| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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U.S. Customs Expands Radiation Scanning of GA Aircraft
On December 30, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented a program to scan all internationally arriving general aviation (GA) aircraft
for illicit radiological/nuclear materials. This is an expansion of a pilot program to scan GA aircraft arriving at certain ports about which NBAA
first reported last August. CBP officers will use a radiation isotope identification device (RIID) to screen aircraft. Operators will be asked to
shut down the aircraft engines, auxiliary power unit and certain electronic systems. At the discretion of the CBP officer, passengers and crew may be
required to disembark the aircraft prior to screening. During the five- to 15-minute procedure, the CBP officer will scan both the exterior and
interior of the aircraft using the RIID. In most cases, CBP does not anticipate a significant delay in normal arrival processing. For more
information, contact NBAA's Operations Services Group at info@nbaa.org or visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/radiation.php
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FAA Revises Guidance on Pre-Takeoff Icing Checks for Part
135/125 Operators
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Notice 8900.27, which amends previous inspector guidance requiring Part 135 and 125 operators to
conduct a visual and tactile inspection of wing surfaces five minutes prior to takeoff when ground icing conditions exist. For aircraft with aircraft
flight manuals (AFM) that do not include a specific time for the completion of a visual and tactile inspection, they can be accomplished during
pre-flight checks. If deicing is necessary, inspections must be performed after the procedure is completed. During active ground icing conditions,
operators may conduct a pre-takeoff contamination check per the air carrier's approved procedures. Unless otherwise specified in the AFM, this check
may be performed visually from inside or outside the aircraft. To download the notice, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/safety/icing/890027.pdf
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IRS Publishes 2008 Aviation Excise Tax Rates
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published the 2008 inflation adjustments to the excise taxes due on commercial air transportation. The rates
for 2008 are: domestic segment fee, $3.50; international arrival/departure tax, $15.40; and international arrival/departure tax for Hawaii or Alaska
flights, $7.70. The IRS did not modify the 7.5 percent tax that applies to the amount paid for domestic commercial air transportation. Revenue
Procedure 2007-66 will be modified in the near future to include these 2008 inflation adjustments. These tax rates are applicable until February 29
to coincide with the pending FAA reauthorization. Depending on action taken by Congress, these excise tax rates could either be extended again or
modified if changes are made to the FAA's funding structure. For additional information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/taxes/federal
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Next CAM Exam Will Take Place in San Antonio, TX
The next paper-based Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam open to applicants will take place in San Antonio, TX on February 29, in conjunction with
the NBAA Leadership Conference – a two-day event offering insights on effective leadership and management. A computer-based testing (CBT) window
will follow in March. With the recent addition of CBT, the exam now will be offered at over 250 testing sites every other month beginning in January,
and three paper-based exams still will be offered in 2008. The CAM Exam is recognized in the aviation community as a benchmark for business aviation
professionalism. Those certified as CAMs gain esteem and credibility within the industry for their commitment to safety, security and effective
management in business aviation. The deadline for both the paper-based exam and the March CBT window is January 14. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam
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Hong Kong to Host Next Regional Forum in February
NBAA's ABACE Forum will take place in China at the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre on February 14. This one-day event will feature business
aviation's top vendors, industry leaders and experts from around the world, demonstrating the value of business aviation to emerging Asian markets.
Over 50 Exhibitors will display the latest aircraft, aviation equipment and services, and multiple Information Sessions will present the latest
developments in aircraft technology. To learn more about the ABACE Forum, including registration, program highlights, travel arrangements and
accommodations, visit:
http://www.abace.aero
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Virginia and Florida Will Host IS-BAO Workshops in
January
The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), in cooperation with NBAA, will present two International Standards for Business Aircraft
Operations (IS-BAO) Workshops this January. The first workshop will take place in Boca Raton, FL on January 11, and the second is scheduled for
January 17 in Richmond, VA. The goal of the workshops is to assist operators who are implementing the IS-BAO, accredit potential IS-BAO auditors and
provide information to other interested parties. For registration or additional information, contact IBAC's Katherine Perfetti at kperfetti@ibac.org, or visit the IBAC web site at:
http://www.ibac.org/is-bao/Audit%20Workshop.htm
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Online Registration Now Available for International Operators
Conference
Attendees can now register online for NBAA's 35th Annual International Operators Conference, which will be held in San Antonio, TX from March 10 to
13. The four-day Conference will feature Information Sessions on flight safety, security, efficiency and regulation. Speakers from around the world
will address international operational issues, new technologies and the latest trends in cultural sensitivities. The event also will provide
opportunities for networking with industry peers and introductions to service providers. To review the full agenda and register, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/ioc/2008
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Deadlines Approaching for Two NBAA Scholarships
NBAA's International Operators Committee, in conjunction with ExxonMobil Aviation and the Avitats, offers the International Operators Scholarship to
benefit business aviation professionals engaged in international operations. This scholarship provides funds to be applied toward a
professional/educational training program of the recipient's choice, and the deadline to apply is January 31. The Maintenance Technical Reward and
Career Scholarship (Maintenance TRACS) offers current and aspiring maintenance technicians the opportunity to receive initial technician training
courses for several aircraft models. Maintenance TRACS also provides scholarship courses for aircraft, engines avionics and professional development.
The deadline for this scholarship is February 15. To learn more or download applications, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/scholarships
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Applications Now Available for 2008 Flying Safety Awards
Applications for NBAA's 2008 Flying Safety Awards are now available. The awards are given annually as a testament to the high degree of
professionalism inherent in business aircraft operations and as a tribute to the skill and ability of a company's management, maintenance, pilot and
support personnel teams. They have brought worldwide attention to business aviation's safety record and have been endorsed and approved by the
National Safety Council. Award applications must be submitted to NBAA by March 1 either by mail or fax to (202) 331-8364. A printed copy of the rules
and regulations with application forms has been mailed to all Member operators, and PDF versions are available online. To learn more about award
categories and download an application, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/safetyawards
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NBAA Headquarters Closed for New Year Holiday
NBAA's Washington, DC Headquarters will close at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 31, and will remain closed on Tuesday, January 1, in observance of the
New Year holiday. The office will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2.
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SPDP Course: Weather and Aircraft Performance
January 28, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Resource Management for Aviation Leaders
January 28–29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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19th Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
January 29–February 1, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Aviation Security for the Business Aviation Flight Department
January 29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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SPDP Course: Building a Higher Performance Flight Department Team
January 29, 2008, Savannah, GA
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3rd Annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2008)
February 14, 2008, Hong Kong
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Regulatory Hot Topics Seminar
February 22, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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PDP Course: Flight Department Finance and Budget Accounting
February 26, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Leadership Conference
February 27–28, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Certified Aviation Manager Exam
February 29, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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35th Annual International Operators Conference
March 10–13, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
March 27, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
March 28, 2008, San Antonio, TX
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PDP Course: Managing the Aviation Safety Program
April 14, 2008, Daytona Beach, FL
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Maintenance Management Conference
April 15–17, 2008, Daytona Beach, FL
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Maintenance Manual Workshop
April 18, 2008, Daytona Beach, FL
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Certified Aviation Manager Exam
April 18, 2008, Daytona Beach, FL
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
April 24, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
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PDP Course: Customer Service
April 25, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
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Emergency Response Planning Workshop
April 28–29, 2008, Palm Harbor, FL
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53rd Annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar
April 29–May 1, 2008, Palm Harbor, FL
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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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