Year in Review: Top 10 Most-Read Articles on NBAA’s Website in 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

More than 1 million unique users visited NBAA’s website in 2016 to access resources, such as the NBAA member directory, fight department reference materials and information about NBAA events. In addition, NBAA published articles on a variety of topics including aircraft operations, advocacy and professional development. These stories were shared on NBAA’s official social media accounts and featured in the association’s weekly email newsletter, NBAA Update.

Here are the top 10 most-read news articles on NBAA’s website for 2016:

FAA Plans to Eliminate 308 VORs

In July 2016, the FAA published a policy statement that identified 308 VORs that will be decommissioned as part of the industry’s transition to satellite-based instrument approach procedures. As part of the decommissioning process, the FAA will publish notices on each VOR slated for elimination and solicit public input. The VORs will be closed in two phases: one running through 2020, and the second from 2021 to 2025.

Jeppesen Previews Navigational Chart Design Changes

After a two-year redesign process, Jeppesen unveiled improvements to its SIDs and STARs charts in August 2016 that will enhance pilots’ situational awareness. The redesign uses colors and subtle graphics for key data, among other improvements.

Clearing Up Confusion Surrounding Part 135 Crew Duty, Rest Times

FAA regulations governing FAR Part 135 crew duty and rest times have been a source of confusion for many operators, particularly following an October 2015 FAA chief counsel interpretation. Although that interpretation was in line with others on the subject, it came as a surprise to many who did not fully understand how the regulations affect pilots who are “on call.” NBAA offered a webinar in February 2016 that advised operators about proper crew duty and rest procedures.

Some Countries Requiring Mosquito Treatment for Business Aircraft in Wake of Zika Virus

In February 2016, as the mosquito-borne Zika virus spread worldwide, some health and aviation authorities began targeting business aircraft to be treated with insecticide – similar to requirements that have been in place for commercial aircraft arriving from certain points of origin.

Revised ATC Speed Assignments Part of Move Toward More Efficient Airspace

In August 2016, the FAA issued guidance to air traffic controllers on new 5-knot speed assignment increments, which was intended to facilitate more efficient use of the nation’s airspace. In this article, Rich Boll, chairman of the ATC, Airspace and Flight Technologies Working Group of the NBAA Access Committee, explained the implications of this change to business aircraft operators, as the FAA transitions from distance-based separation to time-based metering.

FAA Issues Amendment for Part 135 Charter Operators Training Under Part 121

In January 2016, the FAA issued a final rule to correct a mistake that affected on-demand charter operators that voluntarily complied with the training requirements outlined under Part 121. The rule required operators that voluntarily complied with training and qualification regulations in Part 121 to also require second-in-command pilots to have an airline transport pilot certificate.

Operators Urged to Become Familiar With Data Comm as TEB, HPN Rollouts Approach

In advance of data communications (Data Comm) rollouts at Teterboro Airport (TEB) and Westchester County Airport (HPN) that took place in spring of 2016, NBAA issued guidance to operators to become familiar with the safety- and efficiency-enhancing technology.

Aircraft Financing: Is the Recovery Underway?

In this article from the January/February edition of Business Aviation Insider magazine, market analysts discussed how aircraft financing changed as capital began flowing back into aircraft finance.

Video: NBAA’s Ed Bolen States Association’s Opposition to H.R. 4441

In February 2016, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen testified at a hearing by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding H.R. 4441, a bill to reauthorize the FAA. The bill proposed the creation of a privatized ATC system funded by user fees, which NBAA strongly opposes.

Overcoming Obstacles to Flying to Europe

Before third-country operator requirements that went to effect in Europe in November 2016, NBAA provided guidance to operators in the March/April edition of Business Aviation Insider magazine.