Tonight, due to NATA’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, Congress will pass a bill that now includes stimulus for both passenger air carriers and their contractors, who had been left out of early drafts of the legislation. The nearly 5,500 page bill will fund the government through the next fiscal year and provide nearly $900 billion in COVID-related economic stimulus.
The bill also includes the House-Senate compromise of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft certification reform legislation and the No Surprises Act, which will affect medical transport operators and their ability to collect against patients that are out-of-network.
Payroll Support Program
The Payroll Support Program will provide $15 billion for passenger air carriers and $1 billion for their contractors. When initially released by a bipartisan, bicameral working group, the bill neglected contractors entirely. But due to key relationships of NATA and those of our members, we were able to persuade negotiators to include contractors as eligible under the renewed PPP program. Today, NATA was advised by our contact at the Department of Treasury that they plan to use the same portal for applicants that was created under the CARES Act.
The bill gives the US Department of Treasury 5 days to publish application guidance and 10 days to make initial payments. It allows new applicants, and, as before, allows the Treasury to make pro rata reductions in award amounts based on the universe of applications received.
Funding for Airports
While the package includes $2 billion for airport sponsors and in-terminal concessionaires, general aviation and nonprimary commercial service airports are only allotted $45 million which will be distributed according to formula. The bill also provides $5 million for airports with contract air traffic control towers which will be distributed evenly amongst such airports. While formula funding is based on enplanements, the bill provides an exception by premising future awards on the higher of passenger counts in 2018 or 2019. Airports that received more than four years of operating expenses under the CARES Act would be precluded from additional funding under this bill.
Separately, the government spending section of the bill provides an additional $400 million for the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), on top of the $3.35 billion authorized this year. That funding will be drawn from the general fund of the Treasury, and not the Airport and Airways Trust Fund which usually funds the AIP program.
Renewed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The bill would establish a second draw of PPP loans for businesses that can show a reduction in gross receipts of 25% or more between the first and third quarters of 2019 versus the same timeframe in 2020. Similar to the CARES Act, it appears to cap loans at the lesser of two and a half times a monthly average of 2019 payroll, or if an entity choses the previous 12 months of payroll, or two million. The bill seeks to clarify tax treatment of loans previously forgiven pursuant to the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In short, the amount received or forgiven under the program is not included in gross income by reason of the forgiveness of the indebtedness. Likewise, for new loans made and forgiven under this second go around of PPP, the amounts shall not be included in gross income.
NATA Continues Assistance for Aviation Businesses NATA will walk members through the PSP and PPP relief programs related to aviation businesses during a webinar on Wednesday, December 23 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Jonathon and I will be joined by Vedder Price’s David Hernandez to answer your questions. We also remain at your assistance in navigating the application for relief as we have done since the inception of the CARES Act. If you should have questions, please submit them to COVID@nata.aero.
On the doorstep of what will likely be one of the most historic and consequential elections in our lifetimes, Congress has struggled to strike a deal to extend aid to airports and aviation. Along the way, we have leveraged NATA’s bipartisan and bicameral relationships and connections to continue a robust advocacy program on behalf of the industry that we feel has positioned us to secure important legislative victories as soon as negotiations resume. And, as the FAA adapts to a new reality, NATA has had tremendous success with petitions that will support operational continuity for Part 135 air carriers.
Regardless of the election outcome, the Association is poised to maintain its leadership role in Washington, DC. We have always been, and will continue to be, an Association willing to work with policymakers, regardless of party stripe, to help them understand the industry and the support needed for our members. Whatever happens, election cycles always bring a host of new policymakers to Capitol Hill and new faces to federal agencies. We are already beginning to plan an outreach and education campaign aimed at forging relationships with these new officials.
On November 12 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, NATA will host a webinar “Election 2020: The Impacts on Aviation Businesses” to discuss what may lie ahead for aviation businesses following the 2020 Election. Join us for a dynamic discussion with representatives from both sides of the aisle, following one of the most pivotal points for our nation and industry.
Best regards,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
Jonathon Freye VP, Government and Public Affairs National Air Transportation Association
It has been a week of starts and stops on Capitol Hill as Congress and the White House consider the prospect of additional COVID-related stimulus legislation. Along every step of the way, NATA has remained at the table as a part of the discussions, advocating for our industry. Today, NATA as part of a broad coalition of general aviation industry associations delivered a letter detailing the needs of our industry to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and key committee leadership.
