Podcast: FAA Reaches Out to Operators on TCAS Issues
After reviewing data on Traffic Collision Avoidance System II (TCAS) resolution advisories (RAs), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working with industry to share this data and develop operational best practices. This is particularly important for NBAA Members as business aircraft often operate in Class C and D airspace, where many RAs occur, meaning that flight departments should develop standard procedures for responding to a TCAS alert. The FAA data also provides interesting clues about where most RAs occur and how flightcrews respond after receiving the alert. Listen and subscribe to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

FAA Says GA Airports Play 'Pivotal Role' in Our Society
The FAA last week released the results of an 18-month study on general aviation (GA) airports that "highlights the pivotal role GA airports play in our society, economy and the entire aviation system," according to the agency. "We applaud the FAA for its efforts to quantify and promote the many and diverse functions that occur at our nation's general aviation airports," said Jeff Gilley, NBAA's director of airports & ground infrastructure, who advised the FAA during the study period. "This report is a useful tool that can assist all of us in general aviation to better articulate and communicate the essential role that general aviation airports play in our nation's transportation system." Read more about the study.

The Case for EMAS: Improving the Outcome of a Runway Overrun
Currently, 68 engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) are installed at airports around the world, with the vast majority of them in the United States. The installations range from large Part 139 airports such as Kennedy (JFK) and O'Hare (ORD) to some solely general aviation airports such as Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina. NBAA expects that both existing EMAS installations and those planned for future establishment at airports will greatly improve safety, with the safety benefits far outweighing the costs. Read more about the case for EMAS.

NBAA Has New Resource on Aircraft Ownership Options
Given the many types of aircraft ownership structures and operating options, choosing the best model for your business can be confusing. To support Members making this decision, NBAA has released a new publication providing an overview of the most common ownership and operating options and rules of thumb for identifying the best arrangement for their air transportation needs. The resource outlines the advantages of whole aircraft ownership, fractional ownership and charter, including flight cards and block charter programs. It also includes a case study with detailed cost evaluations. Download a copy of the publication now or learn more about aircraft ownership and operating options.

Lawmaker Voices EU-ETS Concerns on Senate Floor
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) recently implored lawmakers to consider his bipartisan bill that would prevent U.S. aircraft operators flying to and from the European Union from being forced to comply with the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), saying the measure would cause significant economic hardship to businesses. "Very simply, the unilateral imposition of such a scheme on the United States and other counties is arbitrary, unfair and a violation of international law," Thune said. "Plus, it is being done without any guarantees for environmental improvements and at a huge cost to the aviation industry and constituents we serve." Read more about Thune's comments on EU-ETS.

Nebraska Governor Reaffirms Value of General Aviation
In a May 16 ceremony, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman unveiled a proclamation declaring General Aviation Appreciation Month in the state. Heineman noted with pride that air transportation employs 5,250 Nebraskans, and cited GA's support for tourism, which supports another 403 full-time jobs and more than $10 million in additional payroll. "GA and community airports play a critical role in the lives of our citizens, as well as [in] the operation of our businesses, industry, ranches and farms," Heineman said. Read more about the Nebraska proclamation.

HP Puts the IT in International Travel
For 30 years, Hewlett-Packard flew piston twins and Sabreliner jets for a Monday-to-Friday shuttle between the company's headquarters in Palo Alto and other sites in California. Today, HP does business in more than 170 countries, and its flight department has been transformed to an on-demand operator that flies worldwide. "Business aviation has been a big part of growing HP," said Director of Aviation Richard Walsh. "A typical international mission involves leaving late at night from the West Coast and flying to Asia or Europe." Read more about HP, and the company's experience with international flying – including staffing models, crew rest requirements, outsourcing needs and maintenance support, in a recent NBAA Member profile appearing in Business Aviation Insider.

By Every Measure, EBACE2012 a Strong Show
The 12th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2012) concluded last week as one of the strongest shows yet, drawing 12,638 Attendees from 99 countries. The event also featured the largest-ever EBACE Static Display, with 60 aircraft on display and a 10-percent increase in ramp space. Indoor exhibits also broke records, with 491 Exhibitors occupying 2,280 booth spaces – the most in EBACE history. "This year's show was a tremendous success," said European Business Aviation Association president Brian Humphries. "The numbers demonstrate that EBACE remains the most important European business aviation event, even in – and, perhaps especially in – tough economic times in the region." Read more about EBACE2012.

