NBAA Highlights Changes in FAA's Revised Guidance on EFB Use
NBAA's Operations Service Group has reviewed the changes that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made to the agency's advisory circular on the use of electronic flight bags (EFBs) in flight operations and has clarified the new provisions, which had confused many aircraft operators. "Do I need to seek FAA approval to use an iPad in the cockpit?" is the most common question NBAA receives from pilots and flight department managers evaluating the use of tablet devices. With the rapid advance of EFB technology, the FAA has been working to create guidance that keeps pace with how pilots are using the devices. Read more about the FAA's guidance on EFB use.

House Approves Pilot's Bill of Rights, Obama Expected to Sign Measure Into Law
The U.S. House of Representatives last week followed the Senate with the passage of "Pilot's Bill of Rights" legislation intended to provide greater protections and transparency for pilots facing federal enforcement action. The measure adopted by the House (S.1335) was first introduced in the Senate in July 2011 by Sens. James Inhofe (R-OK) and Mark Begich (D-AK.) That legislation, which NBAA supported, quickly garnered bipartisan support in the Senate, which unanimously passed the bill on June 29. Read more about the legislation.

Podcast: Regular Safety Checks a Best Practice in GA Catering
Needles found in turkey sandwiches on recent commercial airline flights highlight the need for safety checks when it comes to catering on all flights, including general aviation (GA). "Commercial aviation caterers have stringent regulations that cover food preparation, handling and safety," said Paula Kraft, founder and managing partner of Atlanta-based Catering Consultants. By contrast, general aviation operators have no regulatory standards to comply with in this area, she added, which makes it essential for business aviation flight attendants to undergo the proper safety training to mitigate the risks associated with food preparation. Listen to this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast for more about GA catering safety measures.

NBAA Welcomes Thomas Hendricks as New NATA President
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen last week issued the following statement regarding the announcement that former Airlines for America Senior Vice President Thomas L. Hendricks has been selected as the new president for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). "We welcome Tom to NATA and the general aviation community," Bolen said. "NBAA has long enjoyed a tremendous relationship with NATA, and we look forward to continuing that under Tom's leadership." Read more about Hendricks.

Wisconsin Aviation Week Proclamation Highlights Importance of Community Airports
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker proclaimed July 23 to 29, 2012, as Aviation Week in the state, noting the value of aviation in providing safe, efficient transportation for businesses in the state, and the important role all aviation, including business aviation, plays in Wisconsin's economy. "Studies have shown that 85 percent of new or expanding manufacturers in the state chose to locate within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport," Walker said in his proclamation. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, about 70 percent of general aviation activity at Wisconsin airports is business related. Read more about Walker's proclamation.

For Owner/Operators, Staying Sharp Takes More Than Currency
Flying irregularly makes it complicated to maintain currency, but worse, it can handicap proficiency and competency. To reduce the risk of errors in judgment, many pilots of light business airplanes (LBAs) stress proficiency in their flying, rather than currency minimums. "Time alone is not a good measure of proficiency," said James Lara, a member of NBAA's Safety Committee. "When you haven't been flying for a while, you need to be sure you're ready." Pilots working back from a lull should perform a candid self-assessment of their readiness to fly. Get tips for "knocking the rust off" in an online extra from the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

Top Five Things to Know Before Flying to South America
Pablo Peñalva, the NBAA International Operations Committee's regional lead for South America, offers NBAA Members five tips for flying to the continent. He suggests operators check visa requirements, get a briefing on possible volcanic activity and make sure they know what to do if they are in need of repairs, before flying to South America. Read more about what to know before flying.

Aviation Groups Oppose FAA-Mandated Long Island Helicopter Routes
The FAA has mandated that helicopter pilots flying to and from New York City and eastern Long Island must follow a route along the north shore of Long Island that tracks up to a mile offshore for much of the trip. The ruling, which bars helicopter traffic over much of Long Island, comes after a push by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), who was responding to noise complaints from residents citing helicopters as the source. The mandate takes effect Aug. 6. Read more on the FAA's mandate.

Safety Seminars Highlight Need to Focus on Runway Excursions
A series of free seminars in the Northeast this summer is bringing attention to a perhaps underpublicized general aviation safety issue – runway excursions. NBAA earlier joined with United States Aviation Insurance Group and local partners to sponsor presentations in White Plains, NY and Oxford, CT, and next, an Aug. 9 seminar is planned in Pittsburgh, PA. A 2011 report by Robert E. Breiling Associates report finds that approximately 30 percent of the accidents and incidents recorded for the U.S.-registered business jet fleet in 2011 involved runway excursions. Read more about runway excursions.

Register Now for NBAA2012 and Get Discounted Rates
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 in Orlando, FL, the NBAA 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) will provide a unique gathering place for Members to unite and address the challenges facing the industry today. Key operators and industry leaders will meet at NBAA2012 to conduct business, make buying decisions and set the stage for business aviation activity for the year ahead. Advance registration is now available for NBAA2012, as well as for all pre- and post-Convention events, including NBAA's Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference and several Professional Development Program (PDP) courses. Attendees, Exhibitors and members of the media are encouraged to register online now for the best rates, and NBAA Members also qualify for discounted rates. Register for NBAA2012 now.

NBAA Conducting Business Aviation Pilot Training Survey, Symposium
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. To solicit feedback in advance of the symposium, the committee is conducting a brief pilot training survey, with responses due by Aug. 6. Contact NBAA’s Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org with questions or to register for the symposium, or take the survey now.

Call for Papers: 2013 Business Aviation Safety Seminar
NBAA and the Flight Safety Foundation welcome paper submissions to be presented at the 58th Annual Business Aviation Safety Seminar (previously known as the Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar), which will be held from April 10 to 11 in Montreal, Canada. Papers are requested on several topics including runway excursions, pilot and technician selection, complacency in business aviation safety, the criminalization of accidents and many other areas. Direct questions about the call for papers to Flight Safety Foundation at technical@flightsafety.org by Sept. 14. Learn more about BASS.

Nominations Being Accepted for NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Award
NBAA Members are invited to nominate exceptional individuals for the Association's 2013 Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement and Leadership Award. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding business aviation industry expertise, provide extraordinary service, exhibit leadership and make significant contributions to the scheduling and dispatching function. Nominations are due Sept. 14. Read more about the award.

Correction on NBAA Business Aviation Safety Story
In last week's edition of NBAA Update, it was reported that "During the first half of this year, business jets and turboprops flown by professional crews suffered no fatalities, not just in the United States but worldwide." In fact, the no-fatality record among this segment of operators applied only to flights conducted in the United States. NBAA regrets the error. Direct any questions to NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.