Takes Lead On Industry Coalition

Wanting to get the word out on pending regulations that promise to make life a lot harder for sightseeing operations, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) released a survey on Monday targeted at members offering air tour and sightseeing flights under Part 135 and Part 91, respectively. These operations are the subject of an on-going rulemaking effort by the FAA.

"With this survey, we hope to raise the level of awareness about the FAA's proposal and the adverse impact it will have on hundreds of small businesses nationwide," explained NATA director of government and industry affairs, Eric Byer.  "Collecting current and complete data is necessary to convincingly oppose the rule."

NATA members conducting air tours under Part 135 and all flight schools that offer sightseeing flights will receive the survey via email. The association has also posted the survey on its Website.  "Any aviation business impacted by the rule, NATA member or not, is welcome to complete the survey," Byer explained. The association asks for all surveys to be returned by March 19, 2004.

In addition to the member survey, NATA has already secured support from key members of Congress and will pursue a hearing on the matter. "When a government action has the ability to eliminate 700 small businesses, as the FAA admits is likely to happen with this rule, something is fundamentally wrong with the rule. We intend to keep pressuring the FAA until they agree," Byer continued.

NATA is also leading the efforts of an industry coalition, formed following a recent meeting with Small Business Administration officials. As the nationwide voice for aviation businesses, NATA volunteered to coordinate coalition efforts. The association plans to host a strategic planning meeting with the coalition partners shortly.

The FAA-proposed rulemaking, National Air Tour Safety Standards, has generated strong opposition from nearly all sectors of the industry.  To date, over 1,500 overwhelmingly negative public comments have been submitted to the FAA. The rules would add new operational restrictions and equipment requirements for Part 121 and 135 air tour businesses and require air carrier certification for all air tour operations, even local sightseeing flights currently exempt from such requirements. The rules will also severely restrict sightseeing rides conducted to benefit charities and community events. 

The FAA has also proposed several new operational and equipment requirements for all sightseeing/air tour operations in the form of the new Part 136. This section includes air tour minimum altitude and standoff distances, minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements that will apply to all flights.  Also, for any flight which goes beyond a shoreline - regardless of whether or not the aircraft remains within gliding distance of land - all passengers must wear an approved life preserver at all times.  Special rules for helicopters, requiring installation of special floats, are also proposed.

FMI: www.nata-online.org