NBAA's ATS Has Tips to Help Operators Minimize Holiday Flight Delays
Although general aviation isn't a cause for aviation system congestion, inclement weather and other factors can make the holiday season one of the busiest times of the year for air travel, often prompting various air traffic control initiatives to help manage constraints and reduce delays. NBAA's Air Traffic Services (ATS) has guidance to help pilots and operators anticipate and avoid some of the common delays that can occur at this time of year. Read tips for smooth holiday travel.

NBAA Questions Paper's Coverage of Association Comments on State Use of Airplanes
Last week, NBAA quickly and forcefully responded to a Dec. 18 article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which completely misrepresented the Association's comments regarding a decision by officials in Georgia's state government to sell the state's aircraft and allow only for charter utilization by state employees. In an email to the reporter who wrote the story, NBAA Senior Vice President, Communications Dan Hubbard said he was misquoted as having said more companies had recently sold their airplanes and switched to charter utilization, in the name of cost effectiveness. Instead, Hubbard continued, "What I told you was that we'd commissioned a study that found that, during the Great Recession, the number of companies using business aviation – all types of utilization – increased." NBAA Members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Hubbard directly at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org.

GA Growth Will Help Drive Aerospace Gains in 2013
Sales of general aviation (GA) aircraft and related products and services are expected to increase modestly over the next five years, fueled largely by sales of business aircraft, according to the Aerospace Industry Association's (AIA) 2012 Year-End Review & Forecast. AIA said total GA aircraft shipments, including those of business aircraft, will reach 1,705 units in 2013, up about 9.8 percent from 1,553 units in 2012. Total GA dollar sales are expected to increase next year by almost 14 percent to $10.8 billion from about $9.5 billion in 2012. Read more about AIA's report.

No Plane No Gain Study Gets Positive Press Reception
A new study showing that companies using business aviation during the "Great Recession" outperformed those not using a business airplane over the same period was the focus of a Dec. 13 Wichita Eagle article welcomed by NBAA. During the recession, companies using business aviation "had better profits, created more jobs and were among the best managed companies in the U.S., according to the research," the Eagle reported. "Companies that use business airplanes are outperforming their competitors in the same industry that do not use the airplanes," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen told the newspaper. "That's the bottom line." Review the article on the No Plane No Gain website.

When Is It Time to Consider Retiring an Aircraft?
Aircraft in service for 10 to 15 years may fall several generations behind in terms of avionics, performance, safety and communications technology. Maintenance costs increase over time and upgrading becomes more cost prohibitive relative to the value of the asset, meaning owners can hold an airplane so long a replacement is difficult to afford. To stay ahead of that moment, aviation directors and brokers recommend adopting a proactive ownership strategy. Read more about aircraft asset management in an online extra from the latest edition of Business Aviation Insider.

In 2012, Significant Developments for Business Aviation Outside the U.S.
Business aviation has always been a global industry, so it's no surprise that 2012 was a busy year for the industry in the international arena. Throughout the year, NBAA worked with international partners, and with the people and companies in business aviation, to confront challenges outside the U.S. and pursue opportunities to foster the industry's growth and prosperity. Read more about business aviation internationally in 2012, in this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast.

Addison Airport Unveils Ad Campaign Touting Airport's Key Role in Texas Economy
Town officials in Addison, TX have launched an advertising campaign, part of which shows the region that their general aviation airport is a critical business asset. "This ad tells the story of how the town supports the airport and why the airport is such an important part of Addison's growth and vitality," said Darci Neuzil, deputy director of Addison Airport (ADS). The first print advertisement will appear in the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Guide, while other ads will appear in newspapers, on the web and in other venues. Read more about the ADS ad campaign.

GA Has Substantial Economic Impact at Illinois' Top Downstate Airport
General aviation drives business activity at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield, IL, and airport officials say they will continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure the facility remains an important economic driver in the city. General aviation currently accounts for 87 percent of overall traffic at SPI, said Mark Hanna, executive director of the Springfield Airport Authority, adding that 169 aircraft are based there. Read more about SPI.

Now On Air Mail: What's the Most Important Interview Question You Would Ask a Prospective Employee?
Recently on the Flight Department Managers Air Mail list, Members discussed the types of interview questions used to evaluate candidates for flight department job openings. More than two dozen participants, from a variety of business aviation companies, shared their perspectives on interview best practices. Air Mail is NBAA's Members-only social network for the discussion of business aviation topics. Read this and other conversations in Air Mail Forums.

Future Personnel Planning Is Theme of Upcoming NBAA Leadership Conference
The need for flight departments to plan for the future and develop viable management succession plans will be among the topics discussed during the upcoming NBAA Leadership Conference set for Feb. 12 and 13 in Austin, TX. Under the theme "Leadership Legacy: Inspiring the Future," the two-day event also will offer suggestions and motivational tips for current aviation managers to become better leaders. Read more about the NBAA Leadership Conference.

Maintenance TRACS Training Award Applications Now Online
NBAA's Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship (Maintenance TRACS) offers current and aspiring technicians the opportunity to receive fully funded aircraft, engine and avionics training. The training awards are donated by major original equipment manufacturers, engine makers and top training companies. Applications are due March 1. Apply for Maintenance TRACS awards.

NBAA Closed for Christmas, New Year's
NBAA offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25, for Christmas, and reopen at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26. The offices also will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, for New Year's, and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2. NBAA wishes its Members safe and happy holidays.