NBAA Update Archive

NBAA Update #05-05
Monday, January 31, 2005

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. Send address changes to membership@nbaa.org.

Business Aviation News & Issues

NBAA Continues to Push Treasury for Guidance on JOBS Act Implementation
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 affected a broad cross- section of U.S. businesses. Of great importance to many NBAA Members is a change to how companies deduct certain non-business flights for specified individuals. Effective October 22, 2004, companies may lose business deductions for certain flights that are viewed as used in connection with entertainment, amusement, or recreation activities within the meaning of Sec. 274 of the Internal Revenue Code. The greatest challenge for operators is that the U.S. Department of Treasury has not provided guidance on critical issues such as which costs are to be included and how the calculations should be performed. NBAA continues to urge Treasury Department staff to publish guidance immediately so business aircraft operators affected by this legislation may know how to properly treat the tax issues surrounding non- business flights. Additional information, including the letter NBAA sent to Treasury and four articles explaining the issues can be obtained from:
http://www.nbaa.org/govt/jobs2004

Senate Committee Report Examines Personal Use of Business Aircraft
Last week, at the request of the Senate Finance Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation published a study entitled, "Options to Improve Tax Compliance and Reform Tax Expenditures." The 435-page document provided a host of options for tax reform, including expansion of limitations on the personal use of business aircraft to "all" employees. In the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 enacted last fall, Congress imposed limitations on the personal use of business aircraft by "covered" employees only. Generally, "covered" employees include officers (as defined by section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934), directors, and 10- percent-or-greater owners of private and publicly held companies. NBAA staff will meet with Congressional staff to discuss the report in the coming weeks. To view a copy of the full report, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/govt/2005/JCS-02-05.pdf

Senate Committee to Hold Hearings on Chertoff Nomination to Head DHS
The confirmation process for Federal Judge David Chertoff to replace Tom Ridge as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security gets underway this Wednesday, February 2, when the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs holds hearings on his nomination. Judge Chertoff will be questioned by members of the Committee about his views on homeland security (including aviation security) and his goals for the department. It is anticipated that the Committee will send his nomination to the full Senate for a confirmation vote as early as next week.

FAA Allows Private Aircraft Operators to Carry Candidates for State and Local Offices
The FAA is changing Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.321 to allow companies to carry candidates for state and local elective offices. Current regulations allow private aircraft operators to carry only candidates seeking office in Federal elections during a campaign. The new rule, which takes effect on March 2, allows private aircraft operators to receive payments for transporting candidates for state and local elections as well. NBAA has been instrumental in drafting the language for the regulatory change, and in working to secure its adoption. For more information, contact NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org.

Former NBAA Board Member Receives Prestigious FAA Safety Award
Last week, former NBAA Board Member Virgil Williams joined an elite group of fewer than 200 pilots across the country in receiving the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA. The award recognizes pilots who maintain a record of safe flight operations for 50 or more consecutive years of piloting aircraft with no revocations or suspensions. Williams's flight safety record includes 35 years of piloting jet aircraft in Kalamazoo, MI, for pharmaceutical company Upjohn. Among other valuable contributions to NBAA, Williams served on the Blue Ribbon Committee that directed Operation REACHBAC, a regional effort to advise, communicate with and help the business aviation community.

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Regional News

Special Operating Guidelines in Effect This Week for Super Bowl
A Special Traffic Management Program (STMP) will be in effect for Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, FL, from Wednesday, February 2 through Monday, February 7. Reservations will be required at 13 Jacksonville-area airports. In addition, a security TFR is in place around Alltel Stadium, prohibiting general aviation traffic at Craig Municipal (CRG) and Herlong Municipal (HEG) airports from 1:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening. NBAA encourages operators to check NOTAMs and with local flight service facilities in case there are any last-minute changes on Super Bowl travel days. Operators should file early, and capable aircraft traveling along the Northeast to and from Florida should utilize off-shore radar routes. Be aware that tactical reroutes may be initiated and plan for extra fuel for such a scenario, as well as other possible departure or holding delays. For more information, contact the NBAA GA Desk at gadesk@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/2005/superbowl

Expected TFRs for Upcoming VIP Travel
In addition to temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in Washington, DC, on February 2 for the State of the Union Address and in Jacksonville, FL, on February 6 for the Super Bowl, operators should anticipate TFRs for VIP travel this week for Fargo, ND, and Great Falls, MT, on February 3; Omaha, NE, on February 3 and 4; and Little Rock, AR, and Tampa, FL, on February 4. Since TFRs are announced shortly before they go into effect, Members must continue to use all resources to prevent flying into restricted airspace. Operators are urged to review NOTAMs carefully prior to every flight. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/airspace/restrictions

Ed Bolen in Albuquerque, NM, on Feb. 16 to Meet With NBAA Members
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will be in Albuquerque, NM, to meet with NBAA Members and others in Albuquerque's aviation community on February 16. The meeting will take place at Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), and will be hosted by Cutter Aviation, an NBAA Member with facilities at ABQ. The event is scheduled for 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Businesses with a significant presence in Albuquerque and other interested parties should contact NBAA's Paul Smith at psmith@nbaa.org.