Negotiations from last week resumed on Monday as Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin participated in multiple discussions including the extension of the air carrier Payroll Support Program (PSP). NATA has been in constant communication with Capitol Hill, urging for continued eligibility of Part 135 air carriers, Part 145 MROs, and contractors to the airlines in any additional PSP funding. In today’s letter to House leadership, NATA and other industry associations asked negotiators to consider a suite of relief for our industry, including:
Increasing assistance to nonprimary airport sponsors at such a level that would enable them to provide abatement of leases and minimum annual guarantees for tenant businesses that provide aeronautical services (a key NATA request since the pandemic began)
Adjusting Airport Improvement Program and Federal Contract Tower Program formulas to base 2021 award amounts on pre-COVID traffic levels
Ensuring that the general aviation manufacturing and maintenance industry has sufficient access to payroll support
On Wednesday, however, President Trump signaled via tweet that the White House would not engage in any further negotiations on additional COVID aid. But today, talks resumed between Pelosi and Mnuchin, with the White House proposing a $1.8 trillion pricetag, which will likely still be difficult for Senate Republicans to accept. In addition, Senate Majority Leader McConnell has signaled that, at this time, he intends to prioritize the confirmation of an additional Supreme Court justice in the remaining days prior to the election.
Despite an unclear future for the negotiations as of this writing, NATA continues to be a part of the discussions with key policymakers, and we will keep you informed as the political landscape evolves.
Sincerely,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
Jonathon Freye VP, Government and Public Affairs National Air Transportation Association
While President signed a stopgap spending bill last night that has prevented a government shutdown, Congress and the White House were unable to reach a deal extending the Payroll Support Program (PSP) before today’s deadline. Despite faltering talks between Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who has been the White House’s liaison on further COVID-related relief legislation, we understand that the House is nonetheless expected to vote on an updated version of the “Heroes Act” it had introduced and passed on a party-line vote earlier this summer. In an e-mail earlier this week, we summarized that legislation: while it would indeed extend the PSP and renew the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), it does not provide the lease abatement support that NATA has been seeking for airport tenant businesses.
Because a vote is expected, Capitol Hill staff continue working on the legislation. Last night, we received a call from key staffers working to make the air carrier loan program created by the CARES Act a more useful tool for NATA member companies. To date, that program has been largely undersubscribed, in part, because of the Treasury Department’s misunderstanding of the nature of our industry and collateral requirements for loan applicants. As you know, NATA has been actively working with both the Treasury Department and Capitol Hill to find a fix. We are hopeful that if there is a deal to be had on COVID-related relief legislation, this fix will be a part of it.
In the meantime, NATA has several important regulatory developments to report, one requiring your immediate action in support of relief that would be provided to hundreds of general aviation airports and FBOs across the country. NATA is working tirelessly alongside our members and on their behalf to secure access to important regulatory provisions to ensure the industry’s operations and safety are continuous. We ask that you carefully review the following proposal to NFPA 407 and updates to FAA-granted relief.
NATA Urges Industry to Comment on Proposed Change to NFPA 407
On behalf of our membership and the industry, NATA has submitted a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) proposing an important change to NFPA 407- Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing – the national fire code adopted by most airports in the United States.Proposed TIA 1539 provides relief to hundreds of general aviation airports and FBOs from the requirement that they retrofit their fuel farms and mobile refuelers with automatic shutdown systems (aka: “scully type” systems). NATA’s proposed TIA removes the retroactive nature of the current language in the NFPA 407, applying it to only new fuel farm/fuel truck installations. Without the change proposed in the NATA TIA, airports and FBOs would be faced with a $6,000-$10,000 bill per fuel farm loading rack, and $2,500-$3,500 bill per fuel truck, with all equipment needing to be retrofitted by June of 2021.
Your help is needed to pass this TIA which is currently open for public comment. Passage of the TIA requires three-quarters vote from the technical committee overseeing NFPA 407. We encourage all stakeholders to contact the NFPA and the 407 Technical Committee letting them know you support proposed TIA 1539. To let your voice be heard, submit your comments to tias_errata_fis@nfpa.org before November 9, 2020.
