FAA Publishes Revised Plan for Providing 'Opt Out' From Internet Flight Tracking
Complying with direction from lawmakers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently released its plan to implement a slightly revised version of an agency program formerly known as the NBAA Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. The proposed new guidance, issued May 8, formalizes efforts already taken by the FAA to restore access for all operators that want to participate in the program, which allows individuals and companies to opt out from having their flights broadcast over the Internet. NBAA believes the proposal offered by the FAA substantially addresses Member concerns and will be submitting comments to the federal government in the near future. Read more about the new guidance.

NBAA Joins Opponents of Proposed Federal Employee Meeting Attendance Restrictions
NBAA has joined about 2,100 signatories to a letter to members of Congress, urging them to consider revising proposed legislation that would severely restrict federal government employees' attendance at association meetings and conferences. "Over the course of any year, ongoing and constructive dialogue between the industry and the government is critical, and that's the kind of dialogue that takes place when high-ranking government officials participate in NBAA's events," said Lisa Piccione, NBAA senior vice president of government affairs. "We think it's important not to put restrictions on the ability of representatives from federal agencies to attend our meetings and conferences to discuss important technical and policy information." Read more about the proposed legislation.

Get Tools for Traffic Management in Storm Season
A key service the NBAA GA Desk provides is helping subscribers find the most efficient and timely routes around bad weather. Supporting these efforts are tactical route coordinators (TRCs). For example, the TRC at New York TRACON provides reroutes during Severe Weather Avoidance Plan events for airspace over the New York region. The TRC establishes a phone bridge with tower personnel at the small airports most often used by business aircraft and New York Center personnel, as well as flight plan service providers. This coordination helps smooth departure rates and make options available for operators that can adjust their departure plans. Read more about traffic management during stormy weather.

Podcast: Conference Will Emphasize Flight Attendants' Top Priority, Safety
For the past five years, members of the NBAA Flight Attendants Committee have been determined to develop a strategy of global collaboration among cabin crews. Those efforts were on display earlier this month when they staged the Cabin Crew Symposium at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, and will be highlighted again at NBAA's 17th Annual Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference, set for June 14 to 16 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, IL. "There are a lot of duties, but ultimately, our primary job is safety," said Boeing's Mary Ann Fash, who chairs the committee. Read more about the conference in this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

House GA Caucus Grows to 184 Members
Leaders of the House General Aviation (GA) Caucus noted that caucus membership has grown to 184, making it one of the largest caucuses in the House of Representatives. That figure also marks the highest level of participation in the House GA caucus in its three-year history. "The ongoing growth in the GA Caucus demonstrates the importance of general aviation to congressional districts across the country," said Lisa Piccione, NBAA senior vice president, government affairs. Read more about the caucus.

New York Governor Designates May as Aviation Appreciation Month
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared May 2012 as Aviation Appreciation Month in New York, making the Empire State the 40th state to officially recognize the value of business and general aviation (GA) since the beginning of the No Plane No Gain campaign in 2009. "Business aviation is a critical tool for companies in New York to improve efficiency, save money and open up opportunities for rural areas not served by commercial aviation, thereby bringing new business, investment and jobs to all areas of the state," said the governor. Read the New York proclamation.

Work/Life Balance Is Attainable for Schedulers
Most schedulers and dispatchers are on call after normal business hours, but "it is possible to have a 24/7 job and a work-life balance," said Ann Widay, staff aviation analyst at Qualcomm. Doing so, however, often requires schedulers to be their own advocates at the workplace. Schedulers can suggest their responsibilities be rotated within the department, or temporarily given to a contract scheduler, to allow them to meet their family commitments or participate in professional development as pilots and maintenance technicians do. Read more about finding work/life balance as a scheduler in the latest edition of Business Aviation Insider.

Ex-Im Bank Announces Credit Program for Foreign Buyers of U.S. Aircraft
At the 12th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2012) held earlier this month in Geneva, Switzerland, the Export-Import Bank of the United States announced a program aimed at extending new lines of credit to foreign purchases of American business aircraft and helicopters. "Business aircraft and helicopters are a vital part of the U.S. aerospace industry, which is one of the most competitive sectors of the economy and employs thousands of Americans," said Ex-Im Chairman Fred D. Hochberg. Read more about the new program.

