NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #04-02
Monday, January 12, 2004

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. Subscribe for free or review the archives at www.nbaa.org/update. Send your comments about NBAA Update to update@nbaa.org.

DHS LOWERS NATIONAL THREAT LEVEL TO CODE YELLOW
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lowered the national threat level from Code Orange to Code Yellow, signifying an "elevated" risk of terrorist attack. DHS Secretary Tom Ridge said officials are still concerned about continuing threats -- particularly as they relate to commercial aviation, where some Code Orange restrictions remain in place -- but that the heightened Code Orange status is no longer necessary nationwide. Several TFRs issued during the heightened national Code Orange status have been cancelled. Business aircraft operators should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Airport Watch hotline at (866) GA SECURE. For more information about TFRs, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/restrictions

RECORD-SETTING SCHEDULERS & DISPATCHERS CONFERENCE OPENED TODAY
The NBAA 15th Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, the largest such meeting in NBAA history, opened today in Savannah, GA. NBAA President Shelley A. Longmuir welcomed a record-breaking 236 Exhibitors and an estimated 1,400 registrants to the event, which, because of its size, is being held for the first time in a convention center. Edsel B. Ford addressed the Opening General Session, telling Attendees that schedulers and dispatchers are key players in ensuring that flight departments meet the high expectations of their customers. Other first-day highlights included an aviation security forum, nine aviation-software user workshops and 18 other informational sessions. To review the Conference agenda, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/sdc

91.141 TFR NOTAMs ISSUED FOR VIP TRAVEL
Several 91.141 TFR NOTAMs have been issued for VIP travel on January 9-12 for Waco and Crawford, TX; January 12-13 for Denver, CO; and January 13 for Seattle, WA. Other 91.141 TFRs are expected for Portland, OR on January 13; Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV on January 13-15; New Orleans, LA on January 15; Atlanta, GA on January 15; and Thurmont, MD on January 16-18. Operators are urged to review NOTAMs carefully prior to every flight. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/restrictions

SUPER BOWL XXXVIII SPECIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The FAA has issued a Special Traffic Management Program (STMP) in conjunction with the Super Bowl that will affect 10 airports in the Houston, TX area from January 28 to February 3. The FAA strongly recommends that operators contact the fixed base operator they plan on using for information on parking and reservations for ramp space. The acquisition of an arrival reservation does not guarantee that parking will be available at the airports controlled by the reservation program. Operators should plan alternates in the event parking becomes unavailable at their airport of intended landing. The STMP and more information can be found on the FAA web site at:
http://www2.faa.gov/ntap/NTAP03DEC25/SP03059.HTM

TFRs POSSIBLE FOR SUPER BOWL XXXVIII
In addition to the STMP in place for the Super Bowl, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that affect IFR and VFR flight in the Houston area may be established. Security measures could require all aircraft to be in contact with ATC on a discrete transponder code with Mode C within a specified radius of the event. FDC NOTAMs that outline the TFRs for Super Bowl events are normally disseminated three to five days prior to the event. Operators may find TFRs on the FAA web site at:
http://tfr.faa.gov/TFR/jsp/list.jsp

JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ADOPT STAGE 2 BAN
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming has announced that it intends to ban operations by all Stage 2 aircraft under 75,000 pounds. The proposed rule would provide exceptions for (1) operations in response to in-flight aircraft emergencies, or (2) with appropriate authorization, operations for emergency medical purposes or in furtherance of the public health, safety, and welfare (such as fire suppression and rescue). Willful violations of the ban would be punishable by a fine of up to $750 and imprisonment of up to one year for each violation. The Airport has asserted the authority to impose the ban under a provision of the 2003 FAA reauthorization act to which the noise-reduction-process requirements of FAR Part 161 do not apply. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/jac

HOW DO I RESERVE A SLOT TO FLY INTO ATHENS DURING THE SUMMER OLYMPICS?
Because of a limited number of general aviation parking spots available, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) has implemented local rules for operating into and out of Athens Airport (LGAV). Operators will be required to use handling agents to obtain a ground handling confirmation (GHC) number for ground handling services. Once the GHC number is received, operators then must submit a slot request to an airport slot coordinator. Though the Summer Olympic Games are several months away, operators may want to act now to secure a GHC number and slot. The HCAA rules, ground handling confirmation procedure and contact information for the ground handlers and airport slot coordinator can be found at:
http://www.aia.gr/EN/2004/body.shtm

EASTERN REGION HELICOPTER COUNCIL TO MEET JAN. 14
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council will hold a general meeting this Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton, just north of New Jersey's Teterboro Airport (TEB). Ron Ruggeri of the FAA Eastern Region Operations branch will provide a NOTAM/TFR procedures update and anticipated activity for 2004. Current and prospective members are welcome at this meeting. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

