NBAA Blasts President's Attempt to Vilify Business Aviation
When President Obama chose to denigrate business aviation during a press conference last week, in an apparent argument for extending depreciation schedules for business aircraft, NBAA responded immediately and forcefully. "The President has inexplicably chosen to vilify and mischaracterize business aviation – an industry that is critical for citizens, companies and communities across the U.S., and one that can play a central role in the economic recovery he says he wants to promote," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in a statement issued shortly after President Obama's remarks. The President's words directly contradicted his proposal last October to accelerate depreciation schedules to help businesses expand and hire. "The President's disparaging remarks reflect a total lack of understanding – or a complete disregard – for general aviation in the U.S.," said Bolen. View NBAA's statement to the White House and media, or access the full story and podcast.

CNN, CNBC, Others Air NBAA's Response to President's Attack on Industry
Following President Obama's repeated jabs at business aviation, NBAA reached out to national news organizations such as CNBC, NPR and CNN to highlight how little revenue would be saved by a repeal of accelerated depreciation for business aircraft. For example, a CNN report said the effort would raise $3 billion over 10 years, "just a drop in the bucket" of the $2 to 4 trillion Congress wants to save in the same time period. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen told CNN: "The president basically outlined the equivalent of a $100 problem and yet his solution would raise less than a penny." View the CNBC video; listen to the NPR podcast; and view the CNN video.

U.S. Senators Call on DOT to Scrap Plans for Dismantling BARR
A bipartisan group of 26 U.S. senators has signed a June 29 letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, raising concerns that the government's plan to dismantle the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program represents "a troubling reversal of a decade-old policy put in place to uphold the privacy rights of thousands of Americans." Organized by Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Mark Begich (D-AK), the letter notes that the BARR program "provides owners of general aviation aircraft the ability to prevent the public dissemination of their aircraft movements. For reasons of individual security, privacy and business competitiveness, this program is essential." Learn more.

FAA Extends Deadline for Application to Remain in BARR Program
After being notified that general aviation operator groups plan to challenge changes to the BARR program, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 1 agreed to extend from July 5 to July 14, 2011, the deadline for owner/operators to submit paperwork to remain in the program. For the moment, the implementation date for the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) planned changes remains August 2, 2011. Learn more.

Responding to BARR Program Challenges: Valid Security Concerns
As NBAA's challenge to the government's plan to dismantle the BARR program continues, the Association has developed a new resource that details options for submitting a "certified security concern" if the DOT's plan for the BARR goes into effect. Members of the NBAA Tax Committee and Regulatory Issues Advisory Group have provided a sample letter and certification statement that can be used when submitting information on a security concern. Under the DOT plan, an aircraft owner or operator must demonstrate a valid security concern or meet the Treasury regulations for a business-oriented security concern in order to ensure that flight-tracking information is not publicly disclosed. Review the new resource.

What Does Operational Control Mean to Part 91 Operators?
The FAA defines operational control as "the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting or terminating a flight." Under the typical aircraft management scenario, the management company cannot be in operational control of Part 91 flights for the aircraft owner. The "Layman's Guide to Part 91 Operational Control," a new online resource provided by NBAA's Domestic Operations Committee, offers clarification and guidance to operators on the various considerations for operational control. Learn more.

LBA-Themed Edition of Business Aviation Insider Now Online
NBAA has long understood the challenges of aviator-entrepreneurs, and offers a number of resources to the light business airplane (LBA) operator segment of the Membership, including a special LBA-themed issue of Business Aviation Insider. Now online, the July/August issue, sponsored by HondaJet and AIC Title Service, features articles on when it's the right time to fly with a copilot, how to lower operating costs, how private pilots can share flight expenses, and more. Printed copies of the issue are mailing to Member subscribers now. View the issue online or subscribe today.

NBAA Member Tells Women Business Owners: 'No Plane, No Gain'
When Rene Banglesdorf, co-founder and CEO of Charlie Bravo Aviation, was asked to speak to fellow women business owners about responding quickly to client needs and having a faster speed to market, she saw the perfect opportunity to talk about the No Plane, No Gain industry advocacy campaign. "I told them that business aircraft can dramatically improve productivity and that more women-owned business should take advantage of this tool. I wasn't talking to the Fortune 500 companies in the room; I was talking to the small business owners," said Banglesdorf, who cited data from a Harris Interactive survey conducted for the No Plane No Gain campaign. Learn more.

