Apple Issues New Compliance Data for iPad EFB
In an Aug. 24 posting to its iPad support knowledge base, Apple listed its international battery safety certifications, thereby meeting the requirements of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular (AC) 120-76B. "Basically, the compliance statement means the iPad 100 percent meets FAA requirements spelled out in the new AC," said Rick Ellerbrock, director of aviation strategy at Jeppesen. "That deals with UN transport safety requirements and also Underwriters Laboratories requirements. That's a statement that any operator can reference with their principal operations inspector (POI) and put into their authorization package." Learn more about the new compliance data in this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

FAA to Implement New Phraseology for Simultaneous Parallel Runway Departures
Effective Sept. 17, the FAA will implement use of new air traffic control (ATC) phraseology when aircraft are departing on an RNAV SID at locations conducting simultaneous parallel runway departures. The phraseology, advising pilots of the initial waypoint for RNAV SIDs, is: "RNAV to (fix/waypoint), RUNWAY (number), CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF." Pilots are expected to acknowledge the advisory as any other ATC communication. The phraseology is intended to assist pilots in ensuring the correct procedure is loaded in the flight management system (FMS). Pilots must immediately advise ATC if a different RNAV SID is entered in the aircraft FMS. There is no change for aircraft cleared for RNAV SIDs designed to begin with a vector to the initial waypoint that are assigned a heading before departure. For more information, contact NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS) at airtraffic@nbaa.org. Get the latest air traffic updates from NBAA ATS on Twitter.

Insurers Say Isaac's Toll a Reminder to Have Appropriate Aircraft Coverage
Although it no longer packs hurricane-force winds, the remnants of Hurricane Isaac have drenched airports in its path with more than 20 inches of rain in some cases. The cyclone that roared ashore in Louisiana last week impacting parts of the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Tim Bonnell, Sr., president of PIM Aviation Insurance, who is also a member of the NBAA Insurance Committee, said that many business aviation owners and operators fail to consider the effects of a storm like Isaac after it is downgraded from a hurricane. In a special edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast, Bonnell provides guidance for making sure your aircraft insurance takes the impact of extreme weather events into account. Learn more about how to protect your aircraft.

Business Aviation Interests Ready to Assist in Isaac's Wake
As state and federal governments prepare to assess and mitigate damage caused by Isaac, business aviation interests, such as AERObridge, are closely monitoring their progress, ready to lend a hand if requested. "AERObridge has been integrated into the national emergency response mechanism," explained AERObridge President Marianne Stevenson. "We work with a number of groups, all operating in conjunction with each other and the federal government, each doing certain parts. We stand by to provide transportation." Read more about business aviation's humanitarian efforts.

Eight Weeks Left Until NBAA2012 Comes to Orlando
NBAA's 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) is less than two months away, bringing the entire business aviation industry together under one roof in Orlando, FL. Expected to draw about 25,000 Attendees, this year's Convention will feature dozens of aircraft on display, nearly 1,000 Exhibitors and a full program of educational sessions. Forbes publisher Rich Karlgaard will deliver the keynote and Mary Matalin and James Carville will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the political arena in this election year. Held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the Orange County Convention Center, the show also includes the NBAA/CAN Soiree, with a performance by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and benefitting the Corporate Angel Network (CAN). Register for NBAA2012 today.

Oklahoma Governor Honors Business Aviation
On Aug. 21, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin declared August "Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month" in the Sooner State. With that proclamation, Oklahoma became the 42nd state to officially recognize the vital role of all general aviation, including business aviation, in creating jobs, boosting business productivity and acting as a lifeline for small and medium-size cities. "General aviation (GA) has an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact in Oklahoma, boasting nearly 8,000 pilots and 11,000 aircraft," the governor said in her proclamation. "Oklahoma also has 139 public-use GA airports." Read more about general aviation in Oklahoma.

Rhode Island's Governor Chafee Declares GA Appreciation Month
Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee of Rhode Island also acknowledged August 2012 as Rhode Island General Aviation Appreciation Month. "GA is vital to many non-aviation businesses in Rhode Island, which use the system to move personnel, equipment and products," the governor said in his proclamation. Chafee noted that Rhode Island's seven airports support 14,167 local jobs, 457 aircraft and serve as home to five air charter companies, nine aviation repair stations, four flight schools, six fixed-base operators, a helicopter tour operator and a skydiving operation. GA generates about $465 million a year for the state's economy. Read more about general aviation in Rhode Island.

