NATA Shifts Focus to Charter Industry

It’s been a busy spring at NATA! We just wrapped up our Aviation Business and Legislative Conference and are working hard to ensure the upcoming Air Charter Summit is an informative and exciting event. This year the Air Charter Summit is June 17-19 at the Marriott Dulles near Dulles International Airport. The on-demand air charter operators are a significant part of the NATA membership; and, due to their status as commercial air carriers, it seems there is always something new affecting them on the regulatory front. The daily impact Washington has on these businesses is precisely why the Air Charter Summit is one of NATA’s most popular annual events. As you read this edition of the Aviation Business Journal, you’ll learn about the issues critical to our air charter members and the initiatives NATA is pursuing to address the needs of this segment of our membership.

Ask most air charter operators about their biggest concerns and the impact of the IRS’ actions to collect commercial transportation excise taxes on amounts paid by aircraft owners for management services is bound to come up. Over the last few months, NATA staff has led a strong effort to help IRS officials better understand the complexities and differences with respect to aircraft management practices and how the term “possession, command and control” actually applies when an aircraft owner uses contract management services. I want to thank and recognize Marian Epps with Epps Aviation and Nel Stubbs with Conklin & deDecker for their invaluable participation in this effort. We’ve made significant progress over the last few weeks and believe IRS officials recognize the need for clear and precise guidance with respect to how commercial taxes apply in this area. We will continue to collaborate with the IRS toward creating new guidance that will address our industry’s concerns. While the publication of new guidance is a critical need, the on-going audit efforts by the IRS to collect these taxes retroactively are also an immediate concern for many operators. Our staff is asking IRS officials not to collect these taxes retroactively because of the need for clarity in the guidelines. We are also requesting the agency stay or delay audits where aircraft management costs are at issue, until such time that new guidance is developed. We will give a comprehensive update on this issue at the Air Charter Summit.

Finally, as we approach Memorial Day our thoughts rightly focus on the sacrifices made by the members our military forces. Given the unique aspects of NATA members’ businesses, they are in a position to offer aid and support to those who have sacrificed so much in support of our freedoms. At the 2013 Air Charter Summit, and throughout the year, NATA is continuing its support of the Veteran’s Airlift Command (VAC). This incredible organization coordinates free travel on private aircraft for our wounded warriors. To make a donation, visit http://www.nata.aero and follow the VAC link on our homepage. Also, as we did last year, NATA is sponsoring a charity raffle at the Air Charter Summit to support the VAC. I hope that all Air Charter Summit attendees will participate to support this very special program. See you there!

Article originally appeared in Aviation Business Journal.

An Event For All Members

In less than two weeks, NATA will host its first Aviation Business & Legislative Conference in the Washington, D.C. area. This event is a rebrand and refocus of our FBO Leadership Conference that was held in previous years. The Aviation Business & Legislative Conference provides value and business and industry advice to all of our members. In addition, it affords our members from each constituency an opportunity to connect with one another.

We are looking forward to a full schedule of events that week in addition to the conference programming, including sessions on the business aviation outlook, generational leadership, disaster recovery and assistance and new healthcare laws as well as sessions providing information on the latest regulatory and legislative issues from the TSA, FAA and key senior Capitol Hill staff. Also included with the conference are the Industry Excellence Awards Dinner on Monday night and the Congressional Reception on Tuesday evening.

One of the most important aspects of this event is the unique opportunity to connect directly with your Members of Congress at the Congressional Reception on Tuesday evening at the US Capitol. NATA represents the interests of our members on Capitol Hill every day but, in order to heighten our impact, we need your help to put a face to the industry. Visiting with your representatives helps demonstrate the vital importance of your business to your community as well as to the Nation’s economy.

In addition, NATA will hold its Spring Committee Meetings on Wednesday following the conference. This is another important opportunity for our members to assist NATA in shaping the future of our association and to help bring important issues to the forefront of our agenda. Our committee members have always played a fundamental role in developing and testing products and training programs, setting the legislative and regulatory agenda, and providing benchmarks and support for other members. We look forward to seeing our committee members and, as always, our members are invited to attend the committee meetings as guests.

If you have not already done so, please register to attend. We appreciate your support and help in making your voice heard in Washington.

Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training Off To A Fast Start

NATA’s Safety 1^st Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training (AFCT) program is receiving praise from the industry and I want to make sure to recognize the hard-working professionals that were instrumental in the development and testing of this cutting-edge online program.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Suran Wijayawardana of ACP Jets, Damon Danneker of JetFlite International, Terri Farish of Chantilly Air and Eric Lugger of Landmark Aviation, several of whom serve on NATA’s Air Charter Committee. Their dedication and expertise helped ensure the top-rate training being applauded by the industry today. Just this week at the ACSF Symposium, attendees shared with me that the AFCT program is easy to administer, is the most comprehensive tool for flight schedulers and is highly recommended for anyone looking to formalize their flight scheduler training.

NATA is proud of our online programs and we’re pleased with the  many loyal members involved in the development process from start-to-finish as well as those who assist NATA in keeping our training continuously up-to-date.

For those who are not yet familiar with the AFCT program, it is created for all individuals that participate in flight planning and release processes. The goal of the program is to make flight planning professionals well versed in their areas of responsibilities, and an integral part of their flight planning team. We encourage all of our members to learn more about the program through this link.

2013 Already Off To A Great Start

Happy New Year to all of our NATA supporters! The first week of 2013, though short, was crammed with exciting news and developments. We were delighted with the Senate’s leadership in confirming Michael Huerta as FAA Administrator for a five-year term. What a positive way for our industry to begin the New Year. We look forward to continuing to work with Huerta on NextGen and many other aviation initiatives. He’s a strong leader with great intellect and integrity and the right leader to lead this important government agency.

NATA’s year also got off to a great start by welcoming Jim Coon as Executive Vice President and Amy B. Koranda to her new post as Vice President. Amy, Jim and the staff are diving right in on the development of a strategic plan for the association. Under their guidance, NATA will continue to thrive and lay the groundwork for empowering our members to be safe and successful aviation businesses.

We are also excited about the launch last week of the new NATA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program™ managed by Beacon Aviation Insurance Services. The new program offers members competitive rates, comprehensive coverages, attractive dividend opportunities, and EZ Pay option plans. In selecting to work with Beacon Aviation Insurance Services, we were particularly pleased by their dedication to providing outstanding customer service to their clients. We’re very happy to extend our congratulations to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport as the first participant in NATA’s new Workers’ Compensation Insurance program. We are confident that they and other NATA members that participate in the program will be pleased.

In just a few weeks, NATA’s leadership will convene in San Antonio for the association’s first board of directors meeting of 2013. Also that week, our Business Management Committee will meet and the Presidents Council will hold its first dinner engagement this year. All of these events will be held concurrently with NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. NATA will have a booth (#433) and will hold demos and drawings for a cutting-edge new product called NATA’s Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training. We hope to see many of you there.

While we had a lot to be optimistic about in just the first few days of the year, there is much more to come. NATA’s momentum is building, and we’ll be sharing with you many exciting changes as the year progresses. Visit here often to stay updated.

NATA Trajectory On Course

After a busy and productive several weeks, I wanted to pause and give you an update on some exciting announcements and several opportunities that I’ve had to tell the story of our industry.

At NBAA’s Annual Meeting and Convention, I participated on an Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA) press conference with fellow AAAA board members Selena Shilad of AAAA, Ed Bolen of NBAA, Matt Zuccaro of HAI and Niel Ritchie of the League of Rural Voters to discuss the important work of the AAAA and some of its achievements. Most recently, AAAA launched a new website, www.aviationacrossamerica.org.  Among the many features is an interactive map of the U.S. showing a snapshot of the economic impact of general aviation by state, community and, very importantly, congressional district.  To date, they have also been successful in garnering the support of 46 of the 50 state governors through signed proclamations recognizing the value of general aviation.  I also had an opportunity to meet many of our members on the show floor and to attend the Air Charter Safety Foundation Board of Governors meeting.

On the way back to Washington on November 1, I had the great pleasure to speak at the opening of Auburn University’s Aviation Management Advisory Board meeting.  I expressed the vital importance of NATA to the aviation community, the immense value of aviation to the country and finally the vast significance of their future role as leaders in perpetuating and advancing this incredibly exciting and rewarding industry.

