Page 27 - Volume 18 Number 10

October 2014NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATIONBusiness Aviation Resolute Against Challenges in 2014by Ed Bolen NBAA President and CEOAs the days grow cooler and the global business aviation community prepares to head to Orlando, FL for the2014 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2014), one topic of conversation already on the minds of many is the range of policy challenges that our industry has faced this past year.For example, the general aviation community received unexpected news last November when the FAA’s federal air surgeon at the time put forth a controversial proposal that pilots identified by their AME as being at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) be subject to mandatory screening and – if necessary – treatment for OSA before receiving their medical certificate.NBAA immediately joined with other aviation groups to mobilize the industry, and to bring Congressional attention to the issue. Capitol Hill lawmakers soon took notice, with legislation introduced in both the House and Senate to compel the FAA to consider industry input before enacting any changes to its longstanding sleep apnea policy.This led to a renewed dialogue between the FAA and industry about the proposal, and a decision by the FAA to consider a more workable policy. A draft is now under production at the agency, and we believe its final policy will reflect a more measured approach on this subject of concern for all pilots.Not all challenges affecting the business aviation community come from regulatory agencies, ofcourse. Throughout 2014, lawmakers in Congress continued to single out the industry with onerous taxes and other financial burdens in the face of budget constraints and deficits. For example, some on Capitol Hill proposed lengthening the depreciation schedule for general aviation aircraft purchases.Economists have long recognized that shortening depreciation schedules on business assets is an effective way to motivate companies to buy capital equipment. That’s one reason why the business aircraft depreciation schedule was proposed by the IRS, and enacted into law by a bipartisan Congress decades ago.NBAA was quick to oppose this measure, and instead supported proposals offered in the U.S. Senate and House to restore the expired accelerated depreciation incentive on the purchase of aircraft and other strategic assets for two more years.Of course, the industry also had to keep an eye on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue in 2014: The Obama administration renewed its ongoing call to levy user fees against business aviation operators – a proposal swiftly rebuked in a letter from lawmakers in the House General Aviation (GA) Caucus.Although it is gratifying that many Washington policymakers recognize the value of business aviation, our shared aviation community must continue preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. As we gather in Orlando from Oct 21-23 to highlight business aviation’s value, rest assured that NBAA will continue to keep one eye on Washington ready to meet these challenges.mfocusOCTOBER 2014 TWIN & TURBINE • 25