Coalition Submits Comments on FAA Non-Citizen Trusts
An industry coalition, which includes NBAA, recently submitted comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding non-U.S. citizen trust aircraft registration. The FAA has been reviewing its policy regarding non-citizen trusts and held a public meeting this past June, during which the agency raised several issues that have yet to be resolved. In an effort to address those issues and further elaborate on the industry's position, the coalition prepared a supplemental submission that focuses on concerns for non-operators, facilitating the information flow and access to records and aircraft, the submission and non-disclosure of operating agreements, the removal of the trustee for specific cause, as well as a revised trust agreement. Read the coalition's comments.

Proposed Improvements to RVSM Authorization Process Under Review
Representatives from throughout the aviation industry, including NBAA, recently met with officials from the FAA to provide initial recommended changes to the agency's requirements for operations in RVSM airspace, under Part 91 Appendix G. The 25-member RVSM Action Team, which includes representatives from throughout the industry, was tasked with providing recommendations for changes to the RVSM approvals process, and at a July 26 meeting in Washington, DC, the team agreed on three key initial recommendations to present to the committee. Read more about the initial recommendations.

FAA Delays Implementation of 'Climb Via'
The FAA made a last-minute decision to cancel new climb via procedures, due to concerns over the adequacy of pilot and controller briefing material. These procedures were not implemented as planned on Aug. 15. The FAA will announce a revised implementation date when it is determined. Learn more about Climb Via.

Conference to Advise Operators on Changes in IRS 'Entertainment Use' Regs
Recent developments concerning taxes on the use of business aircraft – most notably, the recent Internal Revenue Service final ruling on "entertainment use" disallowances for business aircraft – have left many operators scrambling with questions about compliance, and which deductions may still be taken. This is one of the many tax issues that will be addressed during the NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference, which takes place Oct. 28 to 29 in Orlando, FL. Learn more about this tax compliance issue.

South Carolina Governor Asserts Value of Business Aviation
For the second consecutive year, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has declared her state's appreciation of all general aviation (GA), including business aviation and community airports. "Aviation plays a vital role in the economy of South Carolina, providing many thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity," Haley wrote in her Aug. 2 proclamation designating Aug. 13 to 18 "Aviation Week" in the state. She had previously issued an Aviation Month proclamation in June 2011. Both proclamations mentioned the need for communities throughout the state to have aviation access to support business, tourism, air cargo, law enforcement and medical rescue operations. Read more about GA in South Carolina.

Podcast: State Aviation Tax Report an Invaluable Resource for Aircraft Buyers
What NBAA Members pay in aviation-related taxes varies widely from state to state. Now, the Association has revamped its State Aviation Tax Report to make it easier for Members to compare tax rates and policies between all 50 states. "For each of the states every year, our accountants and lawyers on the Tax Committee research the taxability of aircraft ownership in that state," allowing them to create a standard list of exemptions, said NBAA Senior Manager of Finance & Tax Policy Scott O'Brien. "When you're planning to buy or restructure ownership, this is an invaluable resource." Read more about this essential tax resource.

Implementation of Data Link Communication Set for North Atlantic
Beginning in February 2013, Phase 1 of data link technology efforts will go into effect for portions of the airspace over the North Atlantic (NAT). Throughout the month of August, the FAA will be publishing several notices that address operations in this area. In order to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity in this region, FANS 1/A, CPDLC, and ADS-C will be implemented on two designated tracks over the Atlantic between Flight Levels 360 and 390 inclusively. It will be mandatory for aircraft to be properly equipped to operate at those altitudes. Read more on data link and review the advance notices.

Bulk of Michigan Aviation Fuel Taxes Now Dedicated to Aviation Projects
Michigan's aviation fuel taxes, which could total as much as $10 million a year, will now be reserved for aviation projects in the state through Sept. 30, 2013, the result of legislation signed Aug. 15 by Gov. Rick Snyder. Funds from those taxes had previously been allocated to the state's general budget, with no assurance that the money would be used for aviation projects. The new law will take effect immediately, dedicating 4 percent of the existing 6-percent sales tax on both aviation gasoline and jet fuel to the state Aeronautics Fund, which is used for repair and improvement of Michigan airports. Read more about the new Michigan law.

Manassas Airport Lengthening Runway
Manassas Regional Airport/Harry P. Davis Field (HEF), Virginia's largest regional airport located 30 miles west of Washington, DC, has launched a runway expansion project that is expected to increase safety, improve access and drive economic growth for the airport, operators and local community. Construction will stretch the 5,700-foot runway – the airport's longest – to 6,200 feet. Work on the 500-foot extension began July 1 and is to be completed by Nov. 30. Read more about the runway improvements underway at HEF.

Seattle Regional Forum Attendees Invited to IS-BAO Open Forum
Anyone planning to attend NBAA's Regional Forum on Sept. 20 in Seattle, WA, is invited to attend an International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) open forum on Sept. 19, to learn about IS-BAO audit preparation, the registration process, safety management systems and more. The IS-BAO event will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the King County International Airport/Boeing Field (BFI) Terminal Meeting Room in Seattle, WA. RSVP for the IS-BAO event to International Business Aviation Council Program Director Jim Cannon at jcannon@ibac.org, or register separately for NBAA's Seattle Regional Forum.

Gold Wing Award Application Now Online
The 2012 application is now available for NBAA's Gold Wing Award for reporting excellence, which recognizes journalism's important role in making known the value and contributions of business aviation. The award is presented each year at NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention for excellent, accurate and insightful reporting on issues related to business aviation, by trade or nontrade media. Applications may be submitted in either hardcopy or digital formats, and all submissions are due by Sept. 28. Download the 2012 NBAA Gold Wing Award application.