Eastern Region Helicopter Council Launches 'Fly Neighborly' Program
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council has established a "Fly Neighborly" program that establishes guidelines for helicopter operators flying over the New York City metropolitan area. The initiative calls for all operations to be conducted well over the Hudson or East Rivers and away from the Battery Park/World Financial Center area. Also, all transition overflights should occur well above building heights, weather and ATC allowing. Helicopter operations in New York City continue to be monitored closely by anti- noise groups, especially those in close proximity to Battery Park/World Financial Center. For more information, contact Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

Ohio Business Aviation Group to Hold Organizational Meeting This Week
The Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association will hold an organizational meeting on February 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to consider the formation of a regional affiliation of business aviation interests for Ohio. To confirm attendance or learn more about the meeting, contact NBAA's John Balsiger at: jbalsiger@nbaa.org.

Connecticut Airport Caught in Land-Use And Other Disputes
An urban-development policy organization recently issued a report suggesting that Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, CT, be reduced to a commercial park. Home to eight NBAA Member Companies, BDR is located entirely in the town of Stratford, but is owned and operated by the neighboring city of Bridgeport. Because of this setup, the facility has been at the center of several disputes in recent years, and this most recent proposal has the support of the Stratford Town Council Chairman and a Council Member. NBAA and the Connecticut Business Aviation Group Friends of Sikorsky Memorial Airport are addressing this and other proposals to limit or deny operators use of the airport. Businesses with a significant presence in Bridgeport and other interested parties should contact Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

NBAA Partnering With Connecticut BizAv Group to Stop Onerous Tax Proposal
The Connecticut Legislature is considering two bills to repeal some or all of a tax exemption on sales and use taxes for aircraft weighing more than 6,000 lbs. The proposals repeal legislation enacted several years ago providing an exemption for aviation- related services rendered in the sales and use of aircraft. If enacted, the tax-exemption repeals could adversely impact business aircraft operators and maintenance workers in Connecticut, resulting in loss of employment, business investment, and tax revenue in the state. NBAA and the Connecticut Business Aviation Group are strongly urging state legislators and the governor to reconsider the proposals on economic grounds. Businesses with a significant presence in the state and other interested parties should contact Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.

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NBAA News

NBAA Flight Operations Manual Workshop: Feb. 21-22 in Miami
The flight operations manual is the primary reference for all operations, maintenance and administrative issues in flight departments. Having a comprehensive and current manual is essential to safe and efficient operations. The workshop uses the new International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS BAO) as the basis for providing participants with all materials needed to develop or update an excellent operations manual, custom tailored to your operations. This NBAA workshop is PDP approved. To learn more, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/fomw/20050221/

Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop: Feb. 23-24 in Miami
Whether you are just moving into the management ranks or have been there awhile, this workshop will open your eyes to new ways of achieving excellence. Practical, proven techniques are presented and discussed to make your flight department more effective and efficient. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how flight departments operate with your peers, and how high-quality flight departments operate. This NBAA workshop is PDP approved. To learn more, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/mffdw/20050223/

Nominations for NBAA's Highest Awards Due Feb. 25
NBAA is accepting nominations for its two most prestigious awards, the 2005 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and the 2005 John P. "Jack" Doswell Award. NBAA Members are strongly encouraged to submit nominations for both awards to NBAA by February 25. Award winners will be officially recognized at the Annual Gala of the NBAA 58th Annual Meeting & Convention in November 2005. For more information, including nomination guidelines, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/awards

2005 Flying Safety Awards Applications Due Mar. 1
The NBAA Flying Safety Awards exemplify NBAA's focus on aviation safety, and are demonstrative of the high degree of professionalism inherent in safe business aircraft operations. The awards have brought worldwide attention to the safety record for business aircraft and have been endorsed by the National Safety Council. All applications for the 2005 Awards must be postmarked no later than March 1. For more information or to download applications, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/safetyawards

NBAA Leadership Conference Scheduled for March
"Survive and Thrive: Proactive Leadership in a Reactive World" is the theme for this year's NBAA Leadership Conference, scheduled for March 1 to 2 at Don Shula's Hotel in Miami Lakes, FL. Conference sessions will focus on proactive conflict management, change leadership, security and other topics designed to provide valuable insights into real-world management and leadership issues. Expert presenters will make it a worthwhile experience for existing and future leaders. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/leadership/2005/

Call for Nominations: 2005 European Business Aviation Awards Due Mar. 15
Created to honor individuals who have made a significant identifiable contribution to the advancement of business aviation in Europe, the European Business Aviation Award is presented each year to one or more individuals on the occasion of EBACE, the only European exhibition to focus exclusively on business aviation. This year, nominations are due by March 15. For more information about EBACE2005, which will be held May 18 through 20 in Geneva, Switzerland, visit http://www.ebace.aero. For more information on how to submit a nomination for the European Business Aviation Award, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2005/20050114-003.php

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