NBAA Applauds Huerta Confirmation
NBAA enthusiastically congratulated Michael Huerta on being confirmed as the next administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Huerta, who has been serving as FAA's acting administrator, and was confirmed last week by the U.S. Senate, is expected to serve a full five-year term in his new position. "Throughout his tenure at the FAA, Michael Huerta has demonstrated strong leadership skills, and an in-depth understanding of issues, including the need for continued transformation to a Next Generation Air Traffic Control System [NextGen], which will produce safety and efficiency gains in America's aviation system," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Read more about Huerta.

NBAA Challenges Forbes Characterization of Business Aviation
NBAA last week challenged a recent claim from a Forbes magazine editor stating that, following the U.S. Treasury's divestment in automaker GM – which lifts a ban on business aircraft use – "if GM goes out tomorrow and buys a jet for its executives, shareholders might as well dump their stock now." To that claim, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen responded: "General Motors, or any company that wishes to remain agile and competitive in the global marketplace should consider use of a business aircraft – one of the most vital efficiency and productivity tools available — without concern for unwarranted stigmatization." Review Bolen's full response on the No Plane No Gain website.

Accelerated Depreciation Extended for 2013
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, signed into law on Jan. 2, 2013, further extends 50-percent bonus depreciation through the end of 2013. In general, this means that new business aircraft purchased in 2013 are eligible to qualify for 50-percent bonus depreciation. If there is a written, binding contract in place to purchase the aircraft by Dec. 31, 2013 and the aircraft qualifies as "Certain Aircraft" or "Long Production Period" as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, the aircraft can be placed in service during 2014 and still qualify for 50-percent bonus depreciation. "Accelerated depreciation has consistently proven to stimulate sales in difficult economic conditions," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Given the current marketing environment, we view the continuation of accelerated depreciation as an effective sales incentive." Learn more.

New Digital Edition of Business Aviation Insider Released
The Association today announced the introduction of a new digital edition of Business Aviation Insider, the official Member magazine of NBAA. Starting with the current issue, all NBAA Member employees will have full access to all digital issues in addition to the traditional option for printed subscriptions. "This new digital edition adds value to a publication that is already rated highly by our NBAA Members," said NBAA Senior Vice President, Communications Dan Hubbard. "With the launch of our digital edition, NBAA is making it easier than ever before for Members to view and access Business Aviation Insider, whether on the road, at the home office or elsewhere. Learn more about the new Business Aviation Insider digital edition.

Michigan Group Opposes Proposed GA User Fees
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission recently sent a letter to its congressional delegation opposing the proposed $100-per-flight user fee as a government fund-raising mechanism. "We think that type of tax is a job killer," said Michigan Business Aviation Association chairman and Michigan Aeronautics Commission member Roger Salo, who added that MBAA has been pursuing the user-fee issue since it came up at a recent meeting. "We thought there was some urgency to communicate that to our state representatives. We were pleased that [the commission] supported it. The letter emphasized strong ties between local job growth and the continued prosperity of the state's general aviation industry. Read more about the letter.

Brighter Days Ahead? Experts Say Segments of Aircraft Marketplace Improving
An increasing number of market indicators show improvement for the business aviation industry at the conclusion of 2012, suggesting that the worst industry recession in recent memory may be coming to an end, and that prospects could be brightening for further improvement in 2013. Figures on everything from total flight hours to new aircraft deliveries have risen, albeit modestly; a 2013 market forecast is the focus of the January/February issue of Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Universal Weather & Aviation, Inc. The magazine is now mailing to NBAA Members and is also available in a new online digital edition. Review the 2013 market forecast and other stories in the latest edition of Business Aviation Insider.

Registration Now Open for NBAA International Operators Conference 
Registration is now open for the 40th Annual International Operators Conference, set for March 4 to 7 in San Diego, CA. Operating a business aircraft in the international arena presents significant challenges. It's critical that operators stay on top of the latest issues and updates to ensure they complete these overseas trips safely and efficiently. Only NBAA's International Operators Conference, developed by NBAA's International Operations Committee, succinctly delivers the latest developments and critical information needed by business aviation pilots and international trip planners. Register now.

