Issue 12
March 5, 2003

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NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service News

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Welcome to the NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service newsletter,
a quarterly summary of the latest NATA Safety 1st news
and education, dedicated to line service staff. Please
make copies available to all line service technicians,
both full and part-time.

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In this Issue of NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service ...

**** NATA Safety 1st Program and Other NATA News
****Featured Safety Article... NATA Safety 1st SAFETY
MEETING LESSON PLAN TWO / PROFESSIONAL LINE SERVICE SUPPLEMENTAL MODULE TRAINING EXAMPLE
****FAQ --- NATA Safety 1st and Fueling Issues
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****NATA Safety 1st Program and Other NATA News
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NATA NEWS
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The following message warrants repeating…

Public Service Announcement on Security

(866) GA SECURE or (866) 427-3287

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) needs your help!

On December 2, 2002, TSA implemented a national toll free hotline that the general aviation (GA) community can use to report any "out-of-the-ordinary" event or activity at GA airports. The hotline is operated by the National Response Center and centralizes reporting to the appropriate local, state and federal agencies.

Help ensure the security of GA aircraft and airport operations across the country. Call (866) GA SECURE to report any suspicious activity at YOUR airport.

Download the Public Service Announcement for the new security #
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NATA Convention Celebrates 100 Years of Flight
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is finalizing plans for its Annual Convention, which will be held May 13-15 in Las Vegas. The Convention will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with AS3 -- The Aviation Services and Suppliers SuperShow.

A number of noted speakers have been confirmed for this year's meeting. Jeffery L. Bleustein, chairman and CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc. and an avid user of general aviation, will keynote the opening general session on Tuesday, May 13.

A "Strategic Issues Breakfast" on Wednesday, May 14 will feature CEOs from leading general aviation manufacturers sharing their views on the future of general aviation. The luminaries include Bill Boisture, president of Gulfstream Aerospace and executive vice president of General Dynamics; Chuck Suma, president and CEO of The New Piper Aircraft; Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation; John Rosenvallon, president of Dassault Falcon Jet; and Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft. NATA president James K. Coyne will moderate the session.

On Wednesday, May 14 renowned customer service guru T. Scott Gross will speak on "Disruptive Technologies and the Opportunities They Present for Aviation Service Businesses." James Ballough, director of the Flight Standards division of the FAA, will offer a legislative and regulatory update.

"We've engaged a number of superb speakers for this year's convention and Las Vegas is a great location for us," commented NATA president James Coyne. "We're looking forward to a terrific event with lots of member participation." Additional information may be found online .

In addition to all the Convention activities, we will have many seminar offerings! Join us for the Line Service Supervisor Training, The Business of Aviation Business, NATA Safety 1st Trainer and Financial Management Tools & Techniques for Aviation Service Businesses. You will be glad you joined us!
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NATA Announces Deadline Again

Alexandria, VA, February 25, 2003 --The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is encouraging both members and non-members subject to pending aviation security rules to begin the process of fingerprinting their flight crews in anticipation of the April 1, 2003, deadline for compliance. Separately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released guidance on the fingerprinting procedures for affected operators.

Under both the TSA's Twelve-Five and Private Charter security regulations, commercial operators, including Part 135 on-demand air taxis, are required to conduct FBI Criminal History Records Checks (CHRCs) for each crew member of an aircraft subject to the new rules. Presently, all of an operator's affected personnel must have undergone a successful CHRC and be approved by the TSA prior to conducting flight operations of specific aircraft on or after April 1, 2003.

In response, NATA has developed and the TSA has approved a detailed fingerprint collection program administered by NATA Compliance Services (NATA/CS), a subsidiary of the association. Both members and non-members of NATA may utilize this service to complete the CHRC requirements.

"Beginning April 1, all required flight crew members aboard so-called 'Twelve-Five' aircraft must have been fingerprinted and undergone a successful background check," commented Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside, NATA's vice president for government and industry affairs. "Although the TSA has extended previous deadlines, it appears the agency will finally have in place all the pieces required to fully implement its new security rules in the very near future. Consequently, we urge affected operators to begin their compliance efforts as soon as they can to ensure they meet the April 1 deadline," he added.

The TSA rules, known as the "Twelve-Five" and the "Private Charter" rules, address the security of non-scheduled commercial aircraft operations. First proposed in February 2002, the "Twelve-Five" rule requires commercial operators of aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or more to take specific steps enhancing the security of their flights. Similarly, the TSA's "Private Charter" rule addresses the security of aircraft weighing 100,309.3 pounds (45,500 kg). One of the most time-consuming steps required is the fingerprinting and background checks of their pilots and co-pilots.

According to NATA/CS's Michael Sonshine, the TSA-approved process developed by the association's subsidiary is specifically designed to address the needs of Part 135 on-demand air taxi operators engaged in both passenger and cargo service with affected aircraft. "While there are other ways in which operators may comply with the fingerprinting and background check requirements, we have worked closely with both the TSA and with operators to develop a process that meets all parties' concerns as the April 1 deadline approaches," he said.

According to Sonshine, the NATA/CS process includes the following features not available from other collectors:

NATA/CS's certified collectors, located at many FBOs around the country, charge $35 to take fingerprints. This fee includes overnight shipping and quality control to ensure proper chain of custody. NATA/CS will also arrange for a "reprint" at no additional charge in the event of a bad or "unclassifiable" print.

NATA/CS has ensured that all the proper legal releases are accurate and that the CHRC data will remain confidential yet accessible to the employer or the TSA. These efforts help ensure that no operator will be accused of violating any federal, state or local human resources or privacy laws in attempting to comply with the TSA regulations.