NATA suggests you include the following information in your email comment to NFPA:
A clear indication that you support TIA 1539 and encourage the technical committee to approve the TIA
Brief information about your business and role
Your contact information
For questions or additional information, please contact NATA’s Steve Berry at sberry@nata.aero.
FAA Grants NATA-Requested Extension on Crewmember Relief
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted NATA’s request for another extension to the 18510 exemption regarding certain crew training and checking requirements. NATA’s continued engagement with the FAA is crucial as the lifting of restrictions remains fluid and we move toward a return to operations. NATA and its members appreciate the ongoing efforts of the FAA to address the needs of the industry.
The 18510 exemption, available to all Part 119 certificated carriers operating under Part 135, was initially granted to NATA in late March and was previously extended twice. The new extension for Exemption No. 18510C extends the date to December 31, 2020. The provision of relief for training and qualification requirements for crewmembers due through December 31, 2020 corresponds to an extension of the exemption through March 31, 2021 to accommodate the allowance of two additional grace months for training requirements that already include a grace month.
The inclusion of training due through December 31, 2020, means that, for a crewmember who was due to complete recurrent training in December for a requirement that already allowed for one grace month by regulation, the original regulatory grace month is January 2021. With the two-month extension provided by this exemption, the crewmember’s grace months are January, February, and March 2021. If the crewmember completes the training in the January through March 2021 timeframe, the crewmember will be considered to have completed it in December 2020.
However, the FAA noted that, unlike the other regulatory sections included in the relief provided by this exemption, 14 CFR §§ 135.245(c) and 135.247(a) do not already permit a regulatory grace month. The exemption provides only one grace month to complete the requirements of §§ 135.245(c) and 135.247(a). Thus, for a crewmember who is due to meet the requirements of §§ 135.245(c) and 135.247(a) in December 2020, the crewmember’s grace month provided in this exemption is January 2021, but not February or March 2021.
Every Part 135 operator should obtain and carefully review these exemptions.
Exemption No. 18509B Regulations addressed: §§ 135.293(b), 135.295(e) and (g), 135.297(c)(1)(i) and (ii), 135.331(c)(3), (5), and (7), 135.347(a), and 135.351(b)(2) and (c) provides alternative methods to conduct certain required crewmember emergency procedures during recurrent and upgrade training, testing, and checking. This exemption remains in effect until November 30, 2020.
Exemption No. 18510C Regulations addressed: §§ 135.245(c), 135.247(a), 135.301(a), 135.323(b), 135.337(g), 135.338(g), 135.339(b), 135.340(b), and 135.505(d) provides limited relief from the timeframes for completing recurrent training and qualification requirements for ground personnel and crewmembers. The FAA found it unnecessary in 18510C to grant the same amount of relief with respect to §§ 135.245(c) and 135.247(a). Section 135.245(c) requires each person serving as a second in command to complete certain instrument experience tasks within the preceding 6 calendar months. Section 135.247(a) requires each person serving as a pilot in command to complete at least three takeoff and landings in the preceding 90 days.
FAA to Publish SFAR 118-2, Recognizing Industry Needs
The FAA, responding to concerns voiced by NATA and other industry organizations, will publish an amendment to SFAR 118, titled SFAR 118-2. The original SFAR 118 recognized that stay-at-home orders, social distancing considerations and other disruptions caused by compliance with CDC guidelines addressing the Covid-19 pandemic led to difficulty in complying with relevant Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). SFAR 118-2 further amends the regulatory relief originally provided in the Relief for Certain Persons and Operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) final rule and the Limited Extension of Relief for Certain Persons and Operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency final rule. This relief allows operators to continue to use pilots and other crewmembers in support of essential operations during this extended period. This SFAR also provides regulatory relief to additional persons unable to meet duration and renewal requirements due to the public health emergency. Finally, this rule allows certain air carriers and operators to fly temporary overflow aircraft to a point of storage pursuant to a special flight permit with a continuing authorization. It is important to note that, apart from certain specific medical certification requirements, SFAR 118-2 is not generally an extension of the original relief. Rather, it is an expansion of relief to a group of airmen not originally covered by SFAR 118. It also modifies the relief for compliance with medical certification defined by the original SFAR. Like the original SFAR 118, the relief for operational, training and testing requirements does not apply to operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 135. Relief defined for medical certification is applicable to all covered airmen.
