| Business Aviation News & Issues |
|
NBAA Rejects Claims About Business Aviation in Group's
Press Release
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen today renounced the unsubstantiated inference, made in a recent press release by a transportation consultancy, the
Stanford Transportation Group (STG), that business aviation drives trends in first-class airline travel. "STG's press release gives undeserved
credibility to a baseless case for why airlines have fewer first-class passengers," Bolen said. "Their claims only provide fodder for the airlines'
Washington lobbyists to try to blame the industry's economic woes on general aviation." To review a June 19 letter NBAA sent STG, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/letters/STG20080619.php
|
NBAA Letter Details Industry's Continuing Progress on
Emissions
NBAA this week sent a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation detailing the business aviation community's
ongoing progress in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing its environmental footprint. "NBAA acknowledges that when it comes to general aviation
operations, environmental stewardship is an imperative," the letter states. "We continually work to develop reasonable and balanced policies that
support the industry's twin objectives of promoting mobility while minimizing its environmental footprint." The committee has scheduled a hearing on
Tuesday to consider climate change issues. To review a copy of NBAA's letter, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20080623Inouye.pdf
|
House Approves NASA Reauthorization Bill
The House of Representatives approved legislation reauthorizing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the next fiscal
year. HR 6063, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008, recommends increases in NASA's overall FYO9 budget to support aviation programs and the
Aeronautics Research and Development Mission Directorate, including aviation safety, NextGen modernization, noise, energy efficiency and aircraft
emissions. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen sent a letter to the bill's sponsors supporting HR 6063 during House consideration. For more information,
contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org. To read Bolen's letter, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20080612Gordon.pdf
|
House Subcommittee Panel Considers FY09 Transportation Funding Bill
The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development approved a bill that increases funding for aviation
safety and system improvement initiatives. The bill provides fiscal year 2009 funding for the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and a number of other federal agencies. The FAA would receive $15.372 billion in FY09 (an increase above the $14.915 billion
provided in FY08) including $8.995 billion for FAA operations; $2.691 billion for the FAA Facilities and Equipment Program; and $3.5 billion for the
Airport Improvement Program. The bill also provides for 200 additional FAA aviation inspectors and enhanced air traffic controller training
initiatives. The bill now moves to the full House Appropriations Committee for further consideration. For more information, contact NBAA's Dick
Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
|
FAA Modifies Rule for Part 135 ETOPS
On June 16, the FAA published a direct final rule to clarify the qualifications for individuals who may certify by signature the extended operations
(ETOPS) pre-departure service check (PDSC) for ETOPS flights. The change will allow the PDSC for ETOPS flights departing from locations outside of
the U.S. to be accomplished and signed off by maintenance personnel who have the requisite experience and training to return the aircraft to service.
Previously, the rule had indicated that only personnel with FAA-issued airframe & powerplant licenses could conduct the PDSC. NBAA advocated
strongly for this change, which will remove significant challenges most Part 135 operators would have faced complying with the rule when operating
outside the U.S. The change was made effective immediately. For additional information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org, or download the final rule at:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/part135/etops/
|
Host Change for ICAO Flight Plans Set for June 29
Effective June 29, the FAA is completing a change in all Host systems that will automatically assign preferential routes based on the equipment
capability contained in International Civil Aviation Organization flight plans (ICAO FPLs). The change is being made now to help facilitate the
transition from the Host system to the new En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which will replace the legacy Host computer processing
system used in 20 air route traffic control centers (ARTCC). The FAA web site has been updated with a contingency plan for anyone participating in
the transition. The detailed plan goes over the steps to be taken in the month prior to the switch, in addition to several plans should issues come
up during the transition. For more information, contact NBAA's John Kosak at jkosak@nbaa.org, or visit the FAA
web site at:
http://www.faa.gov/ato?k=fpl
|
DC Energy Summit on Rising Fuel Costs to Feature NBAA's Bolen
In response to the challenges facing the general aviation community over spiking fuel costs, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will participate in a
one-day summit held by aviation industry leaders to focus on the issue. Bolen will be joined by panelists from other aviation organizations,
including the American Association of Airport Executives, Air Transport Association, International Air Transport Association and Regional Airline
Association. The event, scheduled for July 10 in Washington, DC, also will include leaders from Congress, the Department of Transportation and
Federal Aviation Administration. To review the program for the event, and to register, visit:
http://events.aaae.org/sites/080714
|
2007 Breiling Accident Review Available
Robert E. Breiling Associates has released the 2007 Annual Business Turbine Aircraft Accident Review. The annual review has become the
industry's guide to aviation safety, with more than 500 pages of detailed narrative accounts of 446 fixed- and rotary-wing turbine aircraft accidents
and incidents reported worldwide in 2007. A summary of each accident is included, identifying aircraft model, operator type, phase of operation,
conditions and a factual description of all reported circumstances. NBAA Members will receive a discount when purchasing the review. For more
information, contact Breiling Associates at (561) 338-6900 or by e-mail at rbreiling@bigplanet.com.
