| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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House Aviation Subcommittee Member Questions Need for FAA Funding Reform
At a House Aviation Subcommittee hearing held last week, Rep. Jerry Costello (D-12-IL) questioned the need for a user fee system or other new funding
mechanism for the FAA in light of strong funding figures for the agency provided by a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) official. At the hearing,
which examined funding options for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, the CBO representative told the subcommittee that the balance in
the Aviation Trust Fund is expected to continue increasing at a pace that could fully support the proposed FAA air traffic control modernization plan
without the need for new user fees or other taxes. Costello, the ranking Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee noted: "I do have serious reservations
with imposing a direct user fee.... Given the healthy state of the Trust Fund, I have reservations about the necessity of alternative financing."
Several Aviation Subcommittee members also pointed out that revenues into the Aviation Trust Fund have grown substantially over the past year and
that it appears unlikely that there will be any funding shortfall going forward. Concern was also expressed about the FAA's ability to provide
accurate modernization costs and Trust Fund revenue estimates in advance of congressional consideration of FAA reauthorization legislation early next
year. Other witnesses at the hearing included officials from the Government Accountability Office, and a panel of financing experts who discussed
future FAA funding options such as leasing and bonding. For more information, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
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Bolen, Other GA Leaders to Discuss Unified Opposition to User Fee Proposals at NBAA
Convention
General aviation is under threat from a proposal by the commercial airlines to shift $2 billion in costs to general aviation, and pave the way for
the airlines to seize control over the nation's aviation system. The airlines are looking to the FAA's reauthorization process (scheduled for 2007)
as an opportunity to overhaul the way the FAA is funded and governed. Simply put, their plan is to pay less and control more – all at the
expense of general aviation. During the NBAA 59th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2006) in Orlando this month, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will
host a panel forum to discuss the airlines' proposal with four general aviation industry leaders: Experimental Aircraft Association President and CEO
Tom Poberezny; General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO Peter Bunce; National Air Transportation Association President James
Coyne; and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Executive Vice President, Government Affairs Andy Cebula. The leaders will discuss the issues at
stake for the entire GA community, the future of the U.S. aviation system and the FAA, and why everyone associated with general aviation must be
involved in efforts to defeat user fee proposals for general aviation. Further details about this panel will be posted this week on the NBAA web site
at:
http://www.nbaa.org
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FAA Says Aviation System Ready For VLJs
At a Senate Aviation Subcommittee hearing held last week to examine the entry of very light jets (VLJs) and other new aircraft into the national
airspace system, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Nick Sabatini confirmed that the national aviation system is ready to accommodate
the aircraft. "The system is in place today to accommodate the entry of new aircraft into the National Airspace System.... This is nothing new for
the FAA," Sabatini said. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen welcomed Sabatini's comments, stating: "I'm pleased that the FAA has confirmed what NBAA has
said all along – VLJs are exciting new aircraft that will transition seamlessly into the aviation system." Also testifying were representatives
from Eclipse Aviation, DayJet, Cessna Aircraft and CRA International. To obtain a copy of hearing testimony, contact NBAA's Lisa Piccione at lpiccione@nbaa.org.
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Bolen Blasts ATA for Unfounded Comments on
VLJs
NBAA today strongly disputed allegations made by representatives from the lobbying group for the commercial airlines that the emergence of very light
jets would impose a burden on the nation's aviation infrastructure. On September 28, Bloomberg news quoted an Air Transport Association (ATA)
official's contention that VLJs would be a "significant burden" in the aviation system, interfering with the operations of the commercial airlines.