Helicopters Prominent in China's Acceptance of General Aviation
In the United States, the use of helicopters for medical cases is hardly newsworthy. But in China, the recent use of a helicopter to transport an infant for life-saving medical care was a milestone in recent efforts to introduce the routine use of civilian aircraft. "The fact they're going to establish emergency medical service operations clearly indicates the Chinese recognize the value of helicopters and their abilities to serve all aspects of society," said Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International. Read more about efforts in China to make helicopters mainstream.

Business Pilots Needed for South Carolina Hurricane Response Simulation
A simulated hurricane, complete with vicious winds, damaging hail and extensive flooding, is set for South Carolina in early June. The mock monster storm will ravage the coast between Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC on June 3 and track rapidly up the Georgia/South Carolina border before moving out to sea on June 4. Contributing to these efforts will be no fewer than eight non-governmental organizations, including – for the first time – a coordinated fleet of volunteer general aviation pilots and aircraft directed by AERObridge, the non-profit group that coordinates aircraft donated for crises such as this. Read more about the drill.

AMT Day Celebration at Ohio's Lunken Airport, May 24
National Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day will be celebrated on May 24 at Ohio's Cincinnati Municipal Airport/Lunken Field. The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the terminal building and will feature free food and door prizes. For more information about the AMT Day Celebration, contact AMTSociety's Gary Goodpaster at Gary.Goodpaster@Kroger.com. Direct questions about other upcoming events in Ohio and the surrounding region to NBAA's Bob Quinn at bquinn@nbaa.org.

Bolen to Speak at Florida Aviation Trades Conference in June
The Florida Aviation Trades Association (FATA) is hosting its Annual Conference & Trade Show from June 11 to 13 in Palm Beach, FL. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will be among the featured speakers at the event, including Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President and CEO Craig Fuller, Piper Aircraft President and CEO Simon Caldecott and many others. The agenda includes a full advocacy program titled, "Beyond the Runway – Why General Aviation Means Business." For more information, contact FATA's Paula Raeburn at paula@fata.aero or visit the FATA site.

Session on iPads in Cockpit Offered at NBAA's Teterboro Forum
One of the most popular education sessions at NBAA's events the last year has been an interactive session on iPads in the cockpit. In the session, "Best Practices for Transitioning from Paper to Digital Charts," presented by Jeppesen, participants will learn best practices for safely transitioning to a paperless flight deck. For those who missed the session at earlier events, like NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention last fall, it will be offered again at the next Business Aviation Regional Forum in Teterboro, NJ on June 7. Review the full agenda and sign up for the Teterboro Regional Forum today.

Aviation Leaders, Safe-Flying Companies Recognized at EBACE2012
At EBACE2012 last week, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and NBAA announced the recipients of the 2012 European Business Aviation Awards and the 2012 EBAA Safety of Flight Awards. David McMillan, director general of Eurocontrol, and Don Spruston, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, received the European Business Aviation Awards for their dedicated service to the industry. Additionally, four companies were honored with Safety of Flight Awards for their outstanding safety records: DC Aviation GmbH; TAG Aviation; and PrivatAir SA received Platinum awards and VistaJet received a Silver award. Read more about the Safety of Flight recipients and about the presentations to McMillan and Spruston.

Flight Attendants Conference to Feature Miracle on the Hudson Crew
Next month's NBAA Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference will feature presentations by crewmembers of the famous "Miracle on the Hudson," US Airways Flight 1549 of 2009. First officer Jeff Skiles and flight attendant Doreen Walsh will describe the steps they took to ensure the survival of all passengers and crew, offering insights Attendees can take home to improve their own operations. Held in Chicago, IL, from June 14 to 16, the Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference will also feature exhibits showcasing the latest in safety, service and training programs. Review the conference program and register.

Shouldn't Everyone in Business Aviation Have an NBAA Membership?
You count on NBAA to advocate for the industry, provide the best safety and operational resources and hold premier events like the Annual Meeting & Convention. Shouldn't all companies that rely on business aircraft have access to these resources? May is Membership Month at NBAA, and any new Member you refer will save 20 percent if they join this month – and you'll both be entered for a chance to win one of several prizes. Just direct the contact you're referring online and have them enter Promo Code REFERRAL and your name when prompted. Learn more about NBAA benefits.