FAA on Schedule to Process December BARR Requests
As NBAA previously reported, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restored full access to the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. This means that all general aviation aircraft owners and operators can again request to opt out from having their flights broadcast over the Internet. During the month of December, many operators contacted the FAA to enroll in the BARR program. According to FAA officials, the agency is on track to transmit an updated list of aircraft blocked at the "ASDI vendor level" to flight tracking vendors this Tuesday, January 10. The list of aircraft blocked at the "FAA level" will also be updated. Blocking requests received by December 15 should be included in the revised lists. Learn how to enroll in the BARR program.

Technical Correction Issued on Instrument Proficiency Requirements
In 2009, the FAA attempted to clarify FAR 61.57(d), which explains when a complete instrument proficiency check (IPC) is required for individuals serving as pilot in command (PIC). Unfortunately, that revision caused further confusion and last month, the FAA issued a technical correction returning 61.57(d) to its original form. The correction explains that a PIC is instrument-current for six months following the completion of the recent experience requirements in 61.57(c). Following that period, the PIC has an additional six months to regain currency without completing a full IPC. If currency is not established in this period, a full IPC must be completed to re-establish instrument currency. Learn more about PIC requirements.

Compliance Guidance Available for New ADS-B Rules
Last month, the FAA issued Advisory Circular 90-114 to all operators regarding usage of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology in compliance with FAR 91.225 and 91.227. These new regulations require aircraft operating in designated classes of airspace to be equipped with ADS-B Out beginning January 1, 2020. The circular contains guidance on compliance with the new rules including an overview of the ADS-B system, general operating procedures, and performance requirements. ADS-B equipage is one component the FAA's ongoing modernization of the National Airspace System to reduce limitations and increase capacity and efficiency. View AC 90-114 online.

Pilots Reminded to Observe Landing Speed Minima for Aircraft Approach Categories
NBAA reminds pilots that an aircraft is certified in only one approach category (CAT A, B, C, D or E), based on its landing speed (defined in the airplane flight manual as either Vref or 1.3 Vso) determined at the aircraft's maximum certified landing weight. Pilots must use the landing speed minima corresponding to this category or, if a faster maneuvering speed is required, a higher category. A pilot may never use a lower approach category's minima resulting from a lower landing weight since the protections provided by the Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) design criteria may be lost. Therefore, in accordance with FAR Part 97, instrument approaches having only CAT A and CAT B lines of minima – for example, at Telluride Regional (TEX) and Heber City Municipal (36U) airports – may not be used by aircraft certified in the CAT C or CAT D approach categories. Learn more.

NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference a Record Breaker
A record number of Exhibitors, 405, have signed up to participate in NBAA's 23rd Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference, in San Diego, CA next week. The previous S&D Conference record was 391 Exhibitors in 2008. The event will be held from January 15 to 18, with pre-conference educational opportunities starting this Saturday, January 14. The program feature sessions on tax reporting, succeeding as a first-time manager, handling stress, coordinating your flight department's humanitarian response to a natural disaster and more. Attendees can download the Conference Prep Guide and the first-ever SDC2102 app, which is available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones. Learn more and register.

Study: Massachusetts Airport Contributes $51.4 Million Annually
In a recent study, Massachusetts officials revealed that Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) – which handles predominantly general aviation traffic, including business aircraft – contributes $51.4 million a year to the economy of central Massachusetts. "Business aviation is a significant contributor to the economic impact of Worcester Regional Airport," said Massachusetts Director of Aviation Chris Willenborg. Learn more about the airport's value.

Costco's Passenger Seminars Enhance Safety
At Costco, more than 100 employees have participated in their company flight department's Passenger Aircraft Safety Seminar (PASS), which uses a real smoke machine and includes a mock aircraft evacuation. The seminar combines an informative safety presentation by flight department staff with hands-on demonstrations of safety equipment, such as life vests, inflatable rafts, oxygen masks, fire extinguishers and portable breathing equipment. "The PASS program is voluntary, but we never have a lack of volunteers," said Corky Culver, safety officer for Costco's flight department. "On any given flight, there's at least one passenger on board who's taken the class." Read more about the Costco safety program in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

In the EU, Industry Confronts Numerous Challenges in 2012
The European Business Aviation Association's new CEO, Fabio Gamba, is matter-of-fact about it when he says there's no denying that "2012 will be a pivotal year" for business aircraft operators in the European theater. They face a myriad of complex, high-stakes issues that range from the new European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) for aviation to a new passenger duty tax, and an onerous slot-reallocation program confronting operators from one end of Europe to the other. These challenges are detailed in this week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast. Learn more and listen to the podcast.

