EU-ETS 'Discriminatory' to Business Aviation, Bolen Tells Senate Committee
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen testified June 6 before a Senate committee that the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) "singles out a great American industry for discriminatory treatment." Calling the European scheme "fatally flawed," Bolen told members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that "as badly as commercial airlines are treated, non-commercial aviation is treated even worse." Read more of Bolen's testimony.

Sen. Isakson Asks DOT to File Formal Complaint on EU-ETS
In response to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood's testimony June 6 before a Senate hearing regarding the impact from the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme on operators in the United States, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) asked LaHood to file a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization, and ask the council to intervene on the matter. "I would strongly encourage the Administration to file a formal Article 84 complaint against the EU on this issue in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)," wrote Isakson. "I believe you would find significant bipartisan support for the complaint in the House and Senate." Read more about Isakson's request.

FAA Publishes Revised EFB Advisory Circular
In response to the rapid adoption of electronic flight bags (EFBs) such as the Apple iPad and other tablet devices, the FAA has released an updated version of Advisory Circular (AC) 120-76B. During the development of this AC, NBAA provided comments to the FAA stressing the importance of allowing operators to have flexibility when utilizing EFBs while maintaining a high level of safety. The AC explains that Part 91 operators, even those operating under Part 91F (large and turbine-powered multi-engine aircraft) do not require specific authorization for EFB use. While formal authorization is not required, compliance with numerous items such as non-interference testing and backup procedures must be documented by the operator prior to EFB use. Review details of the new AC.

New Name for a Proven Product: NBAA Air Traffic Services
The Association has announced that one of its top operational benefits for Members has been renamed NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS). The name change is designed to place greater emphasis on the unique services that NBAA ATS provides in helping Member Company aircraft avoid delays caused by air traffic issues. Originally launched as the NBAA GA Desk in 2001, NBAA Air Traffic Services will continue to represent the interests of business aircraft operators from the floor of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Air Traffic Control System Command Center to ensure equitable access to airports and airspace in the daily management of the National Airspace System. Read more about NBAA Air Traffic Services.

NBAA ATS Again Providing Hurricane Updates
As hurricane season begins to intensify – there have already been two tropical storms in the Atlantic and one in the Pacific – the Association is taking this opportunity to review the resources provided by NBAA Air Traffic Services. Once the FAA starts hosting its hurricane telephone conferences among aviation stakeholders to coordinate response procedures, NBAA ATS will begin issuing hurricane updates via the Association's Airspace Alerts subscriber list and the new NBAA_ATS Twitter account. Learn more about NBAA ATS hurricane resources.

Study: Business Aviation Good for Private Sector, Government Alike
A new study shows the positive impact business aviation has for taxpayers when employed by local, state and federal government. NEXA Advisors, LLC, in conjunction with the National Association of State Aviation Officials, found significant rewards derived by governments using aviation, including expediting the efficient movement of officials and cargo in times of disaster, firefighting and the support aviation can lend to law enforcement and security services nationwide. "Business aircraft are productivity tools. They allow the operator to do more in less time with fewer people and do it more efficiently," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "I think that's the message we've seen in all of the NEXA studies." For more information about the NEXA study, review the press release and listen to today's NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

South Dakota Governor Writes White House to Oppose User Fees
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has added his voice to the chorus of public officials asking President Obama to set aside his proposal for aviation user fees outlined in the annual federal budget plan the president released earlier this year. In a May 25 letter, the governor decried the Obama administration's proposed $100 per-flight fee on any aircraft, citing multiple ways in which business airplanes and other general aviation (GA) aircraft are important to the Mount Rushmore State. The small businesses, farmers, charitable organizations and first responders who count on GA and utilize the airports which support it represent a strategically vital resource for our state," he wrote. "For this reason, I strongly oppose the imposition of the 'user fee' taxes on GA operators in any form." Read more about Daugaard's message to the president.

Washington's Governor Affirms Business Aviation's Value
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire declared June 2012 General Aviation (GA) Appreciation Month in the state. Her proclamation was the second such recognition of general aviation by Washington state officials since the launch of the No Plane No Gain campaign in 2009. The governor's proclamation noted that the 135 public-use airports in Washington are home for more than 20,000 pilots, more than 7,500 aircraft and generate nearly 250,000 jobs worth about $15.3 billion annually. Read more about general aviation in Washington state.

