NBAA Applauds Senate Passage of Pilots' Bill of Rights
NBAA welcomed the unanimous passage last week of legislation intended to provide general aviation (GA) pilots with more equitable treatment during federal enforcement actions against them, and improve the presentation of notice to airmen information used for preflight planning. Senate Bill 1335, known as the "Pilots' Bill of Rights," received strong support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "This is a big victory for general aviation pilots all across the country," said Sen. Jim Inhofe, who introduced the bill last year. "This bill remedies many of the most serious deficiencies in the relationship between general aviation and the FAA, and ensures that pilots are, like everyone else, treated in a fair and equitable manner by the justice system." Read more about the bill.

Stakeholder Committee Recommends Collaborative Industry-Government Initiative to Facilitate Unleaded Avgas Transition
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently published the final report and recommendations from the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT ARC), a collaborative industry-government task force of key stakeholders representing aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers and distributors, operator groups, aviation associations, FAA and the Environmental Protection Agency. Read more about the UAT ARC report.

FAA Releases New Video on "Climb Via" Implementation
The FAA has released a new video to help pilots prepare for the Aug. 15 implementation of the new "Climb Via" instruction for standard instrument departures (SIDs). This video is in addition to extensive resources released by NBAA to help operators prepare for these changes. The Aug. 15 implementation mirrors the similar "Descend Via" instruction already being issued for standard terminal arrival route procedures. Review the video.

Forecasts Point to Continued, Gradual Business Aviation Growth
Even amidst a slowing global economy and a financial crisis in the European Union, most forecasters remain optimistic about business aviation, predicting a gradual, but sustained period of market growth lasting well into the next decade. Read more about expected growth in the industry.

NBAA Conducting Business Aviation Pilot Training Survey
In light of recent high-profile air carrier accidents involving poor pilot performance, NBAA's Safety Committee is developing tools to help business aircraft operators review and improve their own training programs. In support of this effort, the committee will host a Business Aviation Pilot Training Symposium on Aug. 22 in Washington, DC, which will focus on four primary areas of pilot training: business aviation pilot skills and standards, operator training guidelines, training vendor guidelines and regulatory oversight. It also is conducting a brief pilot training survey to solicit feedback in advance of the symposium. Contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org with questions or to register for the symposium, or take the survey now.

NBAA Brings Business Aviation Perspective to Airport Conference
Representatives of NBAA recently joined with other industry officials to discuss several important GA airport topics at the General Aviation Issues and Security Conference, which was presented by the American Association of Airport Executives and the Aviation Management Consulting Group June 24 and 26 in Reno, NV. "This is an important part of our ongoing advocacy effort on behalf of business aviation," said Dick Doubrava, NBAA director, legislative affairs. "These events give us the valuable opportunity to remind the audience not only about the value of general aviation, but also the specific benefits of our industry." Read more about the conference.

Two Lifesaving GA Organizations Are Recognized
In June, two U.S. philanthropic aviation organizations that use business aircraft to save lives and relieve human suffering were recognized, one in Florida and one in North Carolina. Angel Flight Southeast received the “2012 Healthcare for Heroes” award from the Greater Miami (FL) Chamber of Commerce for its work in disaster response and emergency support in the Caribbean. Bahamas Habitat, a North Carolina-based volunteer group that conducts humanitarian relief operations in the Caribbean, was nominated for a 2012 Classy Award. Read more about the organizations and their relief efforts.

Eighty Percent of States Recognize the Value of Aviation
With Nevada’s Aviation Appreciation Month proclamation issued in June, 80 percent of U.S. states have officially recognized the importance of general aviation, including business aviation, to citizens, companies and communities. “That’s four out of every five U.S. governors so far,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, of which NBAA is a member. “When 80 percent of top elected state officials agree that something is vital to their state, you can bet it is.” Read more about the national recognition of business aviation.

NTSB Lauds Business Aviation at Meeting on GA Safety
At a recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing on general aviation safety, NTSB Chair Deborah A. P. Hersman pointed to business aviation’s stellar safety record as an example for other segments of the industry. The latest available figures from long-time industry analyst Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc. show the 2011 corporate flying accident rate at just 0.061 per 100,000 flight hours. For airlines that year, the accident rate was 0.175. Business aviation's safety record reflects the community's voluntary adoption of very high standards,” said Doug Carr, NBAA vice president, safety, security, operations and regulation. “One accident is too many, and the only way to extend this safety record is by advancing our safety knowledge, culture and commitment.” Read more on the industry’s safety record.

Access Gets Easier to the Nation’s Capital
While the Sept.11 terrorist attacks left Washington, DC’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) initially closed to nearly all general aviation operations, NBAA has been working for the last 10 years with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to gradually expand access. With input from the NBAA Security Council, the TSA recently instituted a number of policy changes to make the DCA Access Standard Security Program more flexible. Now, as Mary Miller, vice president of industry and government affairs at Signature Flight Support, predicts, “As the regulations evolve over time, the numbers of business aviation flights will go up.” Read the full story in the newly released July/August issue of Business Aviation Insider.