SFAR 118-2 provides relief from a variety of requirements in the following areas:
Training, recent experience, testing and checking requirements
Duration of medicals, knowledge tests
General procedures for completing a practical test
Renewal requirements for inspectors, flight instructors & pilot schools
Requirements for mechanics, parachute riggers, UAS ops
Since many locations continue to have significant limitations on travel and personal interactions, NATA remains in frequent discussions with FAA regarding the ongoing difficulty of completing examinations and other events necessary to comply with FAR.
The full text of the rule, including a comprehensive chart summarizing the differences between the amendment and the original SFAR, can be found here. In addition, a NATA webinar addressing the original SFAR can be found on the NATA web site under archived webinars or at this link. Members whose operations may be impacted by these changes are encouraged to review the rule. Questions about the application to a specific situation can be addressed to the local FAA offices outlined in the rule or to NATA at covid@nata.aero.
As always, we thank you for your support, attention, and action. Together, we will continue to make a difference.
Best,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
Jonathon Freye VP, Government and Public Affairs National Air Transportation Association
As you know, NATA has been in nearly constant communication with our allies on Capitol Hill discussing the kinds of assistance our industry needs as we continue the process of recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Specifically, that means advocating that NATA members including contractors to the airlines and Part 135 air carriers, and the thousands of workers they employ, remain eligible for federal assistance programs.
Just a few moments ago, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and Senator Susan Collins, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduceda bill to extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP) that was created by the CARES Act. The legislative proposal is largely a “clean” extension of the PSP, and would extend the program through March 2021. Additional highlights include:
Provide $28 billion in assistance for passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers, and airline contractors;
$11 billion in new appropriations
$17.4 billion in funding repurposed from unspent CARES Act PSP funds and loans
Preserve national air service;
CARES Act taxpayer protections, including requirements that some of the assistance be paid back as loans with interest.
While the path forward for this bill remains unclear and faces a challenging political landscape as this session of Congress quickly comes to a close, Chairman Wicker’s staff shared his sense of urgency that the legislation be included in any other legislative vehicle that moves through the chamber “before October 1st.” And, while still a heavy lift, Senator Collins’ co-sponsorship of the measure as Chair of the Appropriations committee may indicate the possibility that it would be included in a stop-gap government funding measure like a Continuing Resolution that would pass before year’s end.
The extension of the PSP will help many NATA members to retain their employees who provide essential services and serve as the gateway to many rural communities. We will continue to update our members as deals on Capitol Hill can sometimes come together quickly during the waning days of an election year.
Best,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
Jonathon Freye VP, Government and Public Affairs National Air Transportation Association
With this week’s Business Aviation Sustainability Summit, the industry has taken a key next step to build upon the tremendous progress we have made on sustainability in just the last two years. Collectively, we are focused on accelerating SAF’s adoption and use, which requires us to grow supply and demand. This week’s discussion highlighted ways for us to do just that. The summit gathered operators, legislators, regulators, fuel suppliers and others to determine how best and how quickly the production, supply, demand and use of SAF can be accelerated.
Specifically, the event focused on the following efforts:
Encouraging federal and state policymakers to consider legislative incentives to help foster SAF production
Educate stakeholders regarding “book-and-claim”
Continue educating the industry about SAF and the coalition’s commitment to counteract climate change
We were pleased to hear the perspectives of government leaders, including Joel Szabat, Acting Undersecretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation; Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Chair, Subcommittee on Aviation, U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; and Kevin Welsh, Executive Director, Office of Environment & Energy, Federal Aviation Administration. NATA and our industry partners sincerely thank these leaders for their time and support.
We’d like to once again thank the following sponsors for their generosity and support of the summit: Avfuel, Bombardier Aviation, Embraer, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Our appreciation also goes out to our partner organizations of the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Fuel, which includes the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). NATA is pleased to be a part of a strong coalition representing all segments of the business aviation community. More information about the SAF Coalition is available at futureofsustainablefuel.com.
If you missed viewing or would like to revisit any of the sessions, the recordings are available at the following links:
The coalition recently released Fueling the Future, an educational and informational guide on SAF development, industry adoption, and pending expansion of supply and use. We were pleased to see hundreds of downloads of the guide throughout the summit and encourage you to review as well. To that end, we will be sending a copy of the guide on eco-friendly paper with a future issue of the Aviation Business Journal.
