NBAA Helps Members Understand FAA's New EFB Guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued an update to the EFB Advisory Circular (AC 120-76B), which includes guidance on electronic flight bag (EFB) systems aimed specifically at certificated operators and operators of large or turbine-powered multi-engine aircraft operated under Part 91 Subpart F of the FARs. The updated AC, which was years in development, was finalized after NBAA provided input regarding the draft circular. For example, the Association was concerned about language in the draft that seemed to indicate that FAR Part 91F operators would be required to obtain specific approval from the FAA. In the final version, that is not the case. However, the AC does explain that certain requirements be met and records kept by Part 91F operators. Read more about the new EFB guidance in today's NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

Conventions Are an Opportunity to Highlight Industry's Importance
Representatives from NBAA will join their counterparts at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association at the upcoming political conventions, starting with the Republican National Convention that kicks off today in Tampa, FL. The Democratic National Convention follows one week later, beginning Sept. 4 in Charlotte, NC. Staffers from both organizations will speak with convention attendees about the many economic benefits that general aviation provides, including support of a robust manufacturing base and a significant source of well-paying jobs. In particular, NBAA representatives will be on-hand to provide information about the productivity advantages that business aviation provides to companies of all sizes, as well as the economic lifeline it offers to thousands of smaller communities across the country that have little or no airline service. Read more about NBAA's role at the RNC and DNC.

NBAA ATS Has Guidance on Tropical Storm Isaac
Before flying in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac, NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS) encourages operators to check FAA NOTAMs for airport status, obtain a current weather briefing, and contact FBOs or airport officials at their destination for the latest conditions and availability of services. Operators are reminded that tropical storm force winds in excess of 34 knots and 39 mph can reach distances in excess of 150 miles from the center of the storms. Also, one of the often overlooked dangers of tropical storms is the associated storm surge, which is a factor in dealing with airports on coastlines that are at or near sea level. For the latest updates, subscribe to NBAA Airspace Alerts, follow NBAA_ATS on Twitter and view NBAA's Isaac resource page.

Safety Committee Holds Panel at NTSB on New Training Approaches
As part of NBAA's effort to get business aviators to think differently – in a much more engaged way – about their training, the Association's Safety Committee held a pilot training symposium on Aug. 22 at the headquarters of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Although the accident rate for business aviation has been very low for several years, a number of accidents have occurred in which pilot training and performance have been identified as factors, indicating that perhaps changes in the approach to training are warranted. Learn more about NBAA's safety symposium at the NTSB.

NBAA Encourages Industry Participation in Business Aircraft Survey
NBAA is working with the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation on a research study titled "Business Aviation – Gaining Altitude." The goal of the study is to better understand current and future trends in the business aviation market. As part of the process, NBAA encourages the following groups to participate: Finance company lessors/lenders; aircraft owners/lessees; and service providers (e.g., management companies, consultants). Survey participants will receive a complimentary copy of the final report, which will deliver useful, transaction-oriented information, data and insights about buying, selling and financing business aircraft over the next several years. The survey is open through Aug. 30. Learn more and participate in the study.

Association to Host FAA Technical Briefing at Convention in Orlando
The FAA National Special Activity Airspace Project (NSAAP) office will present an invitation-only technical level briefing in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the NBAA 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012). This briefing is targeted at flight planners, operators with organic flight planning functions and aviation app developers. The NSAAP will make the real-time status of military and other segregated airspace electronically available to aviation stakeholders for use in tactical flight planning. To request a meeting invitation, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org. Review general information about NBAA2012.

FedEx Express to Receive NBAA's Ueltschi Humanitarian Award at NBAA2012
FedEx Express, a division of FedEx Corp., and its founder, Frederick W. Smith, will be honored with NBAA's 2012 Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award, which recognizes the use of aviation for humanitarian purposes. For more than 30 years, FedEx Corp. has been the leading aviation sponsor of the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, which brings together dedicated eye care professionals and aviators to give the gift of sight to people in developing countries around the world. "FedEx and Fred Smith have steadfastly supported aviation and many important humanitarian endeavors through the years," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "NBAA has been proud to have FedEx as a Member Company since 1983, because the company has continually represented the values and professionalism NBAA has promoted since its inception." Read more about NBAA's Ueltschi Humanitarian Award.

Associations Urge TSA to Complete Repair Station Security Rules by Year-End
NBAA, along with 10 other aviation associations, is asking Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for confirmation that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will finalize requirements for FAA-certified foreign repair stations by the end of the year. The aviation groups assert that a congressional mandate blocking the FAA from certificating additional foreign repair stations until the TSA issues security requirements for FAA-certified repair stations has inhibited the ability of the industry to support the growing business aviation fleet overseas. Learn more about foreign repair stations.