Shannon Airport Courting Business Aviation in Bid for Independence
Officials are looking at separating Shannon Airport, the historical aviation gateway between America and Europe, from the Dublin Airport Authority and, in doing so, are reaching out to business aviation owners and operators. “There is a very real opportunity for the center of excellence that the government is trying to champion, and the beauty about it is that a lot of the pieces for this puzzle are already available. It’s just a case of bringing them together. It really is there for the taking,” said Aoife O’Sullivan, who chairs the European Business Aviation Association Finance and Leasing Group. Read more about Shannon Airport.

Aircraft Tax Exemption Advances in Pennsylvania, Action Still Required
In May, the Pennsylvania Assembly passed legislation (HB 1100) to exempt fixed-wing aircraft, as well as aircraft maintenance and parts, from the state's sales and use tax. The legislation now awaits action in the state Senate, where a companion bill (SB 1552), sponsored by Sen. David Argall (R-29), is pending consideration. The advocacy efforts of local operators were essential in securing Assembly passage of the legislation; now it’s important for NBAA Members in the state to contact Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and urge final passage of the bill. For more information, contact NBAA’s Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org. View additional details on the NBAA Tax Issues site.

Georgia Says Airports Mean Business
The state of Georgia is promoting a new tagline – “Georgia Airports Mean Business” – in a coordinated effort to raise visibility for the airports that pairs a 2011 Georgia Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study with a YouTube video and DVD. “Those of us in aviation, whether we’re pilots or on the infrastructure side, we get it,” said Carol Comer, director of intermodal transportation (aviation, rail, and waterway) for the Georgia Department of Transportation. “The harder sell is for the family in a rural area who may never have been on an airliner much less a general aviation airplane.” Read more about the positive impact of Georgia’s airports. Read more about the positive impact of Georgia’s airports.

Third Runway Safety Forum Coming to Pittsburgh in August
Two runway safety forums presented in the Northeast this year, in White Plains, NY and Oxford, CT, have been well attended and received by local operators. The day-long forums focus on reducing the risk of runway excursions, an aviation incident on the rise since 1995. The most recent event, hosted by the Connecticut Business Aviation Group (CTBAG), covered data transmitted and not transmitted to flightcrews as they prepare to land and how a highly skilled crew landing on an uncontaminated runway in VFR conditions can still have an excursion. The program will be presented again in Pittsburgh, PA in August. Check upcoming issues of NBAA Update for details on event date, time and location. For more information contact NBAA’s Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Boston Logan to Close at Midday on July 4 for Airshow
On July 4, the Bicentennial War of 1812 Airshow will be held at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Massachusetts. The airport will be closed between Noon and 1:15 p.m. for the event. Arrivals and departures will not be permitted, although ground movement on the airport is allowed. For more information on the closure, contact NBAA’s Dean Snell at dsnell@nbaa.org.

Access Issue of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
In keeping with the Association’s mission of fostering an environment that allows business aviation to thrive, NBAA works to ensure fair and equal access to airports and airspace. Read about NBAA and the business aviation community’s latest efforts in the current issue of Business Aviation Insider – the Access Issue. The issue includes a cover story on new flexibility for the DASSP at Washington Reagan National Airport; NBAA’s work to mitigate the impact of temporary flight restrictions in a presidential election year; and curfews in Santa Monica and Japan. Printed copies of the issue are mailing to Member subscribers now. All employees of NBAA Member Companies may view complete issues online or subscribe to Business Aviation Insider today.

Dan Burkhart, Founder of NBAA’s Regional Program, Retires
Business aviation veteran Dan Burkhart, who joined the NBAA in 1998 to create NBAA’s Regional Program, will retire from his post as the director of regional representatives for the organization, effective July 6. “Dan Burkhart has been a dedicated leader in developing and growing NBAA’s Regional Programs to create a recognized national network that works with NBAA to serve the interests of business aviation across the country,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Read more about Burkhart and his successors.

Call for Entries: ABACE2013 Education Session Proposals
NBAA is seeking proposals for educational sessions at next year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2013), set for April 16 to 18, 2013, in Shanghai, China. Proposals must provide content relevant to business aircraft ownership and operations and may not be commercial in nature. Presenters must have proven business aviation experience and expertise in the Asian marketplace. Presentations will be selected based on industry need. Submissions are due to NBAA by July 31. Download the ABACE2013 call for entries.

NBAA Seeks Candidates for Five Open Positions
The Association is currently seeking a manager of web development; a coordinator of advertising and sponsorships; and an administrative assistant to support the Conventions & Forums team. NBAA is also hiring for a manager of static displays and an Operations Service Group specialist to provide legislative, regulatory, technical and flight operations information to NBAA Members. View the complete job descriptions for all open positions online.

NBAA Headquarters Closed for Independence Day Holiday
In observance of the federal Independence Day holiday, the Association's Washington, DC Headquarters will be closed on Wednesday, July 4. The offices will reopen at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 5.