NBAA Joins Coalition Working for Lower Fuel Prices
July 22, 2008
As fuel costs continue to climb, NBAA recently joined a diverse coalition focused on finding ways to reduce fuel prices. The Stop Oil Speculation Now (S.O.S. NOW) coalition includes among its dozens of members the commercial airlines and other general aviation groups, but also highway, agricultural and other interests. "The people in business aviation are subject to challenging economic conditions and high fuel costs, just like everyone else," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We need to find ways to try to address rising fuel costs, and this group is committed to doing just that," Bolen said. The S.O.S. NOW coalition will push for "solutions to help materially reduce unnecessarily high energy prices." Learn more.

FAA Grant Funds Hotline to Report Illegal Charter
July 22, 2008
While some recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforcement actions have concerned the industry, and have been characterized by some as unwarranted, a common question has been voiced about why the FAA is not focusing its attention on illegal charter operators instead. Since the FAA does not have enough inspectors to monitor and inspect every flight, an illegal charter hotline was created, with an FAA grant and in partnership with the National Air Transport Association, for operators to report illegal commercial activity. A third party will receive the calls and work with the FAA to pursue appropriate enforcement action against illegal operators. Any employee or agent of a Part 135 certificate holder can call the new toll-free hotline at (888) 759-3581 to report suspected illegal charter flights. For more information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org.

NBAA Board Chairman Provides Quarterly Outlook
July 22, 2008
In a letter to NBAA Members sent today, Chairman of the Board Jeff Lee reviewed highlights for the Association's just-concluded fiscal year, and outlined key priorities for the future. Lee's letter details NBAA's work in the areas of national and local advocacy, the promotion of safety and operational best practices and other ongoing efforts to strengthen Membership value. "The Association is in a sound fiscal position, and continues to advocate on behalf of general aviation on a number of important policy fronts, and bring ever-more benefits and events to you, the Members," Lee's letter states. Review the full letter.

NBAA's Local San Diego Committee Will Help Plan LBA2009
July 22, 2008
A committee of industry figures who are familiar with San Diego has been formed to help support the planning for the inaugural Light Business Airplane Exhibition & Conference (LBA2009), scheduled for March 12–14, 2009 in San Diego, CA. Mike Herman, a Member of NBAA's Board of Directors and Chairman of North American Communications, will chair the Committee. Other noteworthy individuals will fill out the local committee and its subcommittees, including John and Martha King, Ken Kaplan and Rich Martindell of King Schools, Fred George of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine, John Bracamonte of Landmark, Grant Wright of Wright-On Communications and former NBAA Board Member Steve Nielsen. "We are pleased to have the benefit of these individuals' local knowledge and experience as we develop LBA2009, and we are confident their contributions will add greatly to the event," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. To learn more about LBA2009, visit www.nbaa.org/lba.

NBAA Members Should Plan Accordingly for Trips to Las Vegas Later This Month
July 22, 2008
Because the Las Vegas Market will be held at the World Market Center from July 28 – August 1, operators flying into Las Vegas during this time should plan ahead to ensure parking is available. Slots will not be required; however, excess volume might create the need for traffic management initiatives such as a GAAP ground delay program and/or increased mile in trail into Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS). Options also are available at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) if delays at LAS are excessive or if parking becomes an issue. Both have new modern facilities and excellent ground transportation options. Learn more.

Register Online Now for NBAA2008
July 18, 2008
Online registration is now available for NBAA's 61st Annual Meeting & Convention, which will be held from Monday, October 6 to Wednesday, October 8 – a departure from the usual Tuesday-to-Thursday schedule – in Orlando, FL. Visit the web site to register for the world's largest purely civil aviation trade show and for the other events held in conjunction with NBAA2008. These events include NBAA Professional Development Program (PDP) Courses; the NBAA 17th Annual Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference; the NBAA Charities Gala; and the NBAA Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament. To register, visit the official NBAA2008 web site at www.nbaa.org/2008.

FY2009 Transportation Package Advances in Senate
July 15, 2008
On June 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2009 transportation appropriations bill. Among its many provisions, the bill increases funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the measure, the FAA would receive $15.5 billion next fiscal year, a $590 million increase over current funding levels. Included in that amount is $3.5 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, $9 billion for FAA operations, $2.75 billion for facilities and equipment and $171 million for research, engineering and development. The bill includes $39 million for performance-based navigation and $49 million for system-wide information management, two critical parts of the transition to the Next Generation transportation system. The bill now goes to the full Senate, although it is unclear how soon the measure will actually be considered. For more information, contact NBAA's Ashleigh de la Torre at adelatorre@nbaa.org.

NBAA Web Site Has Q&A on Host Change for ICAO Flight Plans
July 15, 2008
On June 29, the FAA completed a change in all Host systems that will automatically assign preferential routes based on the equipment capability contained in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plans. The change was made 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. NBAA has been working with FAA officials to ensure a smooth ERAM flight plan transition to the ICAO format for all business aviation operators. In a recent Q&A, the FAA offered responses to NBAA Member questions on the topic. More.

NBAA2008 Exhibit Floor Sold Out; Total Surpasses Last Year
July 15, 2008
Exhibit space for the NBAA 61st Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2008) has officially sold out, with nearly three months remaining until the event takes place October 6–8 in Orlando, FL. The total number of exhibit booths is 5,302 compared with last year's all-time high of 5,257. More than 30,000 Attendees are expected at the event, with indoor displays and nearly 100 Information Sessions at the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center. Additionally, over 120 aircraft will be on static display at Showalter Flying Services on Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Companies interested in being placed on the wait list for indoor exhibits should contact NBAA's Linda Peters at lpeters@nbaa.org. For more information about NBAA2008, visit www.nbaa.org/2008.

4th Annual NBAA Charities Auctions Now Accepting Donations
July 15, 2008
Donations are now being accepted for NBAA's 4th Annual Charities Auctions, which will be held in conjunction with the 61st Annual Meeting & Convention. The Live and Silent Auctions support NBAA Charities, a charitable fund established to provide assistance from the Association and the business aviation community to a wide range of philanthropic organizations. The Live Auction will be held during the NBAA Charities Gala on the evening of Tuesday, October 7. Silent Auction items will be on display prior to the Charities Gala. To donate items for the NBAA Charities Auctions, or for more information, contact NBAA's Dina Green at dgreen@nbaa.org, or visit the NBAA2008 web site www.nbaa.org/2008.

Business Aviation Challenged by Rising Fuel Costs, Bolen Tells Panel
July 15, 2008
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen last week joined aviation industry leaders at a one-day summit in Washington, DC to discuss the impact of rising fuel costs on the industry and explore approaches to cope with the crisis. “This is an important discussion, as these are tough times for all aviation operators,” Bolen said. “For the general aviation community, which has no opportunity for volume discounts, our operators are actually paying twice as much at the pump as the major airlines. A recent informal survey found that 98 percent of our Members have had to make major changes in their operations because of rising fuel costs.” Read the full article.

Podcast on Smoke, Fire and Fumes Available on NBAA Web Site
July 15, 2008
NBAA has made available several podcasts and presentations from the 13th Annual Flight Attendants Conference held last month, one of which is "Smoke, Fire and Fumes," presented by Captain H.G. "Boomer" Bombardi. The session, attended by 276 people, discusses the effects of smoke, fire and fumes (SFF) in the cabin and how flight attendants play a crucial part in helping the cockpit crew determine the proper solution to an SFF event. Download this podcast and more.