Will the 'Sequester' Impact Business Aviation? NBAA Has Answers to Members' Questions
Will flights be delayed? Will my airport's tower be open? Will security processing by Customs and Border Protection be affected? These are just some of the questions NBAA Members have about "sequestration," which took effect last week and mandates across-the-board cuts at federal agencies. NBAA has developed an overview that explains this unique situation and provides answers to Members' most-common questions. NBAA's Operations Service Group also stands ready to respond to specific Member inquiries. Learn more about how sequestration could impact business aviation.

Senator: White House 'Political Gimmicks' Put Thousands of Jobs at Risk
As rhetoric from Washington, DC mischaracterizing business aviation continues to heat up, a Kansas lawmaker has lent his voice to the growing chorus of support for the industry. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) responded last week from the Senate floor to what he termed "a relentless focus on political gimmicks" from the White House when it comes to the administration's rhetoric about business aircraft taxes when discussing deficit reduction. See Moran's remarks in their entirety.

NBAA Salutes AOPA's Craig Fuller Following Retirement Announcement
Following the announcement by Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President and CEO Craig Fuller that he would step down from the organization this year, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, "Craig has been a highly effective champion for the general aviation community, in large part because he has been a cohesive figure with a big-picture perspective. He has always understood that by working together and leveraging our strengths, a group as large and diverse as the GA community can accomplish great things." Read more about Fuller.

Now on Air Mail: Use of Type IV Deicing Fluids
Last week on NBAA's Safety Air Mail list, Association Members discussed the proper use of Type IV deicers, which have a higher viscosity than Type I fluids. This allows the Type IV deicer to remain on the aircraft longer, but requires higher speed to shear off the fluid. Air Mail is NBAA's Members-only social network for the discussion of business aviation topics. Members may review the full discussion by logging in to Air Mail Forums.

No Plane No Gain Message Resonates, Even in China
Since the launch of the No Plane No Gain program in 2009, a host of resources – surveys, studies, reports, videos and more – have been used widely and effectively to advocate for the industry in the U.S. But in a perhaps interesting twist, it appears the campaign's message – that business aviation is an essential industry – applies in places outside the U.S., including in the emerging Chinese aviation market. "I will be able to use these No Plane No Gain resources to educate those I work with here in China," reports business aviation veteran and China-based industry advocate Paul Fiduccia. "In the U.S., we've been developing GA since the 1930s. So why reinvent the wheel?" Learn more about Fiduccia's unique No Plane No Gain story.

Flying Fundamentals: Experts Call for Renewed Focus on Basic Stick-and-Rudder Skills
Deterioration of basic flying skills has been blamed for a growing number of recent high-profile accidents, and the topic is getting a lot of attention among business aircraft operators. The cover story of NBAA's March/April issue of Business Aviation Insider magazine explores the value of upset recovery training as a way for professional pilots to improve their flying fundamentals. Now offered in a new digital edition format, NBAA's 5th Annual Safety Issue also includes stories on the airplane as the ultimate sales tool, new approaches to resolving recurring accident causes and more. Printed issues are being delivered to subscribers now, and NBAA Members also may log into the digital edition to review full content online. Review the digital edition of Business Aviation Insider.

FAA Approves Lease of Puerto Rico Airport to Private Operator
On Feb. 25, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved a 40-year lease of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico to a private operator. The Puerto Rico Ports Authority requested permission to lease the airport to Aerostar Airport Holdings, Inc., a joint venture that includes Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste. A federal "pilot program" permits up to 10 public airports to be leased or sold, but remain eligible for federal benefits. SJU is the only current participant in the program, although proposals to privatize Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Hendry County Airglades Airport (2IS) are pending. NBAA filed comments in the review process to draw attention to the concerns of GA, which were acknowledged by FAA, and the issue is being monitored and reviewed by NBAA's Access Committee. Read more about plans for SJU.

Agency Publishes Online Resource for North Atlantic Operations
The FAA recently published an online resource providing U.S. operators with consolidated guidance related to operations in the North Atlantic (NAT). The document includes an overview of the NAT airspace, information related to RNP 10 and RNP 4, datalink, RVSM operations, LOAs, ICAO flight plan changes, current and planned initiatives and many other helpful resources and contacts. Visit NBAA's webpage for International Operations to view the resource.

