| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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NBAA Challenges Airline Lobbyists' Finger-Pointing
NBAA is continuing to alert news organizations about efforts by the airlines to pin the blame for their delays on general aviation. "What's really at
the heart of the airlines' finger-pointing is their long-running attempt to shift billions of their costs onto others in hopes of securing a tax
break that will benefit no one but the airlines themselves–certainly not passengers and not system modernization," said NBAA President and CEO
Ed Bolen. Review the media alert at:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/letters/20070614.php
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News Organizations, Grassroots Voices Stepping Up
Opposition to User Fees
Recognizing general aviation's economic importance to businesses and communities nationwide, news organizations and grassroots voices continue to
emerge in opposition to user fees for FAA funding. Most recently, the Detroit News editorialized against user fees in legislation now before
Congress, stating: "There's time to fix the legislation to treat all users fairly. That's best achieved by modifying the existing system, not adding
on universal fees that only ensure an added layer of government intervention." In addition, the American Farm Bureau Federation recently issued a
public statement opposing user fees. To read the Detroit News editorial or review the petition from the Farm Bureau, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/govt/userfees/afbf2007612.pdf
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GA Security Overhaul Under Consideration
The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration are actively considering changes to general aviation (GA) security
policy as reported in recent media accounts, and previously by NBAA. Potential policies are still under development, and the agencies are expected to
submit proposals as early as this summer. Once published, the proposal will include a formal comment period during which NBAA and the public will be
able to submit feedback. Based on previous federal rulemaking experience, NBAA does not expect a final rule until possibly sometime next year. To
review NBAA's answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/20070709.php
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As Officials Consider New GA Security Policies, Continued
Airport Vigilance Encouraged
On July 2, a concerned citizen alerted Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) management after witnessing a suspicious vehicle driving slowly in front of
the airport. One of the two men inside the vehicle was videotaping the area. The proper agencies were alerted, and the circumstances now are under
investigation by the Department of Homeland Security after recommendation by the State Terrorism & Intelligence Center. Feedback from law
enforcement authorities indicates that this was not a test or hoax. As federal officials consider new security policies for the general aviation
community, NBAA encourages Members to be aware of activity around their airports and to report any suspicious activity to 1-866-GA-SECURE and local
law enforcement. To review NBAA's Best Security Practices, go to:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/bestpractices
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Update on Medical Flight Crash Into Lake Michigan
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently made available a review of the air traffic control information from the Cessna Citation II
that crashed into Lake Michigan in June. The records reveal radio transmissions indicating that the crew attempted to maintain control of the
aircraft while trying to pull circuit breakers. Radar data shows the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 4,400 feet before initiating a descending
left turn. Investigators also recovered the aircraft cockpit voice recorder, which was severely damaged in the crash but provided recoverable data
that will be transcribed by the NTSB. Remaining aircraft parts have been transferred to a facility near Poplar Grove, IL for further investigation.
Members can track the investigation using Case Number CHI07MA160 on the NTSB's web site at:
http://www.ntsb.gov
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ASRS to Conduct Wake Vortex Encounters Study
Through funding from the FAA, NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) will examine wake vortex encounter incidents at John F. Kennedy
International Airport (JFK), Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The study began in March
and initially will focus on wake encounters for closely spaced parallel runways and single runway in-trail events in these three terminal
environments. ASRS also will examine wake vortex incidents at other airports and in en route environments. The factors being analyzed include:
magnitude of wake encounter, aircraft spacing, aircraft type, runway configuration and encounter consequences. ASRS strongly encourages pilots who
experience a wake vortex encounter to report it to ASRS and participate in the study. ASRS will contact pilots to request their voluntary
participation in completing a web-based supplemental question set, and guarantee anonymity. For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.
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MIT Requests Input on ADS-B Applications
The MIT International Center for Air Transportation has been tasked by the FAA to identify potential automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast
(ADS-B) applications that could benefit flight operations. ADS-B is an alternative to radar and allows aircraft to broadcast their altitude, heading,
GPS-driven position and other information to ground stations and other aircraft. The ADS-B data link also can be used to uplink weather and traffic
information to the cockpit and is a fundamental element of air traffic control modernization plans in the U.S. and internationally. NBAA is actively
seeking pilot input from the business aviation community and asks business aviation pilots to participate in a survey. The survey requires no prior
knowledge about ADS-B and approximately 10 minutes to complete. To participate in the survey, visit:
http://web.mit.edu/~elester/www/online_survey
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NBAA Asks Operators to Participate in Olympics Flight Operations
Survey
NBAA, in conjunction with the International Business Aviation Council and its member organizations, is encouraging all operators to participate in a
10-question survey to determine the level of business aircraft operations expected at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 Winter
Olympics in Vancouver. Operators should participate in the survey even if plans to attend the events still are tentative. The survey will remain open
through the end of the month. For additional information, contact the NBAA Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org, or participate in the survey at:
http://www.nbaa.org/surveys/olympics
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Pilots Should Use Caution on Approach to Dulles
Virginia's Dulles Tower recently has reported at least two incidents involving general aviation aircraft where pilots have lined up for what will be
the new Runway 19R after being cleared for the visual approach to the existing Runway 19R. The culprit is a substance used to seal the surface soil
under the new runway and resembles poured concrete from the air. The airport is in the process of applying "X" markings to the surface but caution
should be exercised for the foreseeable future while on approach to Dulles. For more information, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org.