Italy's Emergency Budget Includes Taxes on Business Aircraft Operations
As part of Italy's plan for returning to fiscal solvency in the wake of the global economic recession, the government has passed an emergency budget that includes a variety of new measures to raise revenue, including a tax on business aircraft operations. The plan includes steep new taxes against owners of all non-Italian registered general aviation aircraft – used for either recreational or business use – staying in the country for longer than 48 consecutive hours. With the budget now approved, the regulation detailing how the tax will be implemented is expected within the next 60 days. NBAA, working with European counterparts, will provide Members with additional details on the Italian aircraft tax as they become available. Learn more.

Rotor Industry Introduces IS-BAO Provisions for Helicopters
A global industry task force recently completed work to facilitate implementation of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) by helicopter operators. The work began in June 2010 when representatives of the Helicopter Association International (HAI), British and European helicopter associations (BHA and EHA), and International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) signed an agreement to amend the safety standard to make it readily available to the helicopter community though industry associations. "The amended safety standard means that helicopter operators will be able to use an internationally accepted standard to promote safe operations and compare their policies and procedures to a collection of best practices developed by their peers in the industry," said HAI President Matt Zuccaro. Read more about the new helicopter provisions in the IS-BAO on the IBAC web site.

Call to Action: Pennsylvania Considers Aircraft Tax Exemption
NBAA is strongly encouraging Members based in Pennsylvania or doing business in the state to contact legislators and express their support for legislation (HB 1100) that would exempt fixed-wing aircraft from the 6 percent Pennsylvania sales and use tax. In addition, aircraft repair parts and installation would also be exempt from sales and use tax. Since implementing similar exemptions, states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York have seen an increase in aviation activity and additional tax revenue. Massachusetts recently completed an economic impact study revealing that over 4,000 jobs and nearly $445 million in economic impact are tied to the state's 30 general aviation airports. Learn more about the proposed Pennsylvania tax exemption.

Workers' Comp Insurance Program Declares Second Cash Dividend
NBAA's Workers' Compensation Insurance Program participants will receive yet another 20-percent dividend this year, due to the outstanding loss ratio of the group. The program has paid out nearly $1 million dollars in dividends to date. "A dividend like this is quite rare in our industry," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, "and we are extremely pleased to have 20 percent of premiums returned to participating Member Companies for two years in a row." Underwritten by Phoenix Aviation Managers and managed by NationAir Aviation Insurance, the program provides high quality coverage at reduced rates. Policies cover all employees involved with a company's flight operation – even provisions for companies using contract crew members. Contact your insurance broker or get a quote online. Learn more about the program's latest dividend.

NBAA Announces New Certified Aviation Managers
Sixteen individuals successfully passed the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) exam during 2011, bringing the total number of individuals recognized as current CAMs to 180. Through the certification process, NBAA and the CAM Governing Board seek to raise the level of professionalism and quality of management within flight departments. The CAM designation provides industry recognition of their achievement and knowledge in the following areas of business aviation: business management, human resources, leadership, operations, and technical and facilities services. Review the CAM announcement.

ABACE2012 Adds Exhibit Space as Hangar Floor Sells Out
"There has been an outpouring of enthusiasm and support in the region and across the international business community for ABACE2012 [and] demand for exhibit space has exceeded even our expectations," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said recently, as the weeks count down toward the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), scheduled for March 27 to 29. Exhibit space on the hangar show floor for the event has sold out, and NBAA has added a first-of-its kind, enclosed Exhibitor pavilion to accommodate additional companies. "We are pleased to create this pavilion to provide additional space, with the quality people have come to expect at our events," said Bolen. Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities, including features in printed event materials and prominent signage at the show, are still available. Get more updates on ABACE2012 by subscribing to NBAA's ABACE Special Report.

Register Now for 20th Annual Leadership Conference
Building new skills and expanding professional networks are vital to growing as a leader. This year's NBAA Leadership Conference will provide business aviation professionals with tools for managerial excellence as well as insight into business ethics. Hear from speakers such as The One Minute Manager author Ken Blanchard, memory expert Ron White, "The Ethics Guy" Bruce Weinstein and more. Register now to gain new leadership ideas and inspiration.