| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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Blakey Calls for Fundamental Changes in Way Agency Is Funded
At the annual FAA Forecast Conference last week, Administrator Marion C. Blakey was among several officials calling for fundamental changes in the
means used to fund the Agency. To explain the need for changes to the funding mechanism, Blakey cited declining trust fund balances, a reduced
general fund contribution and increasing FAA operational costs, and the Administrator questioned the adequacy of current funding. Blakey's comments,
which indicated a renewed consideration of general aviation user fees, echoed statements she made earlier in the week before the Wings Club of New
York, where she stated, "We need a revenue stream based both upon our costs and on our actual units of production.... A guiding principle –
the guiding principal – is that there should be a direct tie between our revenue stream and the costs of service." To learn more about
Blakey's remarks or the conference, contact NBAA's Lisa Piccione at lpiccione@nbaa.org.
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Bolen Responds to Blakey's Remarks, Defends Fuel Tax for GA, Raises Concerns About User Fees
Also at last week's FAA Forecast Conference, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen participated in a general aviation panel, where he responded to concerns
raised by Administrator Blakey and questioned whether consideration of user fees for general aviation is justified. Bolen noted that trust fund
balances previously have risen and fallen with no detriment to FAA services; the fuel tax provides the most effective and efficient means for general
aviation to pay for use of the national air transportation system; and the FAA must explore automation and other efficiencies to ensure that
operational costs do not outpace Agency funding. Clearly concerned that Blakey's comments indicate a new willingness to consider user fees for
general aviation, Bolen pointed to the costly and burdensome user-fee structure utilized in Europe, stating, "The U.S. has the largest, safest, most
diverse air traffic control system in the world. We would question whether it makes sense to scrap a system that has worked well for 35 years in
order to replicate foreign models that have not proven as effective." For more information about Bolen's comments, and NBAA's work to preserve the
fuel tax for general aviation, contact NBAA's Lisa Piccione at lpiccione@nbaa.org.
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Mineta Focuses On FAA Funding Shortfall; Tiarht Questions Proposals That Might Harm General Aviation
Last week, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Y. Mineta appeared before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations
to discuss the Bush Administration's FY06 DOT budget proposal. Mineta echoed remarks made by other Administration officials, who recently have stated
that the FAA soon will have insufficient operating revenues to fund ongoing programs. Mineta's remarks were met with concern from Representative Todd
Tiahrt (R-KS), who noted that some proposals to address the funding shortage could "unfairly shift the burden to user fees" imposed on the general
aviation community, hurting the industry in the process. NBAA's Ed Bolen welcomed Tiahrt's comments, stating, "We applaud Representative Tiahrt for
again pointing out what the general aviation community has long understood: user fees are a bad idea for general aviation, and the current method of
paying for aviation fees directly through the fuel tax should be preserved." For more information about the hearing, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at
rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
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Bolen Continues Fight to Restore Access to Airports, Airspace for
GA
On Sunday, March 20, the Washington Times published an editorial by NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, calling upon Federal security officials
to provide a plan that enables security-qualified business aviation operators to access currently restricted airports and airspace and strikes the
right balance between personal freedoms and homeland security. Titled "Time for Fair Flight," the piece also details the many voluntary and
regulatory measures undertaken by the business aviation community since 9/11 to strengthen security. The Transportation Security Administration
Access Certificate (TSAAC), which the TSA has worked with NBAA to develop, is among the key initiatives Bolen outlines in the editorial. To review
the opinion piece in its entirety, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/fairflight.php
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Bolen Statement Regarding News Coverage of General
Aviation Security
"The recent government report on aviation security may have made for sensational news headlines, but the coverage mischaracterized the report's
conclusions, and the true record, on general aviation security," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in a statement released on March 15. For more
information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/ga_security_031505.php
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CBP Unveils eAPIS Online Transmission System
Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has a new online transmission system available for commercial operators to submit Advance Passenger Information
System (APIS) data. The Electronic Advance Passenger Information System, or eAPIS (https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/), is fully UN/EDIFACT formatting compliant and meets all current and future APIS
data element requirements for all mandated APIS transmission types, both by the TSA and CBP. This eAPIS process provides a secure, single air APIS
transmission window for commercial air carriers and/or air APIS transmitters; an online printable transmission confirmation number for
eAPIS-submitted APIS transmissions; an e-mail receipt of eAPIS-submitted APIS transmission with system processing information; and other valuable
information and processes. Operators are strongly encouraged to start using the CBP system. For more information, visit the NBAA APIS page at:
http://www.nbaa.org/apis
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LABACE2005 Comes to Brazil in Ten Days
From March 31 to April 2 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the 3rd Annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE2005) will feature
nearly 300 exhibits inside Transamerica Expo Center Hall C, nearly 20 aircraft on Static Display at Congonhas Airport and networking opportunities
with close to 4,000 professionals. In-depth informational sessions will cover operational issues such as helicopter operations in busy terminal
areas, CNS/ATM activities and Latin American operations, RVSM in Latin America and very light jets (VLJs). LABACE, the only Latin American exhibition
to focus exclusively on business aviation, is designed for corporate leaders, flight department personnel, government officials and any potential
operators considering this form of corporate transportation. For more information, visit:
http://www.labace.aero
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NBAA Urges California Members to Act to Protect Airport System
NBAA urges California-based Members to contact Senator Tom Torlakson, chairman of the California State Senate Committee on Transportation and
Housing, and their local legislators in support of Senate Bill (SB) 335, the California aviation funding bill headed to the committee on March 28. If
passed, this bill will redirect a portion of the sales tax on general aviation jet fuel, currently being paid by aviation users, to support airport
development projects. Currently, only about $7.5 million is returned to the aeronautics program, but according to the California Aviation System
Plan, $120 million is needed. Passage of SB 335 would allow California to make significant progress in meeting the needs of its airports. For state
contact information, visit http://www.senate.ca.gov. For more information, contact NBAA's Dan Burkhart at dburkhart@nbaa.org.
