NBAA Extends Condolences to Friends, Family of Connie Penne
August 20, 2008
NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen today extended his sympathies to those affected by the sudden loss of Connie Penne, NBAA’s vice president, membership marketing, who passed away earlier this week. “We at NBAA are shocked and saddened over the news of Connie’s passing, and our prayers are with her family at this difficult time,” Bolen said. NBAA is in the process of establishing a memorial fund for Ms. Penne, and the Association will provide notice when the fund has been established. Members who wish to express their condolences to the family may do so here. More.

NBAA's Business Aviation Insider Has Tips for Secure International Travel
August 26, 2008
The "Security Spotlight" feature in the current issue of Business Aviation Insider, NBAA's official Member publication, includes the latest security guidance for Members planning international trips. The article – the latest in a series of articles about general aviation security published by NBAA – discusses security threats, determining the needs for each operator's specific international missions, where to get expertise on security threat avoidance or response and more. Read complete article.

Flying into a Political Convention City? TFR NOTAMS Will Be in Effect During Conventions
August 26, 2008
Temporary flight restriction (TFR) notices to airmen (NOTAMs) will be in effect for the Democratic National Convention this week from August 25 to 28 in Denver, CO, and the Republican National Convention next week from September 1 to 4 in Minneapolis, MN. Operators requiring access into Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) and St. Paul Downtown Holman Field (STP) during the TFRs will need to obtain a special event Transportation Security Administration (TSA) waiver at least 96 hours in advance and clear a TSA inspection at one of three specified gateway airports. Learn more.

NBAA Disappointed By FAA Action on GA Slot Use at LGA
August 26, 2008
Following last week's decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce the number of hourly slots available for general aviation (GA) at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said the FAA appears to be emphasizing operational limitations at the airport instead of focusing on measures to increase capacity there. "Although general aviation does not contribute to congestion at LaGuardia, we remain disappointed that the FAA seems to be most interested in adopting measures to limit operations for all aviation segments at this and other New York City airports," Bolen said. "This spring, an ad hoc industry group including NBAA provided the FAA with a list of specific capacity-enhancing techniques that could be quickly implemented at LaGuardia. As of today, very few of those techniques are in effect." View the announcement.

Changes to Instrument Arrival Procedures to Be Implemented at LAX
August 26, 2008
On September 25, four revised Instrument Landing System approaches, as well as one new and two revised standard terminal arrival routes (STARs), will become effective at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, CA. The enhancements will simplify the selection of approach procedures by eliminating the need for runway transitions on Flight Management System- equipped aircraft. Assuming normal weather patterns, these new procedures will be in use for all aircraft arriving at LAX on or after 6:00 a.m. PDT on September 25. Learn more.

Letters to Airmen Affecting Multiple PA Airports
August 26, 2008
The FAA Allentown Tower has issued two letters to airmen (LTAs) regarding practice instrument approaches and movement and non-movement areas affecting multiple Pennsylvania airports. LTA No. 08-1 details services to pilots practicing approaches to the following Pennsylvania airports: Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport (JVU) and Braden Airpark (N43). LTA No. 08-2 designates movement and non-movement areas at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). View LTAs.

Make Housing and Travel Reservations Online Now for NBAA2008
August 26, 2008
NBAA2008 hotel rates have been negotiated by NBAA to give Attendees the lowest rates at official show hotels; no pre-payment for hotel reservations; immediate confirmations; the option to update or cancel hotel reservations online without fees or penalties; and descriptions, photos and maps to aid in choosing hotels. To make housing and travel reservations online, visit the NBAA2008 housing web site.

Results Available for the 2008 NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey
August 21, 2008
Results from the 2008 NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey are now available to survey participants. The survey was developed to help NBAA Member Representatives and their company salary administrators evaluate their flight departments by providing a comprehensive review of aviation department personnel salaries and operational data. This year's results are based upon survey responses from 861 aviation departments who provided compensation data for 4,527 employees.  Online access to the compiled results of the survey is available at no cost to survey participants. Participants may purchase hard copies of the survey results for $75. NBAA Member Representatives who did not participate in the survey may purchase online access to survey results for $75 and hard copies for $150. Survey results are not available to non-Members. Review the results.