Putting Hazard Data From Your SMS to Work
Whether you employ a paper-based system, a spreadsheet or a software solution to report hazards, your safety manageiment system (SMS) has to be one you can use. Having an effective reporting process is only the first step. The next is organizing the data from hazard reports to make it simple to see trends. "You want to be able to look at what types of events are happening to you in specific conditions," said Steve Witowski, vice president for business aviation safety systems at ARGUS PRISM. Learn more about organizing the data from your SMS in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

NBAA2012 Will Feature Opportunity to Meet Asian Aviation Policymakers
Coming to Orlando from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, NBAA2012 will offer an unprecedented chance for Members to have face-to-face discussions with the people most influential in aviation policies throughout Asia. For several years, NBAA has been at the forefront of efforts to help Asian nations develop policies and procedures that facilitate business aviation. Now, as part of NBAA2012, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and U.S. Department of Transportation will sponsor a reverse trade mission, bringing regulators and policymakers from several Asian countries to Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. The Asian governments participating in this mission are members of APEC, which is a group of 21 Pacific Rim nations (including the United States) dedicated to economic development throughout the region. Read more about this opportunity to meet Asian aviation policymakers.

FAA Releases Republican Convention Advisory
The FAA has released a flight advisory outlining temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) planned in the Tampa, FL area during the Republican National Convention this week. Currently, general aviation (GA) operations are being restricted within a 30-nautical mile ring centered on Albert Whitted Airport (SPG) and prohibited within a 10-nautical mile inner ring, which includes Clearwater International (PIE) and SPG. From Aug. 27 to 30, at various times daily, GA operations will be restricted within a 30-nautical mile ring centered on Peter O. Knight Airport (TPF), prohibited at TPF within a 3-nautical mile inner ring at various times, and prohibited at other times within a 10-nautical mile ring that includes Tampa International (TPA) and Tampa Executive (VDF). For the latest, review NBAA's NOTAMs and TFRs page.

Industry to Celebrate General Aviation in Alaska, Sept. 17
General aviation (GA) plays an especially important role in Alaska, where state residents rely on it for medical evacuation, pipeline patrol, firefighting, wildlife surveys and search and rescue – not to mention the essential function that general aviation performs in the state's oil, mining, construction, fishing and tourism industries. On Sept. 17, NBAA officials will join others in the industry at a special event called "Celebrating General Aviation in Alaska," to be held at Signature Flight Support on Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Read more about the Alaska GA event.

IS-BAO Session Slated the Day Before Seattle Regional Forum
The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) is a scalable program, and interested people from flight departments with a single aircraft or a fleet can learn how IS-BAO can enhance their safety culture at an open forum on Sept. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the at the King County International Airport/Boeing Field (BFI) Terminal Meeting Room in Seattle, WA. This information session, which will address individual concerns and questions, precedes the NBAA Regional Forum in Seattle on Sept. 20. Learn more about the IS-BAO session.

NBAA Salutes American Hero Neil Armstrong
The Association today hailed the legacy of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, who died on Aug. 25 of complications from heart surgery. "Neil Armstrong inspired generations of people to reach for their dreams, and all of us in the aerospace community have been inspired by his example," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. In addition to serving as a NASA astronaut, Armstrong was a project pilot on many pioneering high-speed aircraft, including the well-known, 4000-mph X-15. In his career, he piloted over 200 different models of aircraft, including jets, rockets, helicopters and gliders. Armstrong also was an aerospace engineer and university professor. Additionally, Armstrong was a long-time business aviation pilot who set five world records for business jets, including the highest altitude flown in a business jet. Read more about Neil Armstrong.

New Issue of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
"Regardless of the type or size of organization that benefits from business aviation," notes NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, "the people involved are what make the operation work." Starting from this simple fact, NBAA has dedicated the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider to human factors. Sponsored by Baldwin Aviation and Gorilla Expense, this issue features articles on a new recurrent training program from NBAA's Safety Committee, best practices for owner-pilot training and a cover story on how to actually use the hazard data from your safety management system. Printed copies are mailing to Member subscribers now. View Business Aviation Insider online or subscribe.

NBAA's Damato One of 'Top 40 Under 40' Aviation Pros
Joanne "Jo" Damato, NBAA's director, educational development & strategy, has been named by Airport Business magazine as one of its "Top 40 Under 40," a group of outstanding up-and-coming individuals in the business of aviation and airport management who are shaping the future of the industry. A longtime NBAA staffer, Damato is responsible for expanding the educational opportunities associated with the Association's in-person events, as well as managing NBAA's on-demand (distance learning) education program. Learn more about Jo Damato.

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to Perform at NBAA/CAN Soiree
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons will light up the room for those attending this year's NBAA/CAN Soiree, "An Evening With Angels," to be held during NBAA2012 on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, FL. The 1,000 guests in attendance will be singing along with classic hits like "Sherrie Baby," "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "You're Just Too Good to Be True." A Convention highlight each year, the Soiree fundraiser is held to benefit Corporate Angel Network (CAN), the only charitable organization in the United States whose sole mission is to help cancer patients access cancer treatment by arranging free travel to treatment centers across the country using empty seats on business aircraft. Read more about the NBAA2012 Soiree.

NBAA ATS Provides Members With a Wealth of Information
NBAA's Air Traffic Services works with FAA air traffic managers to advocate for equitable, real-time Member access to airports and airspace. Aside from offering basic airspace guidance and traffic flow management tools for all Members, ATS also maintains a higher tier, paid subscription service for individual flight monitoring, National Airspace System alerts and real-time help for business operators to minimize delays. A new ATS-focused Twitter account (at NBAA_ATS) also distributes near-real-time airspace alerts and news to followers. Learn more about NBAA Air Traffic Services.