NBAA Lauds Senators' Letter Opposing User Fees
The Association today thanked a group of U.S. senators for reminding President Obama that they oppose the $100-per-flight user fee proposed in the president’s fiscal year 2013 federal budget. In a recent letter, 28 senators told the president that bipartisan passage of the comprehensive, multi-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill was “in part because it did not assess new user fees on general aviation.” Noting that a bipartisan group of 195 House members likewise recently sent a letter to the president opposing user fees, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “The letters from the House and Senate underscore the fact that there is bipartisan, bicameral opposition to user fees on Capitol Hill.” Learn more about the senators’ letter.

Avgas Coalition: Lawsuit Fails to Recognize Progress Underway
Last week, NBAA and fellow members of the General Aviation Avgas Coalition jointly issued a statement refuting the premise of a lawsuit filed against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by an environmental group. The lawsuit, filed by the organization Friends of the Earth (FOE), alleges the EPA has delayed action on FOE’s 2006 petition asking the agency to propose standards for lead emissions of aircraft. In fact, the GA Avgas Coalition argued in its statement, the EPA has issued new rules since 2006 that increase the stringency of the national ambient air quality standards for lead by tenfold. Read the full Coalition statement.

At Major Forum, Bolen Highlights Industry's Global Economic Importance
“We are living and participating in a global marketplace,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen at the FAA’s 37th Annual Forecast Conference on March 8. “Business aviation has been both a leading indicator and a reflection of the global economy and how it has changed in recent years.” Bolen went on to underscore the importance of initiatives that boost awareness of the industry’s economic value, including the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, co-sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The FAA’s Forecast Conference, held each year in Washington, DC, gathers some of the aviation community’s most prominent policymakers. Participants at this year’s event included Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. Read more of Bolen’s Forecast Conference remarks.

NBAA and FAA Answer Questions About RVSM
To be authorized for RVSM flights, operators must receive approval from the FAA that their aircraft can meet the rigorous standard of 1,000-foot vertical spacing in airspace between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet. In a recent webinar, NBAA and representatives from the FAA answered questions about approval and implementation of RVSM operations. "This RVSM process could be one of the few times you actually have a relationship with your FSDO," said Lucille Fisher, chairwoman of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee. “It's in your best interests to take ownership of this." Learn more about implementing RVSM.

ABACE2012 Now Only Two Weeks Away
Excitement in the region and around the world is building for the 2012 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012), to be held March 27 to 29 at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in China. Exhibit space at the event has sold out, with more than 150 exhibits on the main show floor and in a new, all-enclosed Exhibitor Pavilion. Top government officials from Asia and the U.S. will be participating in the show’s Opening General Session and other events. The event also features dozens of aircraft on static display and a full educational program. This week’s NBAA podcast features an interview with Roger Whyte, NBAA’s consultant on China. Learn more about ABACE2012 and listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

NBAA Salutes NATA President James Coyne
Last week, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO James K. Coyne announced plans to retire at the end of 2012, after nearly two decades of leading the organization. Emphasizing NBAA and NATA’s long history of working together, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen saluted Coyne in a statement last week. “Jim Coyne's leadership of NATA has strengthened general aviation in many ways,” said Bolen. Read more about Coyne’s contributions to the industry.

Social Media an Effective Advocacy Tool in Fighting User Fees
Because he flies an MU-2 as CEO and chief pilot of Manitoba Corporation, NBAA Board Chairman Richard Shine actively participates in the online discussion forums of the MU-2 Owners and Pilots Group. Recently, Shine rallied other members of the type club to advocate against the White House’s proposed $100 user fees. “Anything legislatively that may affect the use of our airplanes is fair game, and the fact that the Obama administration came out with user fees yet again really frightened people who operate turbine twins,” said Shine, who encouraged several of his peers to write their members of Congress. Learn how Shine and other NBAA Members are using type club forums for advocacy.

Bolen Sets Record Straight on Business Aviation in Massachusetts
When neighbors of Massachusetts’ Hanscom Field (BED) wrote a commentary piece in the Concord Journal attacking business aviation use of the airport, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen responded with an opinion piece published in the March 8 edition of the paper. “Contrary to the personal opinions of the commentary authors, the majority of people who fly on business aircraft at Hanscom Field … are not upper-level executives,” Bolen wrote. “They are mid-level employees, including salespeople, engineers and technicians.” Bolen also noted the vast majority of airplanes at BED “are single-engine airplanes rather than so-called ‘luxury jets,’” and cited a state government study showing civilian flights at the airport contributed more than $249 million to the region’s economy. Read Bolen’s full commentary.

