House Aviation Subcommittee, GA Caucus Leaders Oppose User Fee Threat
In the two weeks since President Obama called for a $100 per-flight user fee in his latest federal budget proposal, congressional opposition to the idea has been building, with four members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging their colleagues to sign a letter of protest to the White House. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO), John Barrow (D-GA), Tom Petri (R-WI) and Jerry Costello (D-IL) all have signed the letter and are asking their colleagues to do likewise. "User fees are a bad idea, and unfortunately, it's hard to kill a bad idea in Washington," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We thank the House leaders for taking action on this critical issue." NBAA Members can help in this effort by contacting their representatives in Washington and alerting them to the industry's concern about the latest user fee threat from the White House. Learn more about the user fee threat and how to take action.

Government Eases Access to DCA Following Dialogue With NBAA Security Council
In the decade since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, changes to security have led to burdensome procedures for accessing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). However, rules for accessing DCA are changing significantly, said NBAA Vice President for Safety, Security & Regulation Doug Carr. He attributes many of the changes to the dialogue between TSA officials and NBAA’s Security Council. “We’ve been very pleased with the work that the TSA and the committee have done together,” he said. Carr discusses the topic in this week’s edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast; it will also be the focus of an NBAA webinar being held on February 29. Listen to the podcast and learn more about the webinar.

GAMA Numbers Show Decline in 2011 Deliveries, but Encouraging Signs Ahead
The theme of a gradual, continuing rebound for general aviation was highlighted during the February 22 release of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association's (GAMA's) 2011 delivery numbers. Although total deliveries fell in each segment over 2010 totals, there are several encouraging signs the aircraft industry continues to recover from a devastating global recession. "Last year, the indication from the closing months of 2010 pointed at 2011 being a year when the general aviation manufacturing industry would begin a recovery," said GAMA Chairman Caroline Daniels. "Unfortunately, the resurgence did not take place for the industry as a whole. However, 2011 did finish with signs of a sustained recovery and some reason for optimism." Learn more about GAMA’s 2011 aircraft delivery numbers.

Honeywell Forecasts Increased Civil Rotorcraft Deliveries in 2012
There was further encouraging evidence of an overall economic turn-around for the business aviation industry in Honeywell’s recently issued 14th Turbine-Powered Civilian Helicopter Purchase Outlook report, forecasting between 4,700 and 5,200 new deliveries between 2011 and 2016. "Recent order rates have been healthy and near-term purchase plans remain strong despite lingering tight credit conditions and significant inventories of used current production models for sale, which continue to overhang the industry," states the report, which was presented February 12 at the 2012 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Dallas, TX. Learn more.

100 Mayors Urge President to Reject User Fees
Days after President Obama released his 2013 budget – which included the new user fees on general aviation he put forward last year – 100 mayors and city managers blasted the proposal. “These taxes would mean…an additional tax burden [and] a huge administrative burden on businesses, farms and organizations that use general aviation,” the local officials told President Obama in a February 16 letter. Read the mayors’ letter to the White House.

Avoiding Ground Mishaps: What Every Operator Needs to Know
Many aviation safety efforts focus on the critical phases of flight, but preventing ground incidents is equally vital. Hangar and ground movements rank among the top aviation safety concerns, according to Eric Barfield of Hope Aviation Insurance. “We all read about the smoking hole in the ground, but fender benders don’t get the attention,” said the South Carolina insurer, who also serves on NBAA’s Safety Committee. “Insurance pays millions per year” for damage that occurs on the ground. The causes vary as much as the accidents, but, as in flight, human factors are everything. Get tips on avoiding ground mishaps in Business Aviation Insider.

FAA Alerts Pilots to SID/STAR Procedure Changes in Canada
Earlier this month the FAA issued an information for operators (InFO) message highlighting key differences in Canadian ATC procedures that will require aircraft to comply with published SID/STAR altitude restrictions unless they are explicitly cancelled by ATC. An aircraft that is assigned a SID/STAR, and then assigned a higher/lower altitude is still expected to comply with any published altitude restrictions on that SID/STAR while climbing/descending to the new assigned altitude unless ATC specifically states “all STAR altitude restrictions cancelled.” This change differs from U.S. ATC procedures, which state that any new altitude clearance cancels any previous altitude clearance and any published altitude restrictions on a SID or STAR unless the restrictions are restated by the controller. Review the InFO.

CAAC Administrator to Join DOT Deputy Secretary at ABACE2012 Opening
Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) Administrator Li Jiaxiang will be a featured speaker at the Opening General Session of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012), to be held next month in Shanghai. In a recent letter to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen confirming his plan for ABACE2012, Li wrote, "as you are aware...business aviation has huge potential in China." CAAC Deputy Administrator Xia Xinghua will accompany Li to the conference. The two Chinese officials will be joined at the session by Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari. "To have these important officials playing leadership roles at the conference clearly demonstrates their support for business aviation," said Bolen. Learn more about ABACE2012.