"The unfounded comments by the ATA fly in the face not only of public statements by Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Marion Blakey but
also congressional testimony by top FAA officials," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The fear-mongering by the airlines may be part of their
broader strategy to pay less for air traffic services even as they try to seize control of the system." Learn more at:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2006/20061002-042.php
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Mary Peters Confirmed as DOT Secretary
Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Mary Peters to become the next secretary for the Department of Transportation (DOT). Prior to
joining the cabinet as DOT secretary, Peters served as administrator for the Federal Highway Administration and, before that, as director of the
Arizona Department of Transportation. "In a conversation last week, Secretary Peters and I agreed that we should meet in the near future to discuss
issues of concern to business aviation," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. For additional information, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
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New CARE Group to Provide Air Support to Victims of National
Emergencies
Members of the aviation community who believe that business aviation can act as a first responder in crises have formed a group named Corporate
Aircraft Response in Emergencies (CARE). CARE's mission would be to provide immediate air support to victims in times of national emergency when the
scope of the event merits private-sector intervention. CARE is working with Angel Flight America and NBAA, through its Schedulers & Dispatchers
Committee, to devise a way to establish a rapid-response team of business aircraft operators. To learn more or to apply to participate in CARE,
NBAA2006 Attendees may visit the Angel Flight Booth (#3133) and the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee area at the NBAA Headquarters Booth
(#2400). Review a related NBAA Dispatch article titled "Working Toward a Better Emergency Response" at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/sched/dispatch/2006/03/
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Braking Action Common Terms Recommended by Industry-FAA Workgroup
Due in part to industry requests for standardized guidance and concerns over adequately maintained winter runways, last August the FAA hosted a
Runway Condition Determination, Reporting and Report Dissemination Workshop. The workshop's Common Terms and Definition Working Group developed a
braking action document of standardized definitions and estimated correlations based on runway surface conditions and runway friction Mu values. The
workgroup has requested all operators to voluntarily incorporate these definitions into their operations manuals for this winter season. The FAA
continues its work with landing-distance issues. Turbojet fractional and charter operators have been encouraged by the FAA to review a safety alert
for operators (SAFO) related to landing performance assessments at time of arrival, and to voluntarily comply with a new OpSpec/MSpec C382 on the
same topic. NBAA has announced a discussion group to meet on October 18 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. during NBAA2006. To attend this session, RSVP to
NBAA's Mike Nichols at mnichols@nbaa.org. Review the braking action terms and the SAFO at:
http://www.nbaa.org/part135
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Underage Children and Chartered Aircraft: Considerations for Operators
In April of 2005, a civil jury ordered a nationally known charter operator to pay $27 million in damages to a mother whose ex-husband hired the
charter company to carry him and his two minor children to Egypt. Although the mother had been granted legal custody, the father took the young
children without his ex-wife's consent. At the time of the flight, the charter company had a policy that it would comply with any customs regulations
of a proposed destination country, but it had no general policy in place that required a traveling parent to show proof of the other parent's consent
for the children flying with that one parent. The jury agreed with the mother who claimed the charter operator failed to take measures to prevent the
foreseeable harm that was likely. A new article provided for NBAA Members addresses this issue and provides thoughts for charter operators. Review
the article at:
http://www.nbaa.org/part135
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FAA Proposes SFAR for MU-2
The FAA is proposing a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) applicable to the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane that would create new pilot
training, experience and operating requirements. Following an increased accident and incident rate in the MU-2B series airplane, the FAA conducted a
safety evaluation and found that changes in the training and operating requirements for that airplane are needed. These proposed regulations would
mandate additional operating requirements and improve pilot training for the MU-2B series airplane. The proposed rule would also apply to persons who
provide pilot training for the MU-2B. NBAA is analyzing the proposed requirements to determine the effect on Member Companies. For more information,
contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org. Comments on the proposal are due to Docket Number 24981 by October 30
and may be submitted online at http://dms.dot.gov. Download the NPRM at:
http://www.nbaa.org/safety
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Passports to be Required for Canadian, Caribbean and Mexican
Ops
The U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, air and sea travelers to and from the Caribbean,
Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a current passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. The U.S.
Department of State published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the August 11 Federal Register, which proposes a phased implementation
plan as follows: By January 8, 2007, requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean and Bermuda; by January 1, 2008, requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel. These changes will affect
all U.S. citizens and certain foreign nationals entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess
valid passports. For more information, visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
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Jack Olcott to Be Honored With NAA Elder Statesman
Award
John W. "Jack" Olcott, who served as NBAA's president from 1992 to 2003, will be honored with a 2006 National Aeronautical Association (NAA) Elder
Statesman of Aviation Award at a dinner on November 6. Olcott, the founder and president of General Aero Company, also has served as editor of
Flying magazine, editor and publisher of Business and Commercial Aviation magazine and president of the New Jersey Aviation
Association. A respected figure in aviation for more than 40 years, he was educated as an aeronautical engineer. Now a resident of Morristown, NJ, he
is the recipient of numerous aviation and publishing honors. He holds an airline transport pilot license and several type ratings, and has more than
7,000 hours of flying time. "Jack Olcott is most deserving of this award," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "He has made significant
contributions to business aviation, having dedicated his life to the advancement of the industry. I congratulate him on this distinguished honor."
For more information, visit:
http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=63
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At NBAA Convention This Month, Learn to Make Your Regional Business Aviation Group More
Effective
As a member of a regional business aviation organization, have you ever asked: How do we plan an effective Safety Day or Career Fair? What's the best
way to educate city, state and federal officials on the importance of our local airport and of business aviation? How can we raise funds for our
aviation scholarships? Learn the answers to these questions and more at the Local/Regional Business Aviation Association Networking Session to be
held from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, during the NBAA 59th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2006) in Orlando. Leaders from regional
business aviation organizations will address how these groups support local airports and educate and gain the support of local communities and
legislators. Individuals must register to attend this or any other NBAA2006 Informational Session. To register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/2006
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Three Rivers Aviation Association to Meet in Columbus This Week
The new Three Rivers Aviation Association – which welcomes NBAA Members based in the Association's Southeast, Central and Northeast regions
– will host its third meeting in Columbus, OH. Procter & Gamble will sponsor a dinner on Friday, October 6, and a breakfast will be held
Saturday, October 7, hosted by Lane Aviation and sponsored by Universal Weather. Additional co-sponsors of the event include Colt International and
Morgantown Municipal Airport. Speakers will cover a number of informational topics relative to the business aviation community, including security.