Union a Business Aviation Supporter – and Operator
Since the financial crisis and attacks on business aviation in 2008, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has been a staunch advocate for the industry’s companies as well as its workers. Last year, for example, IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger teamed up with NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen to promote business aviation on a national radio show. “These airplanes are used to conduct the business of America, to make the flow of commerce more efficient and effective,” said Buffenbarger. In addition to promoting business aviation, the union flies its own Learjet 60 – last year Buffenbarger visited five states on Labor Day alone. Read more about the IAM’s support for and use of business aviation in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

As Tensions Rise, Time to Review International Security Procedures
With Iran’s nuclear program advancing and Israel asserting its right to defend itself by preventing the Islamic republic from building a weapon, tensions are reaching a fever pitch in the Middle East. “If your mission takes you to any country in the Mideast, or requires flying through Mideast airspace, now is the right time to review your flight security procedures,” said NBAA Vice President of Safety, Security & Regulation Doug Carr. NBAA’s Security Council and the NBAA Management Guide both detail recommended procedures for an aviation security program, such as placing security tape over aircraft panels and doors when parking overnight and only hiring pre-vetted guards at foreign airports. Learn more about international flight security best practices.

Florida Legislation Benefits Aviation Businesses, Aircraft Owners
maintenance to 2,000 pounds, which not only benefits the aircraft owner but also provides new opportunities for repair and maintenance facilities in the state. The Florida Aviation Trades Association worked closely with the Florida Airports Council to change to language of the statute to clarify that FBOs are exempt from the intangible tax. As previously reported by NBAA Update, the legislation is “evidence that Florida lawmakers recognize the economic importance of general aviation to their state,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. For more information, contact NBAA’s Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org, or visit the NBAA State Taxes page.

Arkansas TV Viewers Learn Local Impact of Proposed User Fees
Recently, viewers of a CBS affiliate in Little Rock, AR heard firsthand how a proposed $100-per-flight user fee for general aviation aircraft proposed by President Obama might affect their own communities. “Imagine having to pay $100 every time you left your driveway,” reporter Lisa Hutson told viewers. “That is what jet owners will be paying every time their plane leaves a runway, if a new tax passes Congress next year. It is [a tax] municipal airports across the country hope never takes off.” Learn more.

Airport Study Underscores Benefit of GA to Massachusetts
A study recently published by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) found that general aviation (GA) airports contribute 4,307 jobs – a total economic impact of more than $443 million – to the Bay State. The report also recognized that general aviation supports emergency medical transport, police work and search-and-rescue operations. Read more about the impact of GA in Massachusetts.

NBAA and USAIG Plan Landing Safety Forums Across Northeast
Runway excursions threaten the safety of passengers and crew, risk property damage, increase insurance claims and result in FAA citations. For operators interested in reducing the risk of runway excursions, NBAA and aircraft underwriter USAIG are hosting a series of safety forums in the Northeast this year. The first event will be held May 1 on Westchester County Airport (HPN) and co-hosted by the Westchester Aviation Association. A second forum, co-hosted by the Connecticut Business Aviation Group, will be offered June 20 on Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC). Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the four-hour pilot-to-pilot program will identify situations where landing risks are higher, practical defenses and evacuation procedures. For more information and to RSVP, contact NBAA’s Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Montana Aviation Conference Celebrates Aviation in the State
With more than 500 pilots, aircraft mechanics, airport directors and government officials in attendance, the annual Montana Aviation Conference, held earlier this month in Bozeman, proved once again the state appreciates its vibrant aviation community. Attendance by staff members from the offices of Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) further highlighted the importance of aviation to the state. Read more about the Montana Aviation Conference.

Bolen Addresses Challenges on the Ground and in the Air
As 2012 gets underway, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen’s recent “President’s Perspective” column in Business Aviation Insider looks at challenges for the industry on the ground and in the air. With the White House again supporting user fees (most recently in President Obama’s 2013 budget proposal) Bolen has been urging everyone in business aviation to oppose the new fees. “Of course, turning back the user fee threat isn’t the only concern facing the industry,” said Bolen, citing a recent Breiling Associates report showing a rise in the number of business aviation accidents and fatalities in 2011. “An equally urgent priority is the need to remain as focused as ever on flying safety.” Read more of Bolen’s message on advocacy and safety challenges for the industry.

Recipients of NBAA Baldwin Scholarship Announced
The recipients of this year’s Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Business Aviation Management Scholarship, which supports candidates for NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager credential, are William E. Hunter and Michael P. McCullough. Hunter is a captain with ACM Aviation Services and McCullough is assistant director of operations for Aviation Resource Management. The scholarship is given annually in coordination with the family of Donald A. Baldwin Sr. to further professional development in business aviation. Read more about the scholarship recipients.

Just One Month Away: Van Nuys Regional Forum
NBAA’s next Business Aviation Regional Forum, in Van Nuys, CA is exactly one month away, on April 12. The event will bring together business aviation operators, product and service providers and local leaders interested in learning more about the industry. With a full education program and aircraft on static display, NBAA’s regional forums are just like the Association’s annual Convention, only in miniature. Space is filling up for this day-long learning and networking event. Register for the Van Nuys event now.

EBACE2012 Will Have New Smartphone App, Session Sponsorships
The 12th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2012) is set for May 14 to 16 in Geneva, Switzerland. EBACE brings together thousands of business leaders, government officials, manufacturers and aviation professionals from every field to see the latest products and services and address issues facing the industry. In the coming months, NBAA will launch a new smartphone app to help EBACE Attendees locate Exhibitors on the show floor and get to the education sessions. EBACE also will offer first-ever education session sponsorships, as well as other promotional opportunities throughout the show. Contact sponsorships@nbaa.org with questions, and learn more about EBACE2012.