International Operators Conference Promotes Best Practices
For nearly 40 years, NBAA has hosted a conference promoting excellence in international business aircraft operations. Sessions topics including security threat and risk assessment, risk mitigation, regulatory restrictions, travel safety management, customs and border issues, and avionics are designed to teach best practices for international operators. As an annual tradition, the event also provides reviews for all regions of the globe, including the North Atlantic and North America, Southeast Asia and China, Caribbean, Pacific, Latin America, Africa and Middle East, and Europe and Russia. The 39th Annual International Operators Conference will be held from March 12 to 15 in San Diego in conjunction with an IS-BAO Workshop on March 11. The early-bird registration deadline is today, February 27. Learn more and register.

FAA Hosting New York Business Aviation Forum This Thursday
The FAA is holding a New York Business Aviation Forum this Thursday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the agency’s Eastern Region Headquarters in Jamaica, NY. FAA representatives from all of the New York air traffic control (ATC) facilities will be present to answer questions about operating in the New York City airspace. The forum is designed to provide an opportunity for the business aviation community to exchange ideas with ATC and airport authorities to improve efficiency, reduce delays and shape the future of operations in the region. The program will cover RNP certification, NextGen equipage and the Tactical Route Coordinator position at New York TRACON. For more information, contact NBAA GA Desk’s Dean Snell at dsnell@nbaa.org.

Proposed Sales Tax Exemption on Aircraft Parts Makes Progress in Idaho Legislature
Thanks in part to efforts by NBAA Members and other stakeholders, Idaho House Bill 417 (HB 417) was reported out of committee and is now being considered by the full state Senate. The bill 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. NBAA encourages Members based in Idaho to contact their state senators and urge them to pass HB 417, which is critical to the success of the more than 25 repair stations in Idaho. Learn how to support this important legislation.

Idaho City Fights for New Airport to Avoid Losing Business
In recent years, city officials in Burley, ID have successfully attracted several new businesses to their town, including a large food-trucking company, an ethanol production facility and a major cheese manufacturing plant. However, the town’s airport (BYI), only has two 4,000-foot runways, and companies flying modern business aircraft have to use airports at least an hour away to get to the town. “Our current airport was dedicated in 1930, and it’s landlocked. The runways are too short,” said City Manager Mark Mitton. “A new business-capable airport is vital for our continued growth and development.” Read more about Burley officials’ advocacy for a new airport.

NBAA’s Van Nuys Regional Forum Will Cover Excise Taxes
April is tax season, and NBAA’s Business Aviation Regional Forum in Van Nuys, to be held April 12, will feature a session on federal excise tax (FET) issues for aircraft management companies. IRS audits have become more aggressive when looking into management companies and charter operators, sometimes assessing FET on owner flights conducted under Part 91 for managed aircraft. The Van Nuys session, presented by aviation tax attorney John Hoover, will examine IRS guidance on the application of FET and offer best practices to mitigate potential audit risks. Learn more about this and other education sessions at the Van Nuys Regional Forum.

Maine City Plans Airport Improvements to Attract Business Aircraft
On the west bank of the Kennebec River in Maine, the Waterville Municipal Airport is slated for improvements city officials hope will attract more business aircraft. "The planned improvements open up vast opportunities for mid-Maine businesses," said Darryl Sterling of the Central Maine Growth Council. The airport's 5,500-foot runway is the longest in central Maine. Improvements scheduled for the airport include trimming trees obstructing a clear approach to runways and repaving of the shorter runway this summer. Learn more.

Now Online: Business Aviation Insider Annual Safety Issue
Safety has always been the top priority for business aviation, and NBAA remains dedicated to providing the resources needed to continually enhance the industry’s outstanding safety record. The 4th Annual Safety Issue of Business Aviation Insider offers tips for avoiding ground mishaps, how to avoid runway excursions, and the growing trend toward safety management systems and the resources needed to adopt it. This edition also includes a first-ever “Focus on Asia” section, which includes stories on opportunities and challenges for business aviation, maintenance and operations in the region. The issue is now online and mailing to Members. Read Business Aviation Insider or subscribe today.

Applications Due This Week: Flying Safety Awards
The NBAA Flying Safety Awards recognize Member Companies and professionals for consecutive years of accident-free service. Take advantage of this opportunity to highlight your company's outstanding safety record as a testimony to the high degree of professionalism inherent in business aircraft operations. Applications are due this Thursday, March 1. Awards are presented to flight departments as well as pilots, maintenance technicians and support personnel. Apply for the Flying Safety Awards today.

NBAA2012 Speaker Proposals Due Wednesday
Education session proposals for NBAA’s 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) are due this Wednesday, February 29. NBAA invites proposals on any topic relevant to business aircraft owners and operators. Sessions must contain relevant educational content and may not be specific company updates, marketing presentations or commercial in nature. The Convention is set for October 30 to November 1 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Review the NBAA2012 call for speakers.

Call for Speakers: Next Year’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
The NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Committee is welcoming education session proposals for the 2013 S&D Conference, which will take place in San Antonio, TX next January 23 to 25. The annual event draws thousands of Attendees and hundreds of exhibits from aviation product and service providers. Proposals are requested on topics relevant to coordinating the use of business aircraft, including risk management, aircraft ownership, maintenance, airspace and airport access, flight operations and leadership development. Submit proposals by March 23. Review the S&D call for speakers.