Register Now for the 2008 Bombardier Safety Standdown
August 20, 2008
The 2008 Bombardier Safety Standdown, sponsored in partnership with NBAA, the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, will be held from October 20 to 23 in Kansas City, MO at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. This year’s event will focus on a variety of critical safety topics and feature an exciting lineup of presenters, including John J. Nance, author and aerospace analyst at ABC News; Dr. Mica Endsley from SA Technologies; Air to Air photographer Paul Bowen of Paul Bowen Photography; and Clay Lacy of Clay Lacy Aviation. In addition, flightcrew and CPR training and a one-day maintenance workshop on human factors in aviation safety will be offered. Attendance is limited and NBAA Members are encouraged to register early. Registration will close on September 17. To register and learn more, visit: http://www.safetystanddown.com

ADIZ Familiarization Training Mandated for Pilots
August 18, 2008
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week issued a final rule that requires all pilots flying under visual flight rules within 60 nautical miles of the Washington (DCA) VOR to undergo the online special awareness training for the Washington, DC-metropolitan area. Pilots must be in compliance with this rule by February 9, 2009 and able to present their certificate of completion of the course at the request of an authorized representative of the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board or TSA or any federal, state or local law enforcement officer. Learn more.

Last Chance to Apply for CAM Exam Offered at NBAA2008
August 18, 2008
This Thursday, August 21, is the deadline to apply for the paper-based Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam that will be administered on October 5, in conjunction with NBAA's 61st Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2008) 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. Qualification to take the exam is based on a combination of education, work experience and industry involvement. Participation in NBAA events offered throughout the year counts toward qualification for the exam as well as recertification. To learn more or begin the application process, visit http://www.nbaa.org/cam.

NBAA Reminds News Outlets of Security Measures Already in Place for GA
August 18, 2008
Following a front-page USA Today story published last week about the Transportation Security Administration's ongoing review of general aviation (GA) security measures, NBAA reminded inquiring reporters that security is a top priority for the industry, and a host of measures have been put in place since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to ensure that aircraft, airports and passengers are safe and secure. "Some of the measures that have been introduced, for instance, include government cross-checks of the records of pilots and aircraft against terrorist watch lists," NBAA spokesman Dan Hubbard told CBS radio news for a story that aired on CBS affiliates across the country. While NBAA will continue emphasizing with federal officials that any new policies must balance the need for security with mobility, the Association will also keep working to ensure that news organizations are aware of the security measures already in place. Read the background paper.

New Resource Reviews Changes in Aviation Insurance Marketplace
August 18, 2008
In a new article available on NBAA's web site, insurance broker Stuart Hope reports that increased competition in the aviation insurance marketplace is benefiting aircraft owners and operators. For many years, three major companies wrote insurance policies for business aircraft owners. Recently, a number of well-capitalized and respected companies have decided to enter the marketplace. As a result of this increased competition, aircraft owners may be able to obtain lower premiums, increased coverage limits and additional coverage options that were previously unavailable. View the article .

Special Traffic Management Programs in Effect for College Football Games
August 18, 2008
The FAA has implemented special traffic management programs (STMPs) for the 2008 college football season, including all home games for Virginia Tech, Penn State and Notre Dame. Arrival slots will be required during Virginia Tech and Penn State games, and departure slots will be required during Notre Dame games. STMPs also will be in place for three Arkansas home games, for which arrival slots will be required. View details.

Register Online Now for NBAA 12th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic
August 18, 2008
The NBAA 12th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 4 at the ChampionsGate Golf Resort in ChampionsGate, FL. NBAA Chairman of the Board Jeffrey W. Lee will preside over this year's tournament, which will be held in conjunction with NBAA2008. All proceeds will benefit NBAA Charities. Nearly $400,000 has been raised for various aviation-related charities since the Charity Classic's founding in 1997. The player fee for this year's tournament is $295, and foursomes can be purchased for $1,180. In addition, several sponsorship opportunities are available. To become a sponsor or learn more, contact NBAA's Benjamin Schwalen at bschwalen@nbaa.org. Register online.

DOT Releases SIFL Rates for Second Half of 2008
August 14, 2008
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) rates for the six-month period from July 1 to December 31. These data are necessary when applying the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) aircraft valuation formula to compute values of non-business transportation aboard employer-provided aircraft. The data also are needed to impute the income of the traveling employee, as required by the IRS Rules Section 1.61-21(g). NBAA Members may access the SIFL rates and NBAA's personal use calculator, which assists flight departments with valuation of personal trips. More.