NBAA Welcomes House Passage of FAA Reauthorization
The Association last week applauded approval by the U.S. House of Representatives for legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The measure retains, at existing levels, the proven, efficient and effective fuel tax as the means for general aviation to pay for its use of the aviation system, instead of resorting to new, onerous user fees. The reauthorization package also provides for an incentive program to be developed to help operators obtain equipment for use in a "NextGen" system. Next, the legislation moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Learn more about NBAA’s response to the House passage of FAA reauthorization.

NBAA Joins Call for Congress to Extend Accelerated Depreciation
The Association has joined more than 60 businesses and organizations nationwide in signing a letter urging congress to extend “bonus” depreciation, allowing for accelerated cost recovery of strategic purchases, including business aircraft. “We call on Congress to extend the 100-percent accelerated depreciation for another year,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Review the press release.

FCC Urged to Protect GPS From All Sources of Interference
In advance of its expected ruling on whether LightSquared can deploy its wireless broadband network, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a request for public comment. NBAA responded to that request, submitting written opposition to the deployment. "The US GNSS (GPS) system must be protected from all sources of interference, intended or unintended," wrote NBAA Director, International Operations Bill Stine. "Tens of thousands of aircraft depend on these GPS-based avionics for safe and dependable navigation information worldwide.” Read more about the LightSquared conflict.

NBAA Opposes FAA Opinion on 'Controlled Crew Rest' for Part 91 Operators
The Association is alerting Members to a recent FAA opinion on Part 91 crew rest procedures that is in “stark disagreement” with international guidelines and scientific findings. The Association notes that the FAA’s ruling runs contrary to a large body of scientific research on effective fatigue mitigation, which has determined a “controlled cockpit rest” period can raise crew alertness when normal rest periods are compromised. “We would like the opportunity to discuss this issue with you and your staff as soon as reasonably possible to identify a path forward, balancing the regulation, as written and interpreted, with aviation safety,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said in a January 30 letter to the FAA’s chief counsel. Learn more.

Super Bowl Operations Highlight FAA-Industry Cooperation
NBAA today commended FAA officials for successfully coordinating with aviation industry stakeholders to ensure that the weekend's Super Bowl traffic in the Indianapolis area was ably handled with a minimum of delays. “We'd like to thank the FAA and the other government agencies involved in managing the airspace around Indianapolis,” said NBAA Vice President, Safety, Security & Regulation Doug Carr. “Government officials’ operational planning and coordination with industry minimized the disruption to air traffic.” Review the press release.

Podcast: With a Business Aviation Assist, a Controller Saves a Life
When the pilot of a single-engine Cessna radioed an air traffic controller last November to report a failing engine, the controller capably helped the pilot safely reach the ground – in part with help from a Beechcraft King Air, which served as a relay between the troubled pilot and the controller. Learn more about the harrowing event, which received national recognition in this week’s edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

NBAA Thanks Florida Senator for Speaking Out Against User Fees
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) recently sent a letter to the White House opposing President Barack Obama's proposal for a $100 per-flight user fee on general aviation, and NBAA thanks him for supporting the industry. "I know we're facing difficult economic times in our country," Nelson wrote, "but we've got to get our financial house in order without hindering high-growth industries, such as general aviation. … Adding new fees, such as a $100 departure tax, will impact travelers and businesses alike, discouraging domestic operations and threatening our global competitiveness." Read more of Nelson’s letter to the president.

King Air C90 Saves Lives of Critically Injured in South Carolina
Getting accident victims with severe injuries proper care within an hour – called “the golden hour” – is often the difference between life and death. Until recently, the golden hour was not a realistic timeframe for injured people in upstate South Carolina; reaching a hospital usually required a drive of several hours to a larger city or neighboring state. That’s all changed, thanks to Beech King Air C90 operated out of Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) by EagleMed, reducing travel times to mere minutes. Read more about the new air ambulance service.

With Two Months to Go, ABACE Exhibitor Space Sells Out
With less than two months to go before the March 27 opening of the 2012 Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE2012) in Shanghai, all exhibit space at the event has sold out, not only on the main show floor, but also in the new pavilion area. "We created a first-of-its-kind, enclosed Exhibitor Pavilion specifically to accommodate additional Exhibitors, and to see that area sell out along with our original floor space underscores the significant interest in the show,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Space on the ramp for the static display at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is also near capacity, with only a small number of slots still available. Read more about the momentum building for ABACE2012.

Official Media Partner for ABACE2012 Is Hurun Report
Leading a current roster of more than 30 media partners and supporters, China’s Hurun Report will serve as the official media partner for ABACE2012. The printed magazine has about 540,000 readers, which include a “who’s who” of Chinese businesspeople, entrepreneurs and wealth creators. "We are delighted to be the Official Media Partner for ABACE2012,” said Hurun Report Chairman and Chief Researcher Rupert Hoogewerf. “The timing is perfect – just as the demand in China for business aviation is poised to take off, NBAA brings to China the world’s most significant business aviation show." Read more about the new partnership.