Also, highlighted throughout the summit were several major SAF-related announcements from leading business aviation companies, which can be found on NATA’s social media channels and in our weekly newsletter – NATA News. Each announcement demonstrating just how far we have come through collaboration toward a common goal. If you have any questions about SAF, please contact NATA or your fuel supplier.
Best,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
In less than three weeks NATA’s popular Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS) will be held as a virtual conference from September 22-24, 2020. This unique format will allow attendees to learn about solutions for the operational safety needs of FBOs and other GA ground handlers in interactive, digital sessions.
Other Events on the Horizon
The Virtual 2020 Business Aviation Sustainability Summit — scheduled for September 14-15, 2020 — is brought to you by the SAF Coalition, including the European Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the International Business Aviation Council, NATA, and the National Business Aviation Association. We encourage you to view the agenda and register for this unique opportunity to hear the perspectives from all segments of the industry on this key pathway to achieving our industry’s sustainability goals. Have you read the coalition’s new guide, Fueling the Future? It serves as an educational and informational resource about the practicalities of SAF development, industry adoption, and pending expansion of supply and use.
Last week, I joined NATA Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack for several stops on the ongoing General Aviation Advancing America (GAAA) tour of general aviation airports across the country. We held several more productive and educational meetings in Smyrna, TN, Greenville, SC, Jacksonville, FL, and Tallahassee, FL. The upcoming schedule can be viewed here. Contact NATA SVP Ryan Waguespack at ryanw@nata.aero if you would like to host an upcoming GAAA gathering at your airport.
The next installment in the monthly Air Charter Roundtable Webinar series will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11 AM EDT. We will cover the air charter industry and the challenges of current and past air charter contracts during COVID-19. Perspectives from both the air charter broker and operator point of views will be examined.
NATA Legislative Briefing
In a Legislative Briefing that was sent to the membership yesterday, NATA Vice President Jonathon Freye provided an update from the happenings on Capitol Hill that can be viewed here.
New DEF in FSII Field Test Provides Another Layer of Protection in Contamination Prevention
Recently, the new DEFKit® in FSII Field Test was announced and is available through Gammon Technical Products (GTP). The kit is a simple to use field test for detecting Diesel Exhaust Fluid in Fuel System Icing Inhibitor. Developed by Emcee Electronics — a leading supplier of laboratory instruments for aviation fuel testing — the new DEFKit® can detect DEF contamination levels in FSII as low as 2%. NATA offers a free operational best practice on DEF Handling and Contamination Prevention and has DEF contamination prevention training available through its Safety 1st Training Center. The new DEFKit® can be ordered through Gammon Technical Products, and for more information and additional resources on preventing DEF contamination, visit NATA’s DEF Awareness Page.
We hope you have an enjoyable Holiday weekend.
Best, Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
Earlier today, you may have seen exciting industry news in the form of an invitation to a first-of-its-kind event for business aviation, gathering experts along every point on the value chain for discussions to determine how to increase the production, availability, and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The Virtual 2020 Business Aviation Sustainability Summit, scheduled for September 14-15, 2020, is brought to you by the SAF Coalition, including the European Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the International Business Aviation Council, NATA, and the National Business Aviation Association. We encourage you to view the agenda and register for this unique opportunity to hear the perspectives from all segments of the industry on this key pathway to achieving our industry’s sustainability goals. If you haven’t already done so, we urge you to read the coalition’s new guide, Fueling the Future, serving as an educational and informational resource about the practicalities of SAF development, industry adoption, and pending expansion of supply and use. Together, we will continue to make a difference for the industry’s mission and the environment.
Regulatory – NATA and FAA Work to Monitor ATC Hours of Operation as Activity Increases in Areas Across the Country Recently, NATA members noted an increase in traffic associated with the Santa Rosa Tower located at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and expressed the need for a review of the tower’s hours of operation. In response to our members’ requests, NATA promptly contacted the FAA and a review of the traffic data at STS was conducted, leading to the expansion of the tower hours to accommodate the increased activity. In April, the FAA published a notice of its plans to temporarily adjust the operating hours of approximately 100 control towers nationwide, including the tower at STS. According to the FAA, the adjustments were made “to ensure the continued resiliency of the air traffic control system amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Making these adjustments allows for continued safe operations throughout the national airspace system, while minimizing health risks to its workforce.” The facilities had seen a significant reduction in flights, especially during the evening and nighttime hours, since the pandemic began, but some are now seeing a consistent uptick in activity. NATA will continue to support the FAA in this great collaborative effort to monitor traffic volume at impacted facilities.
