FBOs, general aviation rules and regulations, weather, fuel planning, maintenance scheduling and more. "We don't fly it, and we don't fix it, but we do everything else," said Holly Pendleton, flight operations coordinator at Aflac. "I have been on this job for 25 years and it's still difficult to define all the duties and responsibilities of the scheduler and dispatcher [S&D]." Many flight departments encourage their S&Ds to participate in ongoing education such as NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, which next will be held from January 15 to 18 in San Diego, CA. To learn more about the job of the S&D, read the special Dispatch section of the latest Business Aviation Insider.

European Commission Adopts New Rules on ADS-B
As a result of Europe's Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) program, the European Commission has adopted new rules requiring that aircraft be equipped with "ADS-B out" technology. By December 7, 2017, aircraft operating in the European Union must be retrofitted with ADS-B out equipment. All newly manufactured aircraft with a certificate of airworthiness issued on or after January 8, 2015, must also be equipped with this technology. NBAA will provide Members with further details on this requirement as the compliance date approaches. To learn more, review the NBAA CNS/ATM Timeline.

Sign Up to Attend and Exhibit at New Orleans Regional Forum
The program for NBAA's New Orleans Business Aviation Regional Forum on February 2 has been finalized, and exhibits and sponsorships are still available. The agenda includes sessions on aircraft resale, workers compensation and runway safety, as well as remarks by NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen on the challenges and opportunities facing business aviation. Bringing together current and prospective business aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers and other industry professionals, NBAA's Regional Forums are day-long learning and networking events – like NBAA's flagship Convention but tailored for local communities. Register now to attend, sponsor or exhibit at the New Orleans Regional Forum.

California and St. Louis Groups to Host Safety Days in January
The Northern California Business Aviation Association (NCBAA) will host its first-ever Safety Day on January 10 in Oakland, CA, with topics to include the top response considerations for business aviation operators, effective emergency response plans and how to set up an emergency operations center. In addition, the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association will hold a three-day Training Safety Seminar from January 17 to 19 in St. Louis, MO. Session topics will include customized airborne weather radar, departure and arrival procedures training, approach and runway lighting systems, and low visibility operation training. For full details, contact the individual organizations or visit NBAA's Upcoming Regional Events page.

Regional Groups to Meet Next Week in Arizona, Idaho and Minnesota
NBAA regularly helps promote regional business aviation group meetings, including local safety days, advocacy days and fundraisers held nationwide throughout the year. As 2012 kicks off, several groups are hosting events, including the Arizona Business Aviation Association on January 10 in Scottsdale, which will include board elections, discussions on the Block Aircraft Registration Request program and more; the Idaho Business Aviation Association, which will host a scholarship benefit for aviation students on January 11 in Nampa, ID; and the Minnesota Business Aviation Association, which will host its annual Winter Celebration Dinner on January 13 in St. Paul. To view upcoming regional group events and share your regional group activities with NBAA, visit the Upcoming Regional Events page.

Plan Now for Minnesota Aviation Day at the Capitol, Feb. 9
The Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), in conjunction with the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association and the Minnesota Council of Airports, will host the "Minnesota Aviation Day at the Capitol" on February 9. On this industry advocacy day, members of the aviation community will come together at the Minnesota State Capitol to tell their state senators and representatives how important aviation and their local airports are to them and their communities. The event includes breakfast and a box lunch at the Capitol, and registrations are required by January 24. For details, contact MBAA Executive Director Gordon Hoff at gordon.hoff@comcast.net or visit the MBAA web site.

Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference Two Weeks Away
NBAA's 23rd Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference is coming to San Diego, CA on January 15 to 18 with more than 30 education sessions, hundreds of exhibits and countless opportunities to network and learn new skills. Timely and focused sessions will cover emergency response plans; international crises; standard operating procedures for the S&D function; identifying weather risks; financial reporting and much more. The program also includes a mini International Operators Conference for S&Ds and several Schedulers Professional Development Program (SPDP) courses. Download the S&D Conference Prep Guide to prepare for the event and register now.

Applications Now Available: NBAA Scholarships for Students
The application forms for several of NBAA's scholarships for undergraduates in aviation programs, and for airframe & powerplant (A&P) students, are now available online. Applications have been posted for the Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship and Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship, which both benefit undergraduates studying aviation. Also available are the Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship and William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship, which benefit current and prospective A&P students. Maintenance TRACS also benefits current A&Ps and aviation military personnel transitioning to business aviation. Download the scholarship applications now.