The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) amended its regulations concerning notification and reporting requirements regarding aircraft accidents or incidents. In particular, the NTSB added regulations to require operators to report certain incidents to the NTSB. The NTSB also amended existing regulations to provide clarity and ensure that the appropriate means for notifying the NTSB of a reportable incident is listed correctly in the regulation. Following is a summary of the amendment.

The operator of any civil aircraft, or any public aircraft not operated by the Armed Forces or an intelligence agency of the United States, or any foreign aircraft shall immediately, and by the most expeditious means available, notify the nearest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) office when:

An aircraft accident or any of the following listed serious incidents occur:

• Failure of any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust path

• In-flight fire

• Aircraft collision in flight

• Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused solely by ground contact

• A complete loss of information, excluding flickering, from more than 50 percent of an aircraft's cockpit displays known as:

1. Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays

2. Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displays

3. Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) displays

4. Other displays of this type, which generally include a primary flight display (PFD), primary navigation display (PND), and other integrated displays

• Airborne Collision and Avoidance System (ACAS) resolution advisories issued either:

1. When an aircraft is being operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan and compliance with the advisory is necessary to avert a substantial risk of collision between two or more aircraft

2. To an aircraft operating in class A airspace

3. Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major repair or replacement of the blade(s)

• Any event in which an aircraft operated by an air carrier:

1. Lands or departs on a taxiway, incorrect runway, or other area not designed as a runway

2. Experiences a runway incursion that requires the operator or the crew of another aircraft or vehicle to take immediate corrective action to avoid a collision

JDA is pleased to offer aviation organizations a unique training course focused on expanding their knowledge of FAA regulatory affairs.

As the FAA increases its safety scrutiny and moves from compliance to enforcement, organizations could experience Letters of Investigation (LOIs), fines and even certificate suspension or revocation. When this happens it is essential that aviation organizations:

• Understand the FAA Flight Standards organization and Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)/Certificate Management Office (CMO) inspector duties, responsibilities, acceptable conduct, authority and limitations.

• Be familiar with available guidance including FAA regulations, handbooks, policies, procedures, websites, and other materials.

• Fully understand the FAA investigative process and know how best to review and respond to an FAA Letter of Investigation (LOI).

• Recognize the importance of, and know how to document all communications with FAA personnel.

JDA has an onsite, highly interactive Regulatory Affairs training course that ensures that your personnel are knowledgeable in all of these areas. Taught by our unmatched team of former FAA managers, supervisors and inspectors, JDA's course imparts extensive real-world experience, knowledge and advice to course participants that enables them to better understand the FAA processes and more successfully interact with the FAA offices and regions.

JDA's Regulatory Affairs training course is available at your location and for various durations and target audiences, including:

• A streamlined one-day lecture/interactive version geared to senior management.

• A one-and-a-half day version geared toward management that includes simulation exercises.

• An in-depth two-day version geared toward your regulatory affairs personnel.

All participants will acquire a detailed understanding of FAA internal workings that will aid in their normal interactions with the FAA as well as when things don't go as planned.

The Result: Successful Dealings with FAA That Reduce Your Business Risk!

For more information contact JDA at 877-532-2376 or email info@jdasolutions.aero.

If the JDA website analytics are any indication, concerns regarding Operational Control and renting Part 135 certificates continue. In September 2009, JDA posted information on its website focused specifically on these issues. The resultant interest in this topic provides a unique view that this issue raised.

Since posting the JDA Business and Commercial Aviation Solutions section there have been 665 page views. More importantly, 395 of the page views were unique with some revealing search engine choices including:

• "135 surrender of aircraft"

• "charter operator operating Part 91"

• "chartering aircraft under Part 91"

• "difference between Part 91 and Part 135"

• "'exclusive operational control' Far Part 135"

• "FAA Part 91 regulations for illegal aircraft charters"

• "Far part 135 vs. part 91"

• "illegal charter flights Part 91 FAA"

• "operational control + passenger briefing + 135"

• "operational control JDA"

• "Part 135 vs. Part 91 certification"

• "sham Part 135"

And the list could go on and on.

In addition there have been JDA website page views concerning this topic that aren't as visited. The bio for JDA's VP of Business and Commercial Aviation Solutions, Tom Stuckey, has been viewed 136 times and the blog post titled, "Why rent when you can own a Part 135 Certificate" was viewed 65 times.

JDA's Press Release announcing 135Pro, designed to provide an easy low-cost Part 135 certification support program solution for Part 91, has been viewed 67 times.

JDA posted a couple news articles on its website to give individuals an independent look at the issue. "Part 135 Pressure Cooker" has been viewed 52 times and "FAA mulled $100M deal for TAG/AMI" has been viewed 18 times.

The October JDA Newsletter, devoted to Operational Control was viewed 55 times in addition to 174 readers that opened the initial e-newsletter.

Based on the analytics, it is evident that the concern about illegal charter operations by Business Aircraft Operators remains valid. Failure to take action however may be related to the economy; lack of knowledge regarding regulations; some companies have been operating illegally for years and don't want to change; the FAA is not currently pressuring some of the illegal companies; or a myriad of other reasons.

In light of the increased scrutiny on air carrier safety, it is just a matter of time when the matter of illegal charters will get more attention. Why jeopardize your organization, the potential loss of your airplanes, or the careers of your pilots or other certificated personnel? 135Pro is an easy, low-cost solution that will lower your operating costs, help generate revenue and make your operation safer. Contact Tom Stuckey, JDA, by e-mail or call 1-877-532-2376 ext 210 to learn more about 135Pro and address your questions regarding operational control and Part 135 certification.