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New Procedures Allow Higher Altitude Flying Into Chicago-Area Airports
The Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) has won approval from the FAA on two new procedures that will allow aircraft operating into
satellite airports to fly at a higher altitude than previously directed. For arrivals from the northeast into Aurora (ARR) and West Chicago (DPA),
pilots may file Northbrook VOR (OBK) to Rockford VOR (RFD), then final destination airport. Expect to cross OBK at 14,000 and once in Rockford's
airspace, expect vectors to destination approach. For arrivals from the southwest into Palwaukee (PWK) and Waukegan (UGN), pilots may file Joliet VOR
(JOT) direct to VEENA intersection, then final destination airport. Expect JOT at FL240 and to cross VEENA at 11,000. Also expect an early turn once
in Milwaukee (MKE) airspace. CABAA requests feedback from pilots using the new procedures so it may present it to the FAA. Direct questions and
feedback to NBAA's Durwood Heinrich at dheinrich@nbaa.org.
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Heavy Demand to Cancun Affects Houston and Jacksonville Centers
Students on spring break continue to find Cancun, Mexico a big attraction, and demand to that destination is significantly increasing. As a result,
large miles-in-trail (MIT) restrictions are presenting a problem for Houston Center (ZHU). To offload some of the demand, Jacksonville Center (ZJX)
has stepped up and users who file over SZW (Seminole) or TAY (Taylor) can expect this reroute: SZW or TAY.SZW 185R/130.CIGAR then flight plan as
filed. Users also can expect possible holding over SZW in order to meet spacing requirements. Demand is highest on weekends and this reroute is
expected to be used through the middle of April. For more information, contact the NBAA GA Desk at gadesk@nbaa.org or NBAA's Sue Ashley at sashley@nbaa.org.
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NCAA Men's Final Four STMP Available for St. Louis Area
In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating to and from the St. Louis area in conjunction with the NCAA Men's Final Four Basketball
Tournament, the FAA will utilize a special traffic management program (STMP), and slot reservations will be required for all domestic non-scheduled
IFR arrivals and departures to/from the following airports: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), St. Louis-Downtown Airport (CPS), Spirit
of St. Louis Airport (SUS), St. Louis Regional Airport (ALN), Scott AFB/Mid-America Airport (BLV), St. Charles Airport (3SQ), St. Charles County
Smartt Airport (SET) and Creve Coeur Airport (1H0). The full text of the STMP, as well as program dates and times, is available on the FAA web site
at:
http://www.faa.gov/ntap/NTAP05FEB17/SP05002.htm
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McCarran RNAV Instrument Departure Procedures Implemented
Revisions to the RNAV standard instrument departure (SID) procedures for Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) were implemented last
Thursday, March 17. Operators should review RNAV databases and charts to ensure the following correct RNAV SIDs are aboard: BOACH TWO, COWBY TWO,
PRFUM TWO, SHEAD THREE and TRALR TWO. Additionally, review NOTAMs 03/076, 03/077 and 03/78, which address revisions to non-RNAV departure procedures.