To RSVP, contact Angie Beymer at angela.beymer@mptrans.com or Barb Bell at blbell@aep.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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North Florida Group to Participate in Youth Airfest This Saturday
The North Florida Business Aviation Association (NFBAA) will participate in the North Florida Regional Youth Airfest Day to be held Saturday, October
7, at the Signature Flight Support facility on Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and feature
corporate aircraft tours, military and aerobatic aircraft static displays, police and fire rescue displays, a Kennedy Space Center exhibit and more.
Proceeds from the show will benefit Give Kids the World, a non-profit organization helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their
families from around the world. For more information, contact NFBAA's Pat Mulvihill at pmulvihill@skyplustech.com or NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org, or visit the NFBAA web site at:
http://www.nfbaa.org
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Traffic Management Procedures for Talladega NASCAR Event This
Week
In conjunction with the NASCAR race in Talladega, AL, operators are reminded to check NOTAM information for detailed procedures at Talladega (ASN),
Anniston (ANB) and Pell City (PLR) airports for October 5 through 8. Radar coverage in the area is limited and operators should use the preferred
arrival and departure routes plus exercise caution when operating to and from these airports. A GAAP program will be in effect Sunday, October 8, for
departures from these airports between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. CT. Flight plans for departing traffic should be filed as early as possible to avoid
delays. For more information, contact NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org. Crews may verify their EDCTs
online at:
http://www.fly.faa.gov/gaap/jsp/gaapIndex.jsp
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Safety Standdown to Feature Live Online Broadcast This Week
The 10th Annual Safety Standdown will be hosted by Bombardier, NBAA and the FAA on October 4 and 5 in Wichita, KS. The opening session on October 4
will be broadcast live online at 8:00 a.m. CT. This session will feature NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation
Safety Nicholas Sabatini, Bombardier Vice President of Business Aircraft James Hoblyn and Bombardier Director of Flight Operations Bob Agostino. To
access the broadcast on October 4, visit the NBAA home page:
http://www.nbaa.org
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Newly Added Informational Session to Address Avian Flu Issue
NBAA is pleased to announce the addition of a new Informational Session, titled Maintaining Business Continuity to Address Avian Flu, which will be
held from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, during the NBAA 59th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2006) in Orlando. Preparing for and
protecting employees against avian flu is a top priority for many companies. Established processes and procedures are needed to ensure businesses can
continue to operate in the event of a widespread avian flu outbreak. This session will offer the latest medical information on the flu, its impact on
aviation, and business case studies on contingency and continuity planning. Presenters will include Joan Garrett of MedAire, Dr. Joseph Barbara of
the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management at George Washington University (invited) and Richard Walsh of Cardinal Health. Individuals
must register to attend this or any other NBAA2006 Informational Session. To register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/2006
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NBAA and FAA to Present ATC Session at Convention
On Wednesday, October 18, during NBAA2006, NBAA Senior Manager, Air Traffic Operations Jo Damato will present a session titled Traffic Flow
Management for Flight Operations Personnel in conjunction with the FAA's five directors of tactical operations (DTOs). The session will address the
public resources available for a business aviation flight department to navigate the National Airspace System from a scheduler's, a dispatcher's and
a pilot's perspectives. The DTOs also will discuss issues unique to their respective regions and will be prepared to address Member issues and
questions. Individuals must register to attend this or any other NBAA2006 Informational Session. To register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/2006
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Ski Country STMP Session to Be Offered at Convention
On Thursday, October 19, during NBAA2006, NBAA Assistant Manager, GA Desk Ernie Stellings and representatives from the joint FAA/Industry STMP
Enhancements Team will present a session titled NBAA Mountain Ski Season STMP Briefing. The session will aim to separate special traffic management
program (STMP) rumors from reality, discuss operator best practices and detail future enhancements that are intended to emphasize accountability and
increase predictability and efficiency. The session will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advance materials are available at http://www.nbaa.org/skiseason. Individuals must register to attend this or any other NBAA2006 Informational
Session. To register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/2006
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Safety Standdown, Presented by Bombardier, NBAA and FAA
October 2–5, 2006, Wichita, KS
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
October 11, 2006, Palmyra, NJ
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10th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament
October 15, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Professional Development Program Course: Customer Service
October 15, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Emergency Response Planning Workshop (Meets PDP Objective OPS5)
October 15–16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
October 15–16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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15th Annual Tax, Regulatory and Risk Management Conference
October 15–16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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IA Inspection Authorization Renewal Course
October 16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Professional Development Program Course: Aviation Safety
October 16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Managing Aircraft Icing for Corporate Flight Operations Seminar
October 16, 2006, Orlando, FL
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59th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2006)
October 17–19, 2006, Orlando, FL
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
October 20–21, 2006, Orlando, FL
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
November 7, 2006, Hong Kong
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
November 16, 2006, Long Beach, CA
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
November 17, 2006, Long Beach, CA
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Professional Development Program Course: Customer Service
November 17, 2006, Long Beach, 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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