|
|
|
Proposed Burbank Nighttime Curfew Draws Strong Opposition
In written comments filed with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, a number of operators and government entities have sided with NBAA in
strongly opposing a proposed curfew on nighttime flights at Bob Hope Airport (BUR). Most significantly, the FAA advised Burbank that the curfew
proposal does not appear to satisfy federal law. The airport "arbitrarily established a goal to eliminate nighttime noise," said the FAA. "Such a
goal could be adopted at any commercial air service airport in the national airport system. It is self-fulfilling." To read NBAA's web article with
further detail about the situation, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/bur
|
FAA Asks Pilots to Note Configuration of Pueblo Runways, Avoid
Incursions
The FAA's Runway Safety Office has notified NBAA about the number of runway incursions at Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB) in Pueblo, CO. This airport
has an unusual configuration: Runway 8R/26L runs along the north edge of the ramp with no physical divider separating the ramp from the runway. Only
a 4,000-foot-long hold line marks the boundary of the runway. The most common incursion is for a pilot to be instructed and correctly read back "hold
short Runway 8R/26L" and then cross the runway hold line not realizing that the runway is there. It is critical that pilots calling for taxi from the
ramp to (1) identify the hold line for the ramp runway prior to taxi, and (2) follow the painted yellow taxiway centerlines when taxiing on the ramp.
NBAA encourages Members to become familiar with the airport configuration prior to arrival and again before taxi. To view the FAA's report and
diagram of runaway incursion areas, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/member/ops/airspace/regional/midwest/
|
FBO Confusion at Birmingham International Leads to Operational Error
Recent confusion regarding two identically named fixed base operators (FBOs) at Birmingham International Airport (BHM) in Alabama led to an
operational error when a pilot stopped on the runway to decide which FBO was the correct destination. Locally, the airport refers to the two FBOs as
Atlantic Aviation East and Atlantic Aviation West. Pilots not familiar with the airport should confirm which FBO they plan to use (east or west)
before arriving at the airport and provide that information to the air traffic controller when requested. For more information, contact NBAA's
Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org.
|
This Week's NBAA Regional Forum Will Address Aircraft Resale, Part
135 Ops and Safety
The next NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum will be held this week on June 26 at Dayton International Airport (DAY) in Dayton, OH. In a featured
session, Susan Sheets of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA) and a panel of NARA members will speak and answer questions on pre-owned
aircraft sales. Other session topics include on-demand operations under Part 135 and the threat and error management systems approach to safety. The
event will feature approximately 30 static aircraft, 60 Exhibitors and hundreds of Attendees. In addition, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen will speak
about current issues facing the industry, FAA Air Traffic Control Traffic Management personnel will be available at the NBAA GA Desk/FAA Booth
throughout the day, and NBAA staff will be on-site to provide information on Member benefits. To register and learn more, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/forums/20080626
|
IS-BAO Workshop to Follow Regional Forum in Dayton
An International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Workshop will be held in Dayton, OH on June 27 following the NBAA Business
Aviation Regional Forum on June 26. The event will include information on the IS-BAO, a discussion of how an operator can implement IS-BAO, and an
introduction to the risk assessment process and development of an operator's safety management system. The workshop will be held at the Hampton Inn
and Suites, beginning with continental breakfast and registration at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit:
http://www.ibac.org/isbao_workshop.php
|
SDRAA to Host Carlsbad Customs Open House
The San Diego Regional Aviation Association (SDRAA) will host an open house and panel discussion on the new Customs facility at McClellan-Palomar
Airport (CRQ). Earlier this year, a U.S. Customs office opened at the airport, allowing general aviation arriving from foreign countries to land at
CRQ without having to stop elsewhere for a Customs check. A panel featuring SDRAA members, Customs officials, San Diego County officials and local
operators will discuss Customs rules and helpful tips for business aircraft operators. The event will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 4:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. at Jet Source, 2056 Palomar Airport Road, in the Spectrum Hangar. A networking happy hour will follow the discussion. For more information,
contact Dave Richter at drichter@flysandiego.org or visit:
http://www.flysandiego.org
|
FAA Requesting Customer Feedback for the Los
Angeles Area
The FAA is requesting customer feedback regarding the air traffic services provided by the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center. Responses to
the survey will assist the FAA in improving air traffic services for the area and in making future decisions about the services it provides.