The Right Seat – When Is It Time to Fly With a Copilot?
For pilots who fly their own airplanes, "going solo" has been the Holy Grail throughout their training experience, but as pilots expand their proficiency, there might be flights where the workload becomes taxing for a single pilot. Unexpectedly challenging weather, diversion to an unfamiliar airport or having to accept a complex amended clearance at an inopportune time can all be stressful scenarios. When is it necessary to enlist the resources of a second pilot to share the workload and keep the cockpit housekeeping chores in order? Read more in the July/August issue of Business Aviation Insider.

Shanghai the Official Home of ABACE
NBAA and the Shanghai Airport Authority last week signed a five-year agreement guaranteeing the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) finds its home at the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. The last ABACE was held four years ago and in the intervening time, numerous cities and countries have vied to host the next conference and exhibition. "At SAA, we're forward looking. By partnering with NBAA, we are bringing the premier aviation show to China. We see ABACE as a key component in our future plans," said Nianzu Wu, SAA chairman. Learn more.

CBAA Convention to Highlight 50 Years of Advocacy
Canada and the United States may be separated by a border on the ground, but both countries share many common issues affecting business aviation. The Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) has worked for 50 years to represent operators in that country, a milestone the group will celebrate during its annual convention on July 6 and 7 in Calgary, Alberta. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will be a keynote speaker at the event. Learn more.

Boston Logan's Longest Runway Closed Until October
As of last Friday, July 1, Runway 15R/33L at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will be closed to all operations for 90 days to allow for the Runway 33L Safety Area Improvement Project. During the closure, the Runway 33L ILS approach lighting system and indicator lights will be taken out of service. The Runway 15R ILS will continue to be available in case it's needed for the 15R ILS-VA 4L procedure. A flight check is scheduled for October 1 to return the runway to nighttime service, with daily closures between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The runway will fully reopen in mid-November. For more information, contact the NBAA GA Desk at gadesk@nbaa.org.

Bolen, Bunce Challenge Negative View of Teterboro Airport
When a local columnist penned a recent piece calling for a ban on all business jet activity at Teterboro Airport, and raising questions about safety at the facility, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO Pete Bunce responded with an opinion piece of their own. The June 28 piece from Bolen and Bunce points out that "Those who manage and use Teterboro Airport are deeply invested in conducting operations in the most safe, secure, efficient and quiet manner possible, and notes: "Teterboro Airport is a business multiplier for citizens and companies in the local area, helping to generate jobs, economic activity and local investment in a very challenging economy." Learn more.

NBAA Mourns the Passing of Industry Legend Walter C. Pague
On July 1, NBAA marked the passing of Walter C. Pague, a former director of aviation for ARMCO Steel Corporation who was among the 13 individuals who gathered at the Wings Club of New York in 1946 and set in motion the establishment of the Corporation Aircraft Owners Association, which later became NBAA. "Walter C. Pague was one of NBAA's 'founding fathers,'" said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "His vision and determination helped make possible the association we have today." Learn more.

Don't Miss Opportunity to Help Improve Management Guide
NBAA invites all Members to participate in a brief, 20-question survey about one of the Association's most valued Member benefits, the NBAA Management Guide. NBAA is gathering Member feedback to help improve future editions of this publication, which exists to assist flight departments with operational, maintenance, administrative and other considerations. Take the survey now.

NBAA Presents Silk Scarf Award to AIG Director of Aviation
NBAA recently presented its esteemed Silk Scarf Award to Franklin Davis, retiring AIG director of aviation and past chairman of NBAA's International Operations Committee, for his special contributions to the business aviation community. During a 34-year career with the company, Davis developed AIG's flight department from one aircraft and five pilots to four airplanes, one helicopter and 32 staff members spread across three sites. Learn more about NBAA's Silk Scarf Award.