NBAA Regional Forums Bring Education to the Airport
With a new year comes a new round of NBAA Regional Forums around the country, the first of which will be hosted by AirFlite at Daugherty Field in Long Beach, CA, on Feb. 28. Along with a static display of aircraft and the latest products and services from Exhibitors, NBAA Members will also have an opportunity to learn from the experts. In addition to the Long Beach event, other Regional Forums for 2013 include: June 6, White Plains, NY; July 11, Denver, CO; and Sept. 12, Chicago/Waukegan, IL. NBAA's Flight Plan has the story. Register now for the Long Beach Regional Forum.

Jeppesen NavData Error at Las Vegas McCarran Airport
Jeppesen released a NavData alert on Jan. 4, 2013, concerning improper coding of the RNAV (GPS) approaches to runways 19L and 19R at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). These are the primary GA runways for landing since the FBOs are all on the west side of the airport. The RNAV (GPS) approaches are the only approaches to these runways. Review the full Jeppesen NavData alert.

General Aviation Will Face Flight Limits in DC Metro Area on Inauguration Day
The aviation community will face a host of temporary flight restrictions over the Washington, DC, metro area on Jan. 21 to accommodate President Obama's second inauguration in the U.S. Capitol building. The restrictions, outlined in a four-page Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight advisory, are designed to address heightened security concerns for the swearing-in ceremony and are considered standard for such a high-profile event. The flight limits will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time and will apply to the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ). Read more about the flight restrictions.

FAA Hosting Meetings on Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Airspace Changes
The FAA will hold five informal meetings this month to solicit information on a proposal to revise the Class B airspace for Miami, FL and the Class C airspace for Fort Lauderdale. The meetings will be held on Jan. 28 at the Wings Over Miami Air Museum on Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport (TMB) at 6 p.m.; Jan. 29 at Miami Dade College at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.; and Jan. 30 at Miramar Town Center at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. The FAA will fully consider all comments on the proposal – including those presented at the meetings – before issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking. To register and for more information, see the FAA's seminar page.

Apply Now for 2013 NBAA Flying Safety Awards
NBAA has announced a call for applications for the 2013 Flying Safety Awards. The awards recognize Member professionals and companies for accident-free years and hours of operations. In 2013, the program marks its 60th year, and NBAA has created a new award category to recognize light business airplane operators. This will be the first year the Association will present the Private Pilot Safety Award. Also new this year, Members can apply for the awards online through a web-based form or via the traditional paper application. Applications are due March 1. Read more about the 2013 Flying Safety Awards.

Last Chance for Early Bird Pricing at Schedulers & Dispatchers
Today is the final day to register at the early bird price for NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference, held Jan. 22 to 25 in San Antonio, TX. If you're responsible for scheduling or dispatching business aircraft, it's critical to enhance your educational training, benchmark with peers in the industry and interface as effectively as possible with your vendors. The S&D Conference is an ideal opportunity to accomplish all this and more. NBAA has published an S&D Conference Prep Guide to help Members get the most out of this educational and networking opportunity. Register today and download the S&D Conference Prep Guide.

Going to Schedulers & Dispatchers? Download the Mobile App
By popular demand, NBAA is offering an official smartphone mobile application to help Attendees prepare for and navigate the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference coming this month to San Antonio, TX. The app is available for the iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and any smartphone with web-enabled browser capability. It includes an Exhibitor directory and an interactive Exhibitor floor plan map, a full schedule of education sessions, a personal calendar and social media integration. Download the official app now.

NBAA2013 Call for Speakers Opens
The quality, breadth and depth of education sessions at NBAA's Conventions is, in large part, due to the volunteer contributions from industry participants. NBAA is soliciting speaking proposals for NBAA2013, which will be held Oct. 22 to 24, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. Proposals must be educational in nature and include specific learning objectives. NBAA welcomes presentations on topics such as safety and risk management, maintenance and technical issues, airspace and airport access, aircraft and flight operations, aviation management, aircraft ownership and career and leadership development. The call for speakers will be open until Feb. 28. All NBAA2013 proposals must be submitted online.