Los Angeles Helicopter Noise Battle Escalates as Legislation Is Introduced
Legislation requiring the FAA to set guidelines on flight paths and minimum altitudes used by helicopter operators in residential areas of Los Angeles County, CA, has been reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-28-CA) and Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act directs the FAA to consult with local communities and helicopter operators to develop regulations that meet the needs of area residents and helicopter operators, as well as the agency. Read more about the proposed helicopter legislation.

NBAA's Piccione to Speak at Michigan Group's Legislative Day
The Michigan Business Aviation Association (MBAA) will hold its annual state Legislative Day in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) on Tuesday, March 12 at the Capitol in Lansing, MI. The day will start at 9:30 a.m. in the second-floor Speaker's Library with the MBAA membership and legislative update meeting, which will be followed by the MBAA and MAAE legislative reception and luncheon. Guest speakers include Lisa Piccione, NBAA senior vice president of government affairs, and Kirk T. Steudle, director of Michigan Department of Transportation. RSVP to MBAA’s Tara Paksi at paksi.t@gcsionline.com.

Parking Reservations Required at Augusta in April
Major sporting events always produce unique requirements in host cities, including temporary changes to aviation procedures. Due to high demand during the Masters Tournament and recently reduced capacity, parking reservations will be required at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS) in Georgia from April 1 to 15. Parking reservations will be required for "drop and go" operations as well. Operators can obtain reservations directly through the FBO on the airport; NBAA strongly encourages operators planning flights to Augusta to obtain a reservation as soon as possible. In addition, the FAA will once again run the e-STMP slot program for all Augusta area airports. See full details at NBAA's Southeast Region page.

Flight Advisory Warns of GPS Interference Around Las Vegas
The FAA has issued a flight advisory warning operators flying in the Southwest region to be cautious and maintain awareness of GPS reliability during a two-week testing period. From Feb. 25 to March 13, intermittent GPS testing will take place and may result in an unreliable or unavailable GPS signal within a 215 nautical mile radius of the McCarran International Airport (LAS) VORTAC. The area impacted by this testing could extend into Mexican airspace. Dates and times for the testing periods are listed in the advisory and pilots are advised to review the information, check NOTAMs frequently and report any anomalies and GPS degradation to the appropriate ARTCC. More information is posted to NBAA's Western Region page.

NBAA Safety Award Application Deadline Extended
The deadline for the 2013 NBAA Flying Safety Award applications has been extended to Friday, March 15. The NBAA Flying Safety Awards recognize Member Companies for exceptional achievement in maintaining safe flying operations. Please note that hardcopy applications should be sent by mail/overnight delivery to NBAA's new mailing address: 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 550, Washington, DC 20004. Also, for the first time, Flying Safety Award applications may be submitted online to make the process faster and easier. Visit the NBAA Flying Safety Awards website.

NBAA Regional Forum Lands at Long Beach Airport
Business aviation supports jobs, helps companies succeed and connects communities – all attributes that were on display at NBAA's Regional Forum held at California's Long Beach Airport (LGB) on Feb. 28. The Long Beach Regional Forum provided an effective advocacy platform, highlighting the industry's diversity and importance, both nationally and at the local level. The event showcased strong support from local officials, including Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske and Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez, among others. This year's event was attended by more than 1,700 people and featured 78 Exhibitors and a dozen aircraft on static display. Read more about the Long Beach Regional Forum.

Registration Open for Business Aviation Taxes Seminar, May 3
Join industry leaders and members of the NBAA Tax Committee for an in-depth seminar on the latest tax and regulatory topics at this year's Business Aviation Taxes Seminar on May 3 in Washington, DC. Designed specifically for accountants, attorneys, advisors, and flight department personnel, the annual seminar and offers an in-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory issues affecting taxes on business aircraft, as well as an outstanding networking opportunity. Register for the taxes seminar now.

NBAA Issues Annual Report
Now available online, the 2012 NBAA Annual Report features a message from Chairman Dick Shine reviewing the major initiatives the Association undertook in 2012 to advocate for the business aviation community and provide support for all Members. It also highlights NBAA's 2012 activities and award recipients, and provides an independent auditor's report and financial statements. Review the NBAA Annual Report.