GA TERMINAL AT RALEIGH-DURHAM AIRPORT (NC) NOW COMPLETE
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina has completed construction of its new $4,000,000 general aviation terminal. Included in the terminal is a restaurant and information center. The two FBOs -- Piedmont-Hawthorne and Southern Jet -- are on opposite sides of the terminal and access may be made to the facilities through the terminal. Piedmont-Hawthorne recently completed the first phase of its high-tech facility and is in the process of starting the second phase. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

NBAA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ADDS NEW COURSES, PROVIDERS
With the recent addition of five new Course Providers, the NBAA Professional Development Program (PDP) now offers a total of 16 Providers and 59 different Courses. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040109-002.php

NBAA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2004 SCHEDULERS & DISPATCHERS SCHOLARSHIP
NBAA and its Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee today awarded a total of $30,000 in scholarship funds to eight individuals who seek to advance their professional development as business aviation schedulers and dispatchers. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2004/20040112-003.php

2004 FLYING SAFETY AWARDS APPLICATIONS DUE MAR. 1
The NBAA Flying Safety Awards are testimony to the high degree of professionalism inherent in business aircraft operations and a tribute to the skill and ability of a company's management, maintenance, pilot and support personnel teams. The NBAA Awards have brought worldwide attention to the business aircraft safety record and have been endorsed and approved by the National Safety Council. The Awards are given annually for the period January 1 to December 31, and acknowledgments are made during the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention. All applications for the 2004 Awards must be postmarked no later than March 1. For more information or to download applications, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/safetyawards

SEVERAL NBAA REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs) DUE TODAY
The deadline for several NBAA Requests for Proposals, Qualifications and Interest is today. NBAA requests qualifications and proposals for (1) Two audiovisual presentations in CD format and (2) security training seminars for FAR Part 91 operators. NBAA also has issued a request for interest in a TSAAC audit program. For more information about these requests, visit the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/rfp

LAST CALL FOR BUSINESS AVIATION REGIONAL FORUMS PRESENTATION PROPOSALS
A limited number of speaking opportunities are available for the 2004 NBAA Regional Business Aviation Forums. Presentations should be timely, current and of general interest to the business aviation community. NBAA also is accepting proposals for maintenance training sessions that will run concurrently to the general sessions at each Forum. The deadline for proposals to be submitted is this Thursday, January 15. More information and an application/call for entry can be found online at:
http://www.nbaa.org/forums

CERTIFIED AVIATION MANAGER EXAM APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JAN. 20
If you are an existing or aspiring aviation manager, your successful completion of the NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Examination will recognize your knowledge and management skills. The next CAM Exam will be administered on Thursday, February 26 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA following the NBAA 10th Annual Corporate Aviation Management Conference. Those interested in sitting for the February exam must complete the application process and have all necessary items to NBAA by Tuesday, January 20. For more information or to access the CAM Exam Application, visit the CAM web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam

SCOTTSDALE IS-BAO FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANUAL WORKSHOP, FEB. 2-3
Every flight department needs a flight operations manual. If you don't have one yet or yours needs updating, plan to attend the NBAA IS-BAO Flight Operations Manual Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ on February 2 and 3. The Workshop is led by John Sheehan and Roger Phaneuf, both knowledgeable flight department consultants who use the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) format in helping you build your manual. The Workshop provides participants with extensive examples of high quality manuals in computer format and is NBAA Professional Development Program-approved. For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/fomw/20040202

SCOTTSDALE MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP, FEB. 4-5
High-quality flight departments require the use of good management practices to stay on top of their operations. Knowing and following the fundamentals of good management as they apply specifically to flight department operations is the subject of NBAA's popular Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop; participation by current and aspiring managers will provide positive results for your flight department. Join your fellow managers in Scottsdale, AZ on February 4 and 5 for an informative and practical Workshop that will help you make your department function better and achieve high levels of performance. It's now NBAA Professional Development Program-approved. For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/mffdw/20040204

TRAVEL$ENSE RELEASE 3.70 UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE
Issued last Thursday, this Travel$ense Release adapts to changes in the reservation system used by Travel$ense that affected airline pricing in a few specific cases, generating "screen parse error" or "subscript error" messages. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/adm/travelsense/update

LEADING FRACTIONAL PROVIDER FLIGHT OPTIONS DONATES FLIGHT TIME TO CAN
NBAA Member Flight Options, LLC, based in Cleveland, OH, has donated flight time to Corporate Angel Network (CAN) on behalf of its more than 2,000 owners. This flight time will be used to fly cancer patients to medical centers across the country in order for them to receive specialized, and often life-saving, treatment. Founded in 1981 and based in White Plains, NY, Corporate Angel Network, a public charity, now includes 500 participating corporations, along with a team of 60 part-time volunteers and six paid staff who work with patients, physicians, corporate flight departments and leading treatment centers to coordinate medical travel needs of cancer patients with the business flight schedules of participating corporations. Corporate Angel Network typically transports about 160 cancer patients a month and recently flew its 17,000th patient. Your company can get involved, too. Learn more at:
http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/corporate/seats.html