Do I Need FAA Approval to Use My iPad in the Cockpit?
The FAA recently published a revision to guidance on the use of electronic flight bags (EFBs), prompting many operators to ask if they need FAA approval to use iPads in the cockpit. The recent FAA revision, in an Advisory Circular (AC) specific to 91F operators, explains FAA authorization is not required for EFB use, as long as the device doesn't replace any system or equipment required by regulation. The AC explains 91F operators should document their compliance with various testing requirements, such as ensuring the EFB does not interfere with other electronic systems on board the aircraft. Learn more about the new guidance on EFB usage in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider.

European Business Aviation Traffic Slows in 2012
European business aviation traffic continued its downward trend in July, as the region grapples with the lingering effects of the economic downturn, and casts a wary eye toward global anxieties and other concerns. According to the July 2012 Business Aviation Traffic Tracker, published by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), business aviation traffic throughout the European Union slipped 4 percent from July 2011 figures. That decline also contributed to a 2.6 percent drop in year-to-date traffic numbers compared with 2011 figures. EBAA Chief Executive Officer Fabio Gamba said the latest figures ensure that 2012 will be a declining year for business aviation traffic in the region. Read more about business aviation traffic in Europe.

GA Groups to Host Meeting With Customs and Border Protection Officials
General aviation operators will have a rare opportunity for frank, face-to-face discussions with what one expert calls the "general aviation brain trust" at the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) during a roundtable discussion at Kendall-Tamiami Airport in Miami on Sept. 13. The wide-ranging discussion is expected to cover topics of vital interest to the general aviation community, including CBP's requirements on notice of arrival procedures, GA processing and the operational differences between CBP installations at different airports around the country. Learn more about the meeting with CBP.

California FBOs Use Surcharge to Fight 100LL Lawsuit
Costs associated with an ongoing legal battle over the sale of leaded aviation fuel have resulted in additional fees for some California pilots. The issue stems from litigation filed by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) claiming environmental damage from the distribution, sale and use of 100LL. The group filed a lawsuit in October 2011 against airport fixed-base operators throughout the state, as well as some major oil producers, identifying the companies as being in violation of California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. The significant costs associated with the legal fight led some FBOs to independently recoup a portion of those costs, in the form of an added fee for avgas users. Read more about the legal fight with CEH.

NBAA to Honor Bob Breiling With Doswell Award
NBAA announced that aviation accident statistician and former NBAA Director Robert E. Breiling will receive the 2012 NBAA John P. "Jack" Doswell Award. Established in 1987, the Doswell Award is granted for lifelong individual achievement on behalf of and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. "NBAA is proud to recognize Bob Breiling's outstanding contributions to the business aviation community," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Through his devoted research and analysis of aviation accident data, as well as his work with NBAA, Bob has helped promote standards that have led to improvements in aviation safety and better training." Read more about this year's NBAA Doswell Award recipient.

Exhibit Spaces and Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available at NBAA2012
No event brings together aviation professionals like NBAA's Convention. With thousands of pilots, maintenance technicians, scheduler/dispatchers, aviation directors, flight attendants, aircraft brokers, insurers, FBO professionals and more converging on Orlando, FL from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, NBAA2012 is business aviation's most important marketplace. There are still some exhibit spaces and sponsorship opportunities available, from banners to aircraft chocks, column wraps to hotel buses, airport flags to escalator clings. Learn more and sign up to exhibit at NBAA2012 today.

NBAA Gold Wing Award Applications Due Sept. 28
Applications for the 2012 NBAA Gold Wing Award are due Friday, Sept. 28. Entries should have appeared in print, online, or on-air between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. The NBAA Gold Wing Award for Reporting Excellence is presented annually for excellent, accurate and insightful reporting on issues related to business aviation, by trade or nontrade media. The award recognizes journalism's important role in reporting the significant contributions of business aviation to the national economy. Read more about the Gold Wing Award.

Register for NBAA Chairman's Charity Classic in Orlando
Those planning to attend the NBAA2012 show in Orlando can golf for a great cause at NBAA's Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament, to be held at Grand Cypress Golf Club on Monday, Oct. 29, just one day before the Convention opens. All proceeds will benefit NBAA Charities in support of philanthropic organizations and initiatives that use general aviation airplanes for humanitarian purposes. Player and sponsor packages are still available. Register for the Chairman's Charity Classic today.