Who Is Your Regional Rep?
NBAA's six regional representatives provide a national voice on local issues, including operational concerns such as airport and airspace access, NextGen initiatives, safety and security proposals, and taxation. With the November 2012 elections coming up, they also help support local legislative advocacy efforts. But their greatest strength lies in working with one another to address your operational issues and concerns, according to Kristi Ivey, the Association's Northwest regional representative based in Livingston, MT. "We might not specifically have the most technical response to some questions, but we know where to get it," she said. Learn more about NBAA's regional representatives.

Colorado Aviation Week Celebration to Include Recognition of General Aviation
Colorado will celebrate Aviation Week from June 4 to 10, and activities will include recognizing the ongoing accomplishments of general aviation (GA) in the Centennial State, as well as thanking members of "The Greatest Generation" for advancing aviation and preserving American freedom during World War II. "For the last two years our focus was on educating the public, pushing back against the erroneous negative image many held of GA, including business flying," said Brittany Davies, chair of the celebration's sponsoring organization, the Colorado Aviation Business Association. "This year we're turning the spotlight on the Colorado men and women who make today's aviation system work, and we're looking ahead to the improvements they'll bring in the years to come." Read more about the celebration plans.

Second Runway Safety Forum Set for June 20 in Connecticut
The Westchester Aviation Association recently presented a runway safety forum in White Plains, NY, that was sponsored by NBAA and USAIG and strongly received by attendees, and the same educational program will be offered by the Connecticut Business Aviation Group (CTBAG) on June 20 at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC). The day-long forum is designed to help operators reduce the risk of runway excursions, an aviation incident on the rise, and attendees will review actual runway excursion case studies. Hosted by Key Air, the event qualifies for Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credit and is free to attend. To register, contact Key Air's Chris Little at clittle@keyair.com or NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Washington Area's Paige Kroner Receives NBAA's Silk Scarf Award
NBAA's Silk Scarf Award is given to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers. Most recently, the Silk Scarf Award was presented to Paige Kroner, president of the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA), at the group's annual Safety Standdown in Ashburn, VA on May 16. Currently the manager of industry and government affairs at Signature Flight Support, Kroner was one of three people who co-founded GWBAA in 2004. She is also an active member of Women in Corporate Aviation. Read more about the Silk Scarf Award.

Last Chance for Early Bird Discount at Flight Attendants Conference
The NBAA Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference will be held in Chicago, IL from June 14 to 16, featuring an educational theme focused on "Going Global" and exhibits showcasing the latest in safety, service and training programs. Attendees must sign up by June 1 to take advantage of early bird pricing and save $200 on registration. The program features a presentation by crewmembers from Flight 1549, the famous "Miracle on the Hudson"; a global catering panel on national differences; a ramp inspection session; and more. Register now for discounted rates.

Aircraft Transactions Conference Covers Tax, Insurance & Regulatory Issues
NBAA is offering an information-packed agenda at its Business Aircraft Transactions Conference, coming to New York City June 21 and 22. This two-day event covers a variety of timely and important topics, including tax, regulatory and risk-management issues. Increased aircraft transaction activity, both in the U.S. and internationally over the last 12 months, has created new opportunities and new market challenges, and there have been a number of legislative, regulatory and policy changes that everyone involved in a transaction must fully understand to be successful. Read more about the conference.

May Is Membership Month – Don't Miss Your Chance to Win!
Membership Month is coming to a close at NBAA but there is still time to refer a friend or colleague for Membership and get entered for a chance to win prizes like American Express gift cards or tickets to the NBAA 65th Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando for both you and the company you refer. Plus, every referred Member that joins by May 31 will save 20 percent on first-year dues. Direct referrals online and have them enter Promo Code REFERRAL and your name when prompted. If you share your favorite NBAA event before May 31, you'll be entered for a chance to win an Apple iPad. Share your favorite event today.