NBAA Update Archive

Bookmark and Share

NBAA Update #03-31
Monday, August 4, 2003

NBAA Update is the National Business Aviation Association's weekly e-mail newsletter, providing the latest operational, regulatory and political news for the business aviation community. Send your comments about NBAA Update to update@nbaa.org.

TERRORISM AN "ACTIVE" THREAT
Federal officials last week continued to warn of possible terrorist attacks in the United States by Al Qaeda affiliates. Members are requested to remain vigilant for any unusual activity and follow the NBAA Best Practices for Business Aviation Security, available online at:
www.nbaa.org/ops/security/bestpractices.htm

TSAAC SOON MAY BE USED TO IDENTIFY SECURITY-QUALIFIED OPERATORS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has indicated to NBAA that the TSA Access Certificate (TSAAC) is being considered by the TSA as a national security standard. It will be required for qualified general aviation operations into areas of heightened security now accessible only to Part 121 operations. Training for the program, previously in the proof-of-concept phase, is being extended from Teterboro Airport (TEB) to New Jersey's Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) and New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN). NBAA will conduct security training on August 5-6 and 12-13 that will enable Part 91 operators based at MMU and HPN to apply for the TSAAC. Currently, more than 80 individuals representing over 30 companies have registered for the one-day training class. For more information, contact NBAA's Eric Ramsdell at eramsdell@nbaa.org.

CONGRESS TO ADDRESS FAA REAUTHORIZATION AFTER AUGUST RECESS
Disputes over air traffic control privatization and contract tower provisions have caused a delay until after Labor Day in the final consideration of legislation to authorize FAA funding and programs. The measure contains many provisions supported by NBAA, including a mandate for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) security plan to allow security-qualified general aviation operators to regain access to Reagan National Airport (DCA). NBAA encourages the business aviation community to urge Congressional leaders to support the conference report, known as the Vision 100 -- Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, which can be downloaded in PDF format at www.nbaa.org/govt/108th/Report108-240.pdf. Visit the Contact Congress web site at:
www.nbaa.org/congress

FAA's BLAKEY AND REPRESENTATIVE MICA ARE NBAA2003 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey and U.S. Representative John L. Mica will be the featured Opening General Session keynote speakers for the NBAA 56th Annual Meeting & Convention, to be held Tuesday, October 7 to Thursday, October 9, 2003, in Orlando, FL. NBAA2003 kicks off nine weeks from tomorrow. For more information, visit:
www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2003/20030804-043.php

FAA UNVEILS NEW AIRMAN CERTIFICATE
The FAA announced last Thursday, July 31 that it will begin issuing new, security-enhanced airman certificates. These will be issued to all new and existing airmen as they obtain higher levels or additional ratings and will replace lost or damaged certificates. The new credit card-sized certificates are made from composite PVC media card stock and will feature new security features, such as a hologram of the FAA seal. According to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey, "the new certificate's durability and features will further protect pilot identities and add one more element of security to our aviation system." For more information, contact NBAA's Eric Ramsdell at eramsdell@nbaa.org.

WHERE CAN I FIND TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS TO AIRSPACE?
As President Bush's campaign travel continues to increase, operators can expect a similar increase in the issuance of Presidential temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). Business aviation operators can use the NAS Aeronautical Information Management Enterprise System (NAIMES) web site at http://naimes.nas.faa.gov not only to receive a pre-flight briefing from a Flight Service Station specialist but also to learn about TFRs. In particular, the NAIMES CDM-ATCSCC site gives users the ability to view a list of TFRs and search for NOTAMs along a flight path, within specific center airspace and within a defined radius of a location. To access the NAIMES CDM-ATCSCC web site, users first must register for free at https://register.naimes.nas.faa.gov. For more information about TFRs, visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/restrictions

TRAVEL TO UNITED STATES WILL REQUIRE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS
As of October 1, 2003, non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to possess machine-readable passports. These passports display a scannable code found inside the front and back covers of the passport. Travelers from the 27 designated VWP countries who do not have machine-readable passports must obtain a U.S. non-immigrant visa from a U.S. embassy abroad. For more information, visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/passports.php

GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA PROGRAM
On Saturday, August 2, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. State Department suspended the Transit Without Visa Program, prohibiting aliens from transiting the United States for travel to a foreign destination without a visa, unless another valid visa exception applies. The suspension does not affect passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

DOWNSIZING OF WITHAM FIELD WOULD CONSTRAIN OPERATIONS
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners for Witham Field (SUA) in Stuart, FL, has proposed an airport exploratory study expected to cost the county in excess of $100,000. NBAA is concerned that Martin County may arbitrarily downsize the airport, including active runways, and eliminate airport businesses in order to constrain certain classes of aircraft currently using the airport. Last Thursday, July 31, NBAA sent a letter voicing its concerns to county officials. To review the letter and learn more about issues at Witham Field, visit:
www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/sua

SECOND CUSTOMS FACILITY ADDED AT TETERBORO AIRPORT
The Teterboro Users Group, with assistance from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and NBAA, was instrumental in obtaining a second U.S. Customs facility at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. The first facility is located at Atlantic Aviation and the second will be at Jet Aviation. The chief inspector approved the second facility based on the approximately 5,000 international flights per year at TEB. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucer@nbaa.org.