For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airspace/las_rnav.php
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New York Aviation Management Association Promotes Legislative Priorities
The New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) recently held an Aviation Advocacy Day in Albany that drew more than 100 attendees. During the
event, NYAMA members met with state legislators to discuss legislative concerns and petition support for aviation-related causes. Chief among NYAMA's
2005 legislative priorities are to support new state aid for general aviation and commercial service airports; legislation to exempt sales tax on
non-commercial aircraft in New York (which has a sales and use tax exemption for the repair and maintenance services performed on aircraft); and
legislation preserving the $8 million state matching share of AIP grants. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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Teterboro Users Group Helps Promote Departure Procedure Chart
In an attempt to clarify the TEB5 and Dalton departures at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport (TEB), the Teterboro Users Group (TUG), in collaboration
with local FAA officials, has published a color-coded "NOT FOR NAVIGATION" departure procedure chart, which will be posted at all five FBOs at the
airport. In addition, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has provided funding for charts that flightcrews may take with them. The
departures also will be posted on the TUG web site at http://www.tugatteb.com. For more information, contact
NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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TEB, MMU and HPN Users Urged to Accept Coded Departure Routes
Operators capable of accepting coded departure routes (CDRs) at TEB, Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) and Westchester County Airport (HPN) are
encouraged to do so, even if the ultimate destination is not a paired city. In the remarks section of the flight plan, denote "CDR ABLE." The FAA
would like to see more utilization of the CDRs but also realizes that unlike commercial carriers, corporate operations have limited city pairs. CDRs
are designed to reduce delays and are evolving. Although a city pair may be unavailable (Springfield versus Chicago), the FAA wants to know that a
CDR could be accepted. For more information, contact NBAA's Dean Saucier at dsaucier@nbaa.org.
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CAM Governing Board Testing Committee Met Last Week
The Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Governing Board Testing Committee met March 14 to 17 in Washington, DC, to update and develop program test
materials. During this meeting, governing board members and three current CAMs researched, wrote and assembled the latest version of the CAM Exam.
The CAM Exam-development process was the culmination of a year's work and involved extensive research and training in test-item-development
procedures. Also during the meeting, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen congratulated and presented certificates to the three CAMs: Scott Rose of
Frito-Lay, Inc., Fred Adams of Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Dennis Taylor of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Aviation Department. For more
information, contact NBAA's Sarah Dicke at sdicke@nbaa.org. For photos, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/photos/20050314
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NBAA Regional Forum Comes to New York Next Month
Don't miss the next NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum, coming to Farmingdale, NY, on April 21 at Republic Airport (FRG). This event is a day-long
learning and networking experience designed to meet the needs of the regional business aviation community, and to provide an introduction to local
business leaders interested in learning more about business aviation. The Farmingdale Forum will feature approximately 40 static aircraft, 60
Exhibitors and hundreds of Attendees. It also will feature a number of briefings for the business aviation community in the greater New York City
area. For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cs/forums/20050421
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Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar Marks 50 Years This
April
The FSF/NBAA Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar (CASS) is recognized as the premier forum for the discussion and exchange of safety information for
business aviation operators. Each of the seminar presentations aims to deliver specific information that can be applied directly to business aviation
operations. This year's 50th Annual CASS will be held April 26 to 28 in Orlando, FL, and topics will include human factors, proactive cabin safety,
risk management for the very light jet (VLJ), airborne collision avoidance systems and maintenance. The event will be held in conjunction with an
NBAA Emergency Response Planning Workshop on April 25-26 and an NBAA Aviation Insurance & Financial Risk Management Seminar on April 26. To learn
more or register for any of these events, visit:
http://www.flightsafety.org/seminars.html#cass
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June Workshops Focus on Flight Ops Manuals and Management Fundamentals
NBAA is offering two Professional Development Program-approved Workshops this June in San Francisco. The NBAA Flight Operations Manual Workshop on
June 20 and 21 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 flight operations manual, custom tailored to your operations. And whether you are just moving into
the management ranks or have been there awhile, the NBAA Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop on June 22 and 23 will offer you new
ways of achieving excellence. Practical, proven techniques are presented and discussed to make your flight department more effective and efficient.
To learn more or register for either event, contact NBAA's Sandy Wirtz at swirtz@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events
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LABACE2005
March 31–April 2, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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NBAA Maintenance Management Conference
April 10–12, Colorado Springs, CO
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NBAA Professional Development Program Course: Interpersonal Communications
April 13, Colorado Springs, CO
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NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Examination
April 14, Colorado Springs, CO
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NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum
April 21, Farmingdale, NY
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NBAA Emergency Response Planning Workshop
April 25–26, Orlando, FL
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NBAA Aviation Insurance & Financial Risk Management Seminar
April 26, Orlando, FL
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FSF/NBAA Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar
April 26–28, Orlando, FL
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NBAA Federal Tax Forum
May 13, Boston, MA
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EBACE2005
May 18–20, Geneva, Switzerland
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
June 2, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
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NBAA 10th Annual Flight Attendants Conference
June 17–18, Atlanta, GA
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NBAA Flight Operations Manual Workshop
June 20–21, San Francisco, CA
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NBAA Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
June 22–23, San Francisco, CA
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Review the Full NBAA Events Calendar
http://www.nbaa.org/events
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Review Future NBAA Convention Dates
http://www.nbaa.org/conventions/futuresites.htm
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