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Runway Closure Anticipated for Columbia Owens Downtown Airport
South Carolina's Columbia Owens Downtown Airport (CUB) recently announced tentative dates for a major repaving and runway-leveling project set for
July 16 to August 6. Operators are advised to check NOTAMs for the latest information about runway closures on the airport. For more information,
contact Jim Hamilton at JimLHamilton@aol.com or NBAA's Harry Houckes at hhouckes@nbaa.org.
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IBAA Summer Networking Meeting Moves to Jul. 16
The Idaho Business Aviation Association (IBAA) has moved its summer networking meeting from Tuesday, July 17 to Monday, July 16. The event will still
take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Western Aircraft Charter Hangar at the Boise Airport (BOI). National Air Transportation Association
President Jim Coyne will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. To RSVP and for additional information, contact IBAA's Mike Pape at mpflys@aol.com or NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org, or visit:
http://www.idbusinessaviation.com
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Registration Now Open for Next Regional Forum in Oakland
NBAA will host its next Business Aviation Regional Forum on November 8 in Oakland, CA. The Regional Forum is a one-day 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 Oakland event will feature approximately 30 aircraft on Static Display, 60 indoor Exhibitors and
hundreds of Attendees. FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) management personnel also will be available to answer questions on ATC policies and procedures
in the Western region. Additionally, the event will feature a number of seminars and briefings catering to the business aviation community in
Oakland, CA. For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/forums/20071108
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NBAA2007 Show Guide Advertising Orders Due This
Week
Insertion orders for advertising in the NBAA2007 Show Guide & Directory of Exhibiting Companies are due this Friday, July 13, and artwork
is due July 27. The Show Guide is distributed to all Attendees and contains pertinent information about exhibits, Information Sessions, social
gatherings, shuttle bus service and other events at NBAA2007. Show Guide advertisers also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase web
advertising on the NBAA2007 official Convention web site. For more information on purchasing advertising, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/amc/2007/sponsorships
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Approaching Deadlines for Several NBAA Scholarships
NBAA offers several scholarships to promote professional development and careers in business aviation. The scholarships can be divided into two
general categories–scholarships that offer tuition reimbursement for enrolled students, and scholarships that offer monetary and training awards
for working professionals. Applications for scholarships due August 1 are: Avfuel Michigan Business Aviation Scholarship; Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation
Scholarship; NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship; USAIG Professional Development Program Scholarship; and William M. Fanning Maintenance
Scholarship. To learn more about each scholarship and to apply, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/scholarships
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Deadline for CAM Exam Applications Is Aug. 6
The Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program was created by NBAA to recognize excellence in the field of business aviation and to enhance the level
of management and professionalism within a flight department. CAM applicants are tested for knowledge and experience in five subject areas:
leadership, personnel management, operations, technical and facilities services, and business management. The CAM credential is considered the
ultimate recognition for business aviation professionals. The next CAM Exam will take place on September 24 in conjunction with NBAA's 60th Annual
Meeting & Convention to be held in Atlanta, GA. The application deadline is August 6. To learn more about the CAM Program and to begin the
application process, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam
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Travel$ense 3.80 Update Released
On July 7, NBAA released version 3.80 of its business travel productivity-tracking software, Travel$ense. This update adapts to changes in the
airline reservation system used by Travel$ense to ensure proper airline pricing. Travel$ense is a tool to help management better analyze and
understand business travel by automatically calculating the actual business hours, productivity, trip expenses and family time saved by traveling via
business aircraft versus airline alternatives. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/adm/travelsense/update
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New Journalism Scholarship Fund Open for
Donations
Last April, NBAA announced the creation of a new scholarship in honor of David W. Ewald, a beloved figure in business aviation who spent nearly 50
years serving the community as a magazine publisher and industry spokesperson. The scholarship, which will be presented for the first time at NBAA's
60th Annual Meeting & Convention in September, will recognize a promising high school or college student planning a career in journalism,
preferably with an aviation focus. Donations still are being accepted for the scholarship fund and can be made payable to NBAA and sent to the David
W. Ewald Scholarship Fund, c/o NBAA, 1200 Eighteenth St. NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, 20036-2527. For additional information, e-mail info@nbaa.org, or learn more about the scholarship at:
http://www.nbaa.org/education/scholarships/ewald
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Application Deadline for September CAM Exam
August 6, 2007
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Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament
September 23, 2007, Stone Mountain, GA
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Emergency Response Planning Workshop
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Professional Development Program (PDP) Course: Aviation Resource Management
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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16th Annual Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Professional Development Program (PDP) Course: Mastering Communication Skills
September 24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam
September 24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007)
September 25–27, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Maintenance Manual Workshop
September 28, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
September 28–29, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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11th Annual Safety Standdown
October 22–25, 2007, Wichita, KS
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
November 8, 2007, Oakland, CA
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
November 9, 2007, Oakland, 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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