NBAA OPPOSES TRANSPORTATION SPENDING BILL BANNING LARGE AIRCRAFT AT TEB
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Steven Rothman (D-NJ) added a clause to a transportation spending bill that, if approved by the full House in September, will prevent aircraft weighing more than 100,000 lbs. from operating at TEB. Rothman predicts that this new measure to ban large aircraft will make it through the House, and he is lobbying to get a similar provision passed in the Senate. NBAA is lobbying in opposition to the Rothman language and supports the FAA's proposed policy, which offers a fair and reasonable solution to this issue. For more information, contact NBAA's Pete West at pwest@nbaa.org or Dean Saucier at dsaucer@nbaa.org.

PROPOSAL WOULD AFFECT REPUBLIC AIRPORT RUNWAY PROTECTION ZONE
Last Friday, July 31, NBAA, the New York Department of Transportation, Long Island Business Aviation Association and Long Island's Republic Airport (FRG) petitioned the Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals to carefully review a variance to the zoning code that would enable a retailer to build within the runway protection zone (RPZ). A petition has been made by a retail store chain for a variance to the town's building code. A letter from the FAA opposing the construction of the building on the RPZ was read. Safety, security and quality of life were used as arguments against the proposal. On approach, there would be approximately 70 ft. of clearance from an aircraft on glide slope to the roof of the building. The Board has yet to vote on the issue. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucer@nbaa.org.

IS-BAO WORKSHOP TO BE HELD SEPT. 5 IN MORRISTOWN, NJ
Business aircraft operators and others interested in learning more about the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) -- developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations, including NBAA -- are invited to an IS-BAO Audit Workshop on September 5, 2003, at Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) in Morristown, NJ. While the IS-BAO Audit Workshop is primarily intended to train IS-BAO auditors, it also is open to operators and other interested parties for a fee of $400. Download the registration form at www.ibac.org/is-bao/Audit%20Workshop.htm. For more information, contact IBAC Standards Manager Ray Rohr at rayrohr@telusplanet.net or visit:
www.ibac.org/is-bao/isbao_overview.htm

ARNOLD PALMER FEATURED GUEST AT NBAA GOLF CLASSIC
Golf legend Arnold Palmer will be the featured guest at the NBAA 7th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic golf tournament on Sunday, October 5 at Champions Gate Golf Resort near Orlando, FL. The 2003 Classic will raise funds for Orlando's Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, which is dedicated exclusively to serving the special needs of children and women, relying on a family-centered philosophy to create a unique child-based environment. The tournament is almost sold out, but sponsorships are still available; learn more at:
www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2003/20030804-042.php

ATLANTA REACHBAC FEATURES NBAA PRESIDENT SHELLEY A. LONGMUIR ON SEPT. 8
NBAA will host a REACHBAC luncheon in conjunction with the Georgia Business Aviation Association on Monday, September 8 in Atlanta. The featured speakers will be NBAA President Shelley A. Longmuir, who will provide an update on Association activities, and Anita Terry McDonald, port director for U.S. Customs in Atlanta. The buffet lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m., and the briefings will begin at 12:15 p.m. at the Marriott Perimeter Center, 246 Perimeter Center Pkwy. NE, Atlanta, GA. RSVP to NBAA's June DeFontes at jdefontes@nbaa.org. For more information, visit:
www.nbaa.org/reachbac

MAINTENANCE SCHOLARSHIP TOOLBOX RAFFLE DEADLINE IS AUG. 14
To benefit the 100 Years of Powered Flight Scholarship for aviation maintenance professionals, the NBAA Maintenance Committee will raffle a Snap-on Roll Cab Toolbox valued at nearly $7,500. Participants may enter the raffle online anytime before Thursday, August 14, and the winning raffle ticket will be drawn on Friday, August 15. Enter the Snap-on Roll Cab Toolbox Raffle at:
https://secure.nbaa.org/public/cs/mmc/2003/raffle.php

SEPTEMBER DEADLINE FOR FOUR NBAA SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHES
Applications for four NBAA Scholarships -- the Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship, NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship, USAIG Professional Development Program (PDP) Scholarship and William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship -- are due Monday, September 8. Those currently enrolled or planning to enroll as university undergraduates or in an A&P program should consider applying for these scholarships. To review each scholarship's requirements or to download application forms, visit:
www.nbaa.org/scholarships

AN EMPTY SEAT IS A LOST OPPORTUNITY
You can help Corporate Angel Network transport a cancer patient to critical treatment by providing an empty seat on your regularly scheduled flight. All patients are ambulatory and suitably dressed. Call Corporate Angel Network at (914) 328-1313; they do all the work. To see a current list of cancer patient "rides needed," including city-to-city destinations and date range, visit:
www.corpangelnetwork.org/corporate/seats.html