Just this past week, NATA concluded another successful Aviation Business Roundtable – my first.  We followed this with a very busy, yet productive Board of Directors Meeting.  In these events, we made some major personnel announcements.  I was particularly pleased to announce that Jim Coon will be joining NATA as our executive vice president and Amy B. Koranda is being promoted to vice president. Jim, currently the chief of staff of the U.S. House Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will lead NATA’s policy, strategy and advocacy efforts.  Amy will add several major association programs to her current responsibilities as head of NATA’s highly regarded Safety 1st Program.  With Jim and Amy rounding out our senior leadership team, we are poised to advance the association services and to reposition NATA within Washington.

To cap the week off, I am honored to have been named to the Board of Governors of the Aero Club of Washington at this week’s luncheon and annual meeting.  For many years, the Aero Club of Washington has brought together people from all areas of aviation to discuss the most pressing issues of our industry, and I am proud to serve on their board with others who value aviation so highly in their lives and careers.

With the holidays approaching, it is a time for reflection and giving thanks.  I am most thankful for my family, the opportunity to work to protect and advance the wonderful aviation businesses that make up this dynamic organization, the support of our membership and the tireless efforts of our board members and staff.

Candidates Should Highlight Invaluable Services of GA

Greetings from Washington! In advance of tonight’s second presidential debate, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is encouraging both President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney to focus on the vital role that aviation plays in the U.S. economy.

The general aviation industry employs 1.3 million people and contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy. It’s important that our leaders recognize the massive job-creating role of general aviation. Aviation is the critical component that connects the U.S. economy, and we simply cannot take it for granted or use it for partisan political purposes.

In the first presidential debate, President Obama erroneously implied that general aviation received unfair tax breaks, but, without question, general aviation pays its fair share of taxes. Clearly, both candidates need to focus on the more important issue: our significant contribution to the U.S. economy. When the U.S. economy comes roaring back, general aviation is going to be playing an important role in the front lines.

I am hopeful that as both candidates participate in tonight’s town hall debate they will take the opportunity to highlight the invaluable services that the general aviation community provides to the U.S. and global economy now and moving forward.

Visit or return to NATA website: www.nata.aero.

Highlights and the Road Forward

Greetings from Washington! Having completed my first month as president and CEO of NATA, I want to reflect on some of the significant highlights and provide an update on where I can be found in the coming weeks.

I spent the second half of September getting to know our NATA staff individually to find out what they feel works well and to learn more about areas of opportunity for improvement. We also met collectively to discuss our board’s vision for the association in the coming years.  We’ll work hard over the next few months to develop goals and strategies to support that vision. Our main priority, however, is to make sure that this vision is shared and supported by our staff and membership alike.

Early in my tenure, I pledged to continue building on important relationships with industry leaders and government officials to help us fully understand and effectively tackle key issues. In late September, I addressed NATA’s Presidents Council on its monthly conference call to discuss our vision for the association. I was also very pleased to meet with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Deborah Hersman, Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole to discuss the importance of general aviation to our economy and pledged to work with all three to craft solutions to industry issues that work for everyone. I am also excited that both Mr. Huerta and Mr. Pistole graciously accepted NATA’s invitation to speak to industry leaders at our upcoming Aviation Business Roundtable on November 13-14 in Arlington, Virginia. And this past week, NTSB Member Robert Sumwalt paid a visit to our offices to meet the staff and discuss opportunities for NATA and NTSB to work together.

Finally, we have been working very closely with Beacon Aviation Insurance Services to ensure that our members are offered the best array of benefits in our new Workers’ Compensation Insurance program set to launch January 1, 2013. To find out more about the benefits of this exciting new program, visit
http://www.beaconais.com/NATA/WC.html
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In October, my schedule includes a visit to the 20 Group in Fargo, the AOPA Summit in Palm Springs, and the NBAA Convention in Orlando, and on November 1 a speaking engagement at Auburn University. I look forward to these upcoming opportunities to meet NATA members, and I am excited to get the chance to speak to the faculty and students of Auburn about the importance of aviation now and in the future. I hope to get a chance to meet or talk to each of you soon!