NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #02-51
Monday, December 23, 2002

TSA MAY SPLIT WAIVER OFFICE
On December 20, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) briefed NBAA on plans to divide the waiver office in two, with one section responsible for processing international waiver requests, and the other for domestic waiver requests. Details have not yet been finalized, but this split could occur in early 2003 when TSA moves into new office space at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. NBAA Members will be notified of any changes in procedure or contact information. For information on the current process for applying for a waiver, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/airspace/waivers.htm

FAA UPDATES SPECIAL TRAFFIC PROCEDURES FOR SUPER BOWL XXXVII
The FAA has modified NOTAM 2/0199, which established special traffic management procedures and a temporary flight restriction (TFR) area around San Diego in anticipation of heavy air traffic associated with the Super Bowl. The special procedures are slated to be in effect from Tuesday, January 21 through Monday, January 27. The changes, which are highlighted in blue on the agency's web site, include two pertinent announcements. First, the tower at Montgomery Field (MYF) will be operating from 0600 to 0000 hours (PST) on Sunday, January 26, the day of the championship football game. Second, business jet parking at McClellan-Palomar Airport's (CRQ) FBOs is available only by prior reservation.
www.faa.gov/NTAP/NTAP02DEC26/SP02055.HTM

TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE ACT AFFECTS BUSINESS AIRCRAFT OPERATORS
On November 26, President Bush signed into law the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA). As a result, aviation insurance companies are required to offer coverage for losses specifically arising out of acts of terrorism, as defined by the Act. In order to comply with the notice and disclosure requirements of this law, all aviation insurance policyholders will receive letters directly from their insurance companies stating the nature and scope of this coverage, along with an opportunity to accept or reject it. Many of these notices already have been mailed and require immediate action, including additional premium payment if coverage is elected. For further details, review an article by Eric W. Barfield and Stuart C. Hope of Hope Aviation Insurance, Inc. at:
www.nbaa.org/ops/finance/insurance/tria2002.htm

NBAA APPLAUDS CHOICE OF SENATOR FRIST AS NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER
"Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), who has been chosen by his Republican colleagues as the next Senate Majority Leader, will do an excellent job," said NBAA Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, Pete West. West added, "Since his election to the Senate in 1994, Frist has proven himself to be as skilled a legislator as he is a heart surgeon. Further, he is an able pilot who has exhibited a clear understanding of and appreciation for the Association's views on behalf of the business aviation community. In fact, NBAA-PAC supported his re-election because of his leadership qualities."
www.nbaa.org/congress

NBAA PRAISES FAA ATC PERSONNEL FOR THEIR SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
NBAA joins with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and many others in the aviation community who agree that air traffic control is, uniquely, a governmental function in that it must be operated for all users as a monopoly. The Association believes that recent proposals for privatizing the ATC system would shift significant power to certain user groups -- to the detriment of those with less representation on relevant governing bodies -- and that the FAA personnel responsible for providing ATC services do an excellent job and should continue to manage and operate the ATC system. For more information, visit:
www.nbaa.org/pr/2002/20021220-057.htm

FAA CONDUCTS AERONAUTICAL STUDY FOR PROPOSED NEW JERSEY TOWER
The FAA is conducting an aeronautical study to determine the air-navigation implications of the construction of a proposed antenna tower that reaches 2,009 feet above mean sea level. The proposed site is 4.8 nautical miles east southeast of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Bayonne, NJ. The tower exceeds FAR Part 77 obstruction standards, and the FAA is seeking comments from aircraft operators. The deadline for comments is January 2, 2003, however this is likely to be extended for several weeks. For further information on this situation and instructions on where to send written comments, visit the NBAA web site at:
www.nbaa.org/airports

MASSPORT NOW ABLE TO PURSUE PLANS FOR HANSCOM FIELD IMPROVEMENT
In a letter dated December 16, Bob Durand, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Offices of Environmental Affairs, issued a certificate for the Draft 2000 L. G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report, which states that this report "adequately and properly complies with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act." Issuance of the certificate, which addresses issues related to noise, air quality, wetlands, wildlife, water, and cultural and historical resources, now enables MassPort to pursue its plans for improvement of Hanscom Field (BED). At the last meeting prior to the certificate being drafted, nearly 800 residents of the surrounding BED communities vehemently voiced their opposition to any improvements to BED, citing environmental concerns. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

LONG-AWAITED CUSTOMS OFFICE OPENS AT BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL
The Customs office at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT is now open. During the week of December 16, the U.S. Customs office moved from the Southwest Airlines ramp to a new building adjacent to the de-icing pads. NBAA thanks its Member Companies and the Connecticut Business Aviation Group (CBAG) for their efforts in working with the BDL board of directors and Customs in making this happen. BDL could be a good alternative to landing at Bangor, ME (BGR) when Customs is unavailable at Westchester County (HPN) in New York or Teterboro (TEB) in New Jersey. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

