NATA 2016 Activities & Accomplishments Continued from page 45 keeping a close eye on the progress of the program, this announcement was a significant development in meeting the mission of the PAFI. The FAA initially began the process in July 2014 with 17 formu- lations from six companies. Four of these formulations were accepted into the PAFI Phase I test program. Phase I was completed in December 2015 and incorporated all aspects of fuel testing, including fuel property lab testing, fit-for-purpose rig test- ing, materials compatibility testing, engine detonation, performance and emissions testing, and engine out emissions-testing and ecological assessments. In June 2016, Phase II commenced and consists of an extensive engine and aircraft testing program. The FAA has been coordi- nating with producers to manage fuel deliveries and with industry stake- holders to support Phase II activities. NATA, along with other indus- try partners, also participates in a new deployment group formed by the PAFI Steering Group, to iden- tify issues and formulate actions for a safe deployment. NATA continues to address potential airport-related deployment issues pertaining to the distribution chain, i.e. fuel distributors, airports and fixed base operators as the lead on the “Airport Deployment Action Plan.” During these working group meetings, attendees will discuss issues, including tankage/fueling system compatibility, airport fuel- ing infrastructure hardware, fuel- ing handling procedures, signage, personnel training, equipment, quality control, taxation and safety. NATA will continue to keep the membership apprised of important PAFI program developments. Additional information and the lat- est program news can be found on the FAA’s Avgas website at http://www.faa.gov/about/ initiatives/avgas. Customs and Border Protection General Aviation Working Group (CBP GA WG) In early 2016, NATA joined the U.S. Customs and Border Protection General Aviation Working Group, which focuses on issues impacting the general aviation community. NATA members interface with CBP on a daily basis—from filing eAPIS reports, to participating in the Visa Waiver program and utilizing Customs clear- ance facilities nationwide. NATA’s FBO members are key partners with CBP and often house or closely coordinate with Customs offices, particularly at user-fee airports. This past year, the Working Group focused on producing a draft of the CBP General Aviation Operators’ Guide, a replacement for the Private Flyers Guide. In the coming year, the Working Group will continue to streamline procedures for the GA community and recommend strate- gies to improve the efficiency of CBP policies and requirements. In addi- tion to NATA staff participation, the Working Group has called on NATA’s Air Charter Committee as a resource for feedback on various initiatives. Members will have an opportunity to discuss general aviation customs regulations, requirements, and poli- cies with CBP personnel during a gen- eral session at our upcoming Aviation Business Conference (ABC) in June. Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (CRI ARC) NATA staff and Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee members are continu- ing efforts to monitor the progress and status of CRI ARC recommen- dations. Association staff members participate in quarterly briefings from the FAA on the status of the recommendations from the ARC, co- chaired by NATA and supported by the Committee. The NATA team had direct input to the FAA’s Regulatory Consistency Communication Board (RCCB) FAA Order AFS 8000.RCCB. With the Order close to release, the association applauds the FAA for implementing the RCCB, which will ensure standardization and consis- tency across the agency. Finally, the association will continue its work toward the CRI ARC’s final recom- mendation, development of the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS). This past year, the committee developed a draft aircraft conformity inspection checklist for FAA inspec- tors and industry to use when adding aircraft to Part 135 operations. It was presented to FAA for review and publication. This will result in a great step toward consistency for adding aircraft to an operating certificate. Aviation Business Journal | 1st Quarter 2017 47