The Business Case for SMS | Webinar Recording Available Yesterday, NATA held a successful webinar on the business case for Safety Management Systems (SMS). An SMS provides an organizational approach to managing safety risk and assures the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It also defines how operational safety should be managed and integrated into an organization’s business activities. A well developed and implemented SMS keeps the safety message consistent, interesting, and always out front – helping operators understand the risks inherent within their business. The webinar was hosted by Ryan Waguespack who was joined by NATA’s Senior Advisor, Regulatory Affairs (Maintenance) Keith DeBerry and Robert Rufli, Vice President of Flight Operations and Director of Operations for Pentastar Aviation. View the webinar recording here. Thank you once again to TAC Air for their sponsorship of this informative webinar.
General Aviation Advancing America – NATA leadership completed several more stops on its tour of general aviation airports across the country. Last week, NATA Chairman of the Board Curt Castagna joined me and Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack for productive and educational meetings in Long Beach, Van Nuys, and Bakersfield, California, as well as Elko, Nevada. On behalf of the Board, Curt expressed support of this valuable initiative: “General Aviation Advancing America is consistent with NATA’s vision for collaboration between airport sponsors, aviation businesses, and communities. NATA’s Board has prioritized initiatives to highlight the immense value of general aviation in serving communities across the country – many of which would be devastated by the loss of commercial air service. General aviation businesses in these areas have, and will continue to play a key role in the nation, preserving jobs and delivering medical, fire, and agricultural support to their communities, as well as a host of other valuable services to a broad range of industries that rely primarily on them and the airport for support.”
The NATA staff and Board continue to be grateful for the enthusiasm and support of our members and community stakeholders at airports across the nation. It is through these collaborations and partnerships that we will continue to rise above our challenges and harness opportunities for growth and change.
Best,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
NATA joined many of our members, colleagues, and friends industry-wide to celebrate Aviation Day – a national observation that celebrates the development of aviation. One way in which we highlighted the vast achievements of the association, its members, and the industry is to make a significant announcement on our collective sustainability efforts. Earlier today, NATA was very pleased, as part of the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF Coalition), to release a new informational guide detailing how industry leaders can incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into their operations and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon fuels, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The new guide, titled, Fueling the Future, serves as an educational and informational resource about the practicalities of SAF development, industry adoption, and pending expansion of supply and use, primarily from the perspectives of the business aviation community. This announcement couldn’t come at a better time as the current health crisis is underscoring the importance of maintaining the momentum in achieving our environmentally friendly agendas and reaching ever higher. We are thrilled to present this second edition of the SAF Guide as the coalition’s goal has always been to increase the production and use of SAF, and education through this guide is key to that mission.
SAF blending components are made from bio-based or other circular-economy feedstock sources. On a gallon-per-gallon basis, these low-carbon components often reduce net lifecycle CO2 emissions in excess of 50%, versus conventional jet fuel. Industry innovators are additionally planning to produce SAF blending components with deeper reductions, and in some cases more than 100%, making the fuels carbon negative. SAF is a proven and trusted replacement for traditional jet fuel that will help lower the industry’s carbon footprint. SAF has been used continuously at select airports since 2016, and its production is expected to scale significantly during the next five years.
Stay tuned for additional sustainability-related announcements in the days ahead, including news on plans for moving ahead with a virtual version of the 2020 Business Aviation Global Sustainability Summit, originally planned for March 2020.
The SAF Coalition – which includes the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) – developed the guide. Many thanks to all those who put in a tremendous effort to make relevant updates and information available to the public. Learn more about the SAF Coalition and its efforts at www.futureofsustainablefuel.com.
General Aviation Advancing America
This week, NATA continued its General Aviation Advancing America initiative with stops to regional airports in Nevada and California after several productive and energizing stops in Colorado last week. We are hearing that general aviation activity in these areas is on the rise, these airports are continuing to play critical roles as hubs for essential services, and that general aviation is indeed advancing America in assisting businesses to get back online, supporting jobs, and generating economic growth. NATA will track this initiative on its website, please check back periodically to find out where we land next.