UPDATE ON WINTER OPERATIONS AT TETERBORO
Destination Teterboro? During winter operations TEB has committed to having at least one runway available at all times during inclement weather; however, depending on the severity of the storm, the airport may have to close for no more than one hour at various times, but will do so based on inbound and outbound traffic requirements. The Teterboro Users' Group (TUG) has an aggressive five-year plan that includes a new tower, navaids, class B designation requests, improved Customs and facilities, improved taxiways, helicopter routes that do not conflict with fixed-wing operations and additional security procedures to enhance safety. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

NEW YORK TRACON SUGGESTIONS FOR FILING FLIGHT PLANS
According to a New York TRACON representative, operators should file flight plans as early as possible to avoid delays in the ATC system. Although no specific time prior to departure was given, it is apparent that the later operators file, the greater the chance they will be negatively impacted by traffic management programs affecting destination airports. This is especially true at high-density airspace/airports. Operators should adopt the mindset that filing a flight plan is something that should be done as soon as possible in all circumstances. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

CREWS TO EXERCISE CAUTION, RADIO DISCIPLINE AT FT. LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
During operations from the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) west runways, crews may experience difficulty hearing the FXE tower on the primary tower frequency 120.9. Local agencies are working to resolve this issue. In the meantime, crews are advised to exercise caution and good radio discipline as an alternate frequency may be assigned for communications with the tower. For more information, contact Bonnie Shultz, FXE Tower Manager at (954) 776-4570.

SWAP ROUTES PROVE TO BE EFFECTIVE IN NORTH/SOUTH OPERATIONS
SWAP routes (deep-water routes) are proving to be very effective in north/south and south/north operations by reducing delays during severe weather. The following airports are currently available for departure and arrivals during SWAP: Teterboro, NJ (TEB) and Westchester County, NY (HPN) in the north and Florida's Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA) and West Palm Beach (PBI). Additional airports may be available upon request. At least for the interim, the flightcrew must be trained in the following equipment to use the SWAP routing: RVSM, HF, and capable of flight at or above FL 310. The NBAA GA Desk at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center is actively working with NY TRACON to disseminate more information on these routes. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

NORTH CAROLINA ACADEMY OF AERONAUTICS ESTABLISHED
The North Carolina Academy of Aeronautics has been established to provide quality aviation education for students throughout the country at a reasonable tuition expense. On December 16, Global Transpark and the North Carolina Department of Transportation approved Kinston Airport (ISO) as the headquarters for the academy. ISO has an operating control tower, 11,500-foot runway and full precision approach landing system. The academy will meld the following programs: Wayne Community College's Aviation Systems Technology, Lenoir Community College's Pilot Training and Aviation Management and Craven Community College's Institute of Aviation Technology. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

FAA BAY-TO-BASIN MEETING, JANUARY 14-15, SAN DIEGO
The FAA is asking for operator participation in a Bay-to-Basin meeting in San Diego on January 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on January 15 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The FAA will display their mid-term modeling initiatives and would like feedback to ensure that the redesign plans address operator concerns. For more information, contact Bruce Bates, Los Angeles Center NATCA NAR Representative at (661) 265-8216.

DECEMBER ISSUE OF NBAA DISPATCH IS NOW ONLINE
Visit the NBAA web site to review the December issue of NBAA Dispatch, the newsletter for business aviation schedulers and dispatchers. This issue, sponsored by Computing Technologies for Aviation, Inc. (CTA), features a message from the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee chair, upcoming NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference highlights, news about Committee members and regional scheduler/dispatcher groups, software and web site tips, and more.
www.nbaa.org/dispatch/2002/04

REGISTER ONLINE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AVIATION FORUM
NBAA will host a Southern California-Area Business Aviation Forum & Static Display on Thursday, March 27 at Long Beach Airport in Long Beach, CA. The Forum will utilize AirFlite's FBO, hangar and ramp facilities for the event. In addition to a static display of aircraft and dozens of exhibits, this day-long event will feature several seminars and briefings for NBAA Members. Online registration is now available at:
www.nbaa.org/seminars/baf/baf_2003_03_27.htm

LABACE2003 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
You may now register online to attend the First Annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition. LABACE2003, the only Latin American Conference focused exclusively on business aviation, is scheduled for March 13, 14, 15, 2003, in São Paulo, Brazil. The LABACE2003 web site now includes a program schedule and directory of Exhibiting Companies.
www.labace.org

NBAA HEADQUARTERS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Washington, DC Headquarters of NBAA will be closed at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26. NBAA wishes its Members a safe and happy holiday.