Why – and Where – Should You Make a Tech Stop?
Today's long-range business aircraft have the capability of accomplishing virtually any Point A-to-B trip. However, there are some circumstances in which a technical stop is required to tanker fuel, provide opportunities for crew rest, or avoid bureaucratic problems. "We can make our trip within IFR reserves," said the chief pilot of one operator that frequently flies internationally, "But we prefer carrying considerably more fuel since availability at our destinations has been spotty, at best. So we tech stop." Potential bureaucratic problems could include access issues, permits and political entanglements. To learn more about tech stops, read an online extra in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

Landing Reservations Now Required for Calgary International
In an effort to help reduce delays at Calgary International Airport, the airport authority has implemented a landing reservation system, required for all operators as of June 4. The Runway Availability Planning Tool (RAPT) is a web-based system, accessible either by individual operators, or by agents making reservations on behalf of an operator. Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance, but are superseded by expect departure clearance times (EDCTs) which might be assigned in association with a ground delay program or other air traffic control initiative. View details about how to register for Calgary's RAPT system, including a quick guide.

Attendance, Enthusiasm High at NBAA's Teterboro Regional Forum
Business aviation plays a vital role in driving job creation and economic growth in New Jersey, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen told a record-setting crowd at NBAA's Regional Forum held June 7 at Teterboro Airport (TEB). Bolen highlighted the significance of the upcoming election and urged NBAA Members to know where their candidates stand on business aviation issues and take action on Election Day. The event at Teterboro shattered the record as the best-attended Regional Forum with 2,486 Attendees, more than 150 Exhibitors and 35 aircraft on static display. Read more about the forum.

Palm Beach International Starting Runway Work Next Month
Florida's Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) has planned a rehabilitation project of Runway 10L/28R, scheduled to begin July 8. The majority of the construction will occur nightly between the hours of 10:15 p.m. and 6:15 a.m. from July 8 to Oct. 5. Runway 14/32 will remain available during the closure times, except for three nightly weekend closures in August and September. Get complete details on the construction plan. Get complete details on the construction plan.

Two IS-BAO Workshops Coming to Sacramento This Month
The International Business Aviation Council is hosting two workshops later this month on the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) in Sacramento, CA. The first is the Introduction to IS-BAO workshop, which qualifies for NBAA Professional Development Program (PDP) credit, on June 26. The second is the IS-BAO Auditor Accreditation workshop on June 27. Both workshops will be presented by Strategy Aero Group at Sacramento International Jet Center on Sacramento International Airport (SMF). See the full IS-BAO workshop schedule online.

Flight Attendants Conference Is This Week – Not Too Late to Attend
It's not too late to register for the NBAA Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference, being held this week from June 14 to 16 in Chicago, IL. The globally themed conference provides networking opportunities with industry peers and in-depth insight into the latest standards in cabin safety, security and passenger service. The program features a presentation by crew members of the famous "Miracle on the Hudson," a global catering panel, a ramp inspection session and more. Sign up for the Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference.

NBAA Marks the Passing of Avionics Pioneer Edward J. King, Jr.
Last week, NBAA marked the passing of industry legend Edward King, Jr., who died June 3 at the age of 90. "Ed King was one of the most important figures in the development of modern avionics for general aviation aircraft," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped advance the state of the art for onboard electronics." In 2003, NBAA's Board of Directors recognized King's accomplishments by presenting him with a special NBAA First Century of Flight Award. In 1988, King was recognized with NBAA's Meritorious Service to Aviation Award for his lifelong dedication to the industry. Read more about King and his service to the industry.

New Jersey-Based Industry Advocates Receive Silk Scarf Award
At a meeting of the Morristown Aviation Association last week, industry advocates Ron Weight and Eric Brossard were presented with NBAA's Silk Scarf Award, which is given to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community. Weight, who recently retired from Honeywell, and Brossard, of BASF, were recognized for mentoring younger aviation professionals and for their volunteer efforts to educate decision-makers on the benefits of business aircraft. Read more about the Silk Scarf Award.

NBAA Seeks Candidates for Two Association Positions
NBAA currently has two open positions: Operations Service Group (OSG) aviation specialist and manager of  static displays. The OSG aviation specialist will provide legislative, regulatory, technical and flight operations information to NBAA Members and support Operations Division subject matter experts with research activities, including writing news stories. The manager, static displays is responsible for assisting in the success of all NBAA Static Displays of Aircraft at the Annual Meeting & Convention, EBACE, ABACE and Regional Forums by managing planning and logistics for static aircraft exhibitions. NBAA is an equal opportunity employer. View the complete job descriptions online.