In addition to the General Aviation Advancing America gatherings, NATA Executive Staff members held successful meetings with aviation business leaders and airport management at the Long Beach Airport and Van Nuys Airport today and yesterday.
On the Regulatory Front
This week, NATA continued its longstanding engagement with the FAA on preventing misfueling and DEF contamination incidents by providing input on a draft revision to Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5230-4C. This AC provides guidance on creating, implementing, and documenting fuel fire safety programs required under FAA regulations (14 CFR 139.321). NATA has led the charge on reducing the risk of misfueling and DEF contamination incidents by providing numerous resources including www.preventmisfueling.com and directly incorporating misfueling and DEF contamination prevention training as required items in the new Safety 1st Training Center. More information on our programs is available at www.nata.aero/safety1st or by contacting us at Safety1st@nata.aero.
NATA also continues to work with the FAA and other agencies to support FAA’s Compliance Program. In 2015, the FAA revised agency-wide guidance to emphasize using compliance actions, including counseling or training to address violations, thereby, reserving actions such as civil penalties for more serious violations. NATA was interviewed for a study released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) completed to provide recommendations to ensure the program’s effectiveness. NATA supports the collaborative and problem-solving approaches to safety that are key to the FAA Compliance Program and was pleased to be asked to be part of this study.
We hope that you have visited one of NATA’s social media channels today to see how your Association has worked hard to advance aviation businesses for the past 80 years. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the industry’s achievements for years to come.
Best, Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
The Senate and House have left town, having not yet reached a deal on the next round of COVID relief legislation. Complicating negotiations is a multi-trillion dollar delta between the chambers’ respective spending totals. NATA is continuing to speak daily with Members of Congress and key congressional Committees to advocate for the best interests of our industry and work to try to make sure NATA members are a part of the equation.
Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered the suspension of all charter flights between the United States and all airports in Cuba, with the possibility of narrow exceptions for authorized public charters to and from Havana and other authorized charter flights for emergency medical purposes, search and rescue, and “other travel deemed to be in the interest of the United States,” which will have to be approved by DOT. The order allows a 60-day “wind down” period, and will go into effect for most charter operators beginning October 13th. If you are concerned that this will impact your operations, please contact NATA staff immediately at covid@nata.aero.
NATA is pleased to have kicked off our General Aviation Advancing America initiative with our first meetings taking place at general aviation airports across Colorado. NATA’s Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack met with key stakeholders in each location to discuss challenges in today’s environment, opportunities for growth, the increase in activity they are seeing, and how they are working to foster a safe and clean environment for the traveling public. General Aviation Advancing America also works to highlight the significant economic impact to regions. For example, general aviation activity at Greeley-Weld County Airport, our second stop of the day, infuses more than $125 million to their local economy. I’m looking forward to joining Ryan on our upcoming stops in California and Nevada to tell more of these great stories about General Aviation. We are pleased to see our members’ excitement surrounding this initiative and we thank our Colorado hosts and long-time members like Jeff Kohlman for their support.
Earlier this week, we announced a partnership with FlightAware in support of the CleanFlying coalition, a not-for-profit group of private aviation stakeholders who are committed to promoting and implementing best health practices in the post COVID-19 era for the safety of passengers. The CleanFlying coalition was formed with a focus on sharing health safety measures undertaken by the business aviation community that will help drive demand and utilization of private aviation. The mission and work of the CleanFlying Coalition amplifies NATA’s commitment to promoting adherence to the highest standard of health and safety in protecting what matters most — employees, clients, corporate assets, and the general public. We are proud to be a part of an industry-wide movement dedicated to supporting a safe journey. This is just one more way that NATA and our industry partners are working to help our members tell their great stories. We encourage all businesses supporting private flying to visit www.CleanFlying.aero and consider joining the coalition.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you of resources that NATA has made available to assist you in telling your story to members of the media. NATA’s Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, Jonathon Freye offers advice on how to define the rules of engagement, stay on message, navigate speaking on & off record, and more. Watch “Communicating with the Press: A How-To Guide” on our YouTube channel and read his article in the latest issue of the Aviation Business Journal.
We are here for you and encourage you to help us take this important opportunity to shape the unique and impactful message of how general aviation advances America.
Best,
Timothy Obitts President & CEO National Air Transportation Association
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NATA President's Message 