NBAA’s New Orleans Regional Forum a Success
The NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum held in New Orleans on February 2 marked a triumphant return to the Crescent City six years after Hurricane Katrina forced the Association to move its Annual Meeting & Convention from the flood-damaged region. “NBAA is very pleased with the results of the New Orleans Forum,” said President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Compared to other forums in similar-sized markets, the numbers for this forum were quite strong, with over 500 people in attendance, 63 Exhibitors and 14 airplanes on the Static Display.” Review the results of the New Orleans Regional Forum.

Idaho Considering Sales Tax Exemption on Aircraft Parts
NBAA is encouraging Members to support Idaho House Bill 417 (HB 417), which would provide an exemption from sales and use tax for certain aircraft parts and components installed on out-of-state aircraft at FAA-approved repair stations. Currently, there are more than 25 repair stations in Idaho performing this type of work. With many surrounding states already having these tax exemptions in place, passage of HB 417 would allow Idaho businesses to compete on a level playing field. The bill recently was passed in the Idaho House of Representatives and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Tax Committee. Learn how to support this important Idaho legislation.

Minnesota Groups Joining Forces at State Capitol This Week
Three Minnesota industry groups are jointly hosting "Minnesota Aviation Day at the Capitol" this Thursday, February 9. Members of the industry will gather in St. Paul to tell their state senators and representatives how important business flying and airports are to their local communities. The advocacy day is hosted by the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA) in conjunction with the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association and the Minnesota Council of Airports. The day kicks off with a welcome breakfast at 9:00 a.m. For more information, contact MBAA Executive Director Gordon Hoff at gordon.hoff@comcast.net. Register now at the MBAA web site.

NBAA and Georgia Group Co-Hosting Part 91 Tax Workshop, Mar. 23
Flight department managers across Georgia are invited to participate in a new, interactive Part 91 Tax & Regulatory Issues Workshop on March 23 at Fulton County Airport (FTY) in Atlanta. Designed specifically for aviation personnel and their counterparts working in the company’s main office, the NBAA program, offered in conjunction with the Georgia Business Aviation Association, will address tax and regulatory issues faced by Part 91 flight departments, drawing on the insights of both presenters and attendees. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia Aviation Authority’s corporate hangar on the airport. Learn more about this new workshop for Georgia flight departments.

New Utah Airport a Magnet for Businesses
After 20 years of advocacy by local officials, St. George, UT opened a new airport on January 13. St. George Municipal Airport (SGU) features a 9,300-foot runway and traffic is rapidly increasing. “There are a lot of business people here who depend on the airport,” said Mayor Dan McArthur. “In fact, several companies that aren’t even based here in St. George decided to build their own hangars on our new airport just because they fly their business airplanes in and out so much.” Read more about the new Utah airport.

Less Than One Month Remains to Apply for Flying Safety Awards
All Member operators are invited to apply for NBAA's 2012 Flying Safety Awards, which recognize exceptional achievement in maintaining safe flying operations. These annual awards are endorsed by the National Safety Council and recognize years and hours of accident-free service through 2011, attesting to the professionalism of a company's management, maintenance, pilot and support teams. The application deadline is March 1. Learn more and apply for a 2012 NBAA Flying Safety Award.

Submit Nominations for Meritorious Service, Doswell Awards by Feb. 25
All Members are invited to submit nominations for NBAA’s two highest awards, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and the John P. "Jack” Doswell Award, by the February 25 deadline. The Meritorious Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant lifelong contributions to aviation. The Doswell Award honors lifelong individual achievement in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. The 2012 award recipients will be officially recognized at the NBAA 65th Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, FL. Review the award nomination guidelines.

Leadership Conference Early Bird Pricing Ends Today
Building competence and life skills are vital to growing as a leader. This year’s Leadership Conference will provide participants with tools, networking and connections for continuous executive learning and achievement. Attendees will hear from leadership experts Ken Blanchard, John Maxwell, Adrian Gostick and more. Early bird pricing ends today, February 6. Register for the Leadership Conference now.

Registration Now Open for April Safety Seminar
Online registration is now open for the 57th Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar (CASS), set for April 17 to 19 in San Antonio, TX. Presented by Flight Safety Foundation and NBAA, CASS is the premier forum for business aviation operations to share of critical safety information. This year’s CASS will cover automated hazard reporting, fitness for duty, flight operational quality assurance, adapting costing methods to safety and more. Sign up by February 24 for a $200 early registration discount. Hotel discounts are also available for those who book in advance. Register for CASS now.