Customers are asked to download and complete the survey form and return it to the FAA by September 15. Survey returns may be made by e-mail, fax or
postal mail, and contact information appears on the form.
|
FAA Regional Runway Safety Summit Coming to Seattle in July
The FAA Northwest Mountain Regional Runway Safety Summit will be held from July 23 to 24 at the Holiday Inn at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
(SEA) in Seattle, WA, where the aviation community will come together and share information on efforts to reduce the risk of surface operations. The
summit will feature speakers from all segments of the aviation community and best-practice workshops, where participants will have the opportunity to
share best practices in the operations of airports, airplanes and the air traffic control system. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday,
July 23, and end Thursday July 24 at 1:00 p.m. There is no fee to attend, however, participants are asked to register in advance. For registration
information, contact the FAA's Mike Meigs at (425) 227-2354 or NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org.
|
Pacific Rim Schedulers & Dispatchers to Meet July 17
The next Pacific Rim Schedulers & Dispatchers Association (PRSDA) meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17 at the Banquet Center of the Oregon
Zoo in Portland, OR from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be included. A block of hotel rooms has been reserved in downtown Portland at a
discounted rate. To RSVP and inquire about lodging reservations, contact the PRSDA's Michaelle Olson at maolson@flyglobalnow.com by July 10. For more information, contact NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org.
|
|
|
NBAA Member Profile: Luck Stone
During this challenging period for the housing industry, NBAA Member Company Luck Stone, a family-owned, Manakin, VA-based supplier of stone
construction products, is reaffirming its commitment to business aviation. President and CEO Charles S. Luck, IV explained that meeting with
customers and employees to boost confidence and morale is even more important during a downturn. Luck Stone's Beech King Air 350 allows Luck and his
management team to visit employees at the company's plants, and is used to fly in prospective customers to see the quality products the company
sells. The company is profiled in the most recent edition of Business Aviation Insider, NBAA's official Member newsletter. To review the
profile, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/news/insider/2008/0608/member-0608.php
|
Don't Miss This Week's Flight Attendants Conference in AZ
The NBAA 13th Annual Flight Attendants Conference will be held this week from June 27 to 28 in Tucson, AZ. The theme for this year's Conference is
"Going Global, New Challenges for Today's Flight Attendants." In a featured session, Doug Carr, NBAA vice president, safety, security &
regulation, will discuss business aviation security issues for international travel and rulemaking within the Department of Homeland Security,
Transportation Security Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization. Additional session topics will include the impact of regulation
on business aviation flight attendants, managing fatigue to maintain safe operations and global health issues. To register online or review the
agenda, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/fac/2008
|
NBAA PDP Workshop Tomorrow in Tucson
NBAA will offer the Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Professional Development Program (PDP) Workshop on June 25 and 26 in Tucson, AZ.
The two-day Workshop will educate flight department managers about compliance, safety, finances and other important topics. Features of this program
include an entire section on personnel issues, an emphasis on internal and external communications, mini-case studies to stimulate class
participation and extensive notes, templates, forms and checklists useful in daily flight department operations. It will be held at the Hilton El
Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort.
|
Deadline to Apply for September CAM Exam Is Next Month
The next Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam offered in a computer-based testing (CBT) format will be held in September at various locations
throughout the country. NBAA introduced computer-based testing for the CAM Exam last year to provide greater convenience and flexibility for Members
who would like to become CAMs. The next paper-based exam open to applications will be offered October 5, in conjunction with NBAA's 61st Annual
Meeting & Convention in Orlando, FL. The CAM credential is considered the highest recognition for business aviation professionals. Through
certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the safety, security and effective management of business aviation. The deadline to apply
for the CBT in September is July 17, and the deadline for the paper-based test in October is August 21. To learn more, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/cam
|
|
|
Flight Operations Manual Workshop
June 23–24, 2008, Tucson, AZ
|
Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
June 25–26, 2008, Tucson, AZ
|
Business Aviation Regional Forum
June 26, 2008, Dayton, OH
|
13th Annual Flight Attendants Conference
June 27–28, 2008, Tucson, AZ
|
Business Aviation Regional Forum
September 10, 2008, Bedford, MA
|
12th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament
October 4, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
PDP Course: Record Keeping and Regulatory Compliance
October 4, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
17th Annual NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference
October 4–5, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Emergency Response Planning Workshop
October 4–5, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Flight Operations Manual Workshop
October 4–5, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
PDP Course: Goal Achievement and Conducting Valuable Performance Reviews
October 5, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam
October 5, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
61st Annual Meeting & Convention
October 6–8, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Maintenance Manual Workshop
October 9, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
October 9–10, 2008, Orlando, FL
|
Review the Full NBAA Events Calendar
http://www.nbaa.org/events/date
|
Review Future NBAA Convention Dates
http://www.nbaa.org/events
|
|
|
|