The NATA/CS process is designed to help operators save time and money, with most background check results available within 24 hours after fingerprints are received. Also, by locating fingerprint collectors at major FBOs in the U.S., pilots can be fingerprinted during a planned stopover instead of making a special trip at their employer's expense.

Much of the information needed by NATA/CS and the results of the background checks are available on the NATA/CS Web site. Operators may access the NATA Compliance web site for additional information. The NATA/CS staff is also available to assist operators with further questions at 800-788-3210 .

The NATA/CS process is designed with customer service in mind and includes such features as a "flat fee" for fingerprint collection and processing as well as any "reprint" that may be necessary. As an example, Sonshine noted that fees charged by other collectors vary widely and that operators may incur substantial costs for additional services.
"With the April 1 deadline fast approaching, hundreds of affected operators can be expected to submit fingerprint and background check requests for literally thousands of their pilots," said Sonshine. Due to the high volume expected, operators are encouraged to first visit the NATA Compliance web site for additional information.
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PROGRAM NEWS
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NATA Safety 1st information is available online. We have a new
telephone number dedicated to the NATA Safety 1st Program.
Please call (703) 575-2045 and ask for Amy Koranda or Louis Soares .
Our FAX number is still the same at (703) 845-8176.

NATA Safety 1st has its own website at http://www.natasafety1st.org .
Check it out! There is information on training, testing, continuing
education (including past issues of the e-Line), program information
and additional links for line techs.
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Read our feature article below to experience one of these great lessons --- NATA Safety 1st SAFETY MEETING LESSON PLANS / PROFESSIONAL LINE SERVICE SUPPLEMENTAL MODULE TRAINING

WHAT
Share actual accident/incident reports contained in these lesson plans! Everyone can relate and contribute. The lessons are designed to promote deductive reasoning and discussion. The questions are open-ended and, therefore, will generate a variety of answers. They are designed to promote a deeper level of reasoning and increase the value of your original training. Whether you are using them to supplement your regular safety meetings or as ongoing training, you won't be disappointed.

WHY
Continuous training reinforces the knowledge and skills of personnel. Studies show that training conducted on a regular basis increases productivity, morale and retention. A "learning environment" starts within the corporate culture of the organization. Employees must view training not as a burden, one extra chore, but as a reward for excellence.

CONTENT
Each module begins with a learning objective followed by an actual accident/incident report submitted by insurance agencies and FBO's. Following the case example are probable cause and corrective action questions. Next, questions relating to the specific chapter and PLST training videos are provided. Lastly, we provide a "training tip of the month" for the trainer.

HOW
The training modules are laid out in a convenient monthly schedule and each one focuses on one of the training sections in the Employee Career Reference Guide (ECRG) and training video.

Each module takes an average of 15-20 minutes to cover. Whether it's in a team setting or individual coaching, the modules can fit into a busy schedule.

CERTIFICATE
Employees wanting to use these supplemental modules to certify for the PLST must have completed the full NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training (PLST) program. This includes completion of all written and practical exams and have a certificate stating so. These supplemental training modules are meant to reinforce that learning and help maximize the training information.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Training is critical to the success and safety of our operations. Learning is also rewarding. Employee longevity is related to many factors, and continuous growth is one of the top three.

Check out the feature article for an example of one of these lesson plans. CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN ORDER FORM .
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NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training (PLST) Printed Manuals Available
For those that have the PLST, either the NATA Safety 1st or ATI version, printed manuals are available for purchase. The Employee Career Reference Guide and Trainer's Guide sell for $125 each. Both manuals contain the latest changes to the program. Click here for an order form . (The information contained in both manuals is identical to the CD ROM distributed to those who have paid their 2003 NATA Safety 1st renewal fees.)

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2003 NATA Safety 1st Program Renewals
Program renewals were sent January 7th. If you have returned your form/money, you will receive a complimentary copy of the 2003 Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG) and the PLST CD ROM with the latest program changes. (Please note: the CD ROM is being sent to current subscribers of the PLST only.) Make sure to get your renewal in soon so that you can take advantage of the latest complimentary materials.

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2003 Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG) Available NOW!
The 2003 version combines the best of the PLST information with the Sandpiper information, including many new aircraft. It contains very useful and pertinent details on many aircraft and helicopters for your line crews. Click here for an order form.

The AGSG is written for more than just your line service personnel. Did you know that it is used by many of the following:
· Airports
· FBOs
· Pilots
· Government Agencies
· Military
· Airport Fire Departments
· Architects
· Aircraft Charter Companies
· Aviation Consulting Companies
· Corporate Flight Departments
· 23 other countries around the globe

The reason we mention this is you may want to make this publication available for sale at your facility. Purchases of 25 or more copies of this pocketsize publication can be made for $19.95. They can be sold for the retail price of $24.95. If you'd care to order 25 or more copies to sell at your facility, email Amy Koranda or Louis Soares or call us at (703) 575-2045.

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NATA Safety 1st PLST Security Module
The 10th module for the PLST is underway. Airport Business Solutions has an aggressive schedule planned in order to roll the new security video and accompanying text out in time for the NATA Convention. All 2003 NATA Safety 1st participants will receive a copy of this module.
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SEMINAR NEWS
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Please remember the Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar
(LSST) is a required part of the NATA Safety 1st Program. If you
have already sent someone from your business, please feel free to
skip to the next paragraph. If not, it is required that one person
from your line service, usually the supervisor, attend an LSST. And remember, as long as that person remains with your company,
the LSST requirement has been met for Safety 1st .
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The next LSST will be held in Windsor Locks, Connecticut March 13 & 14, 2003 at the New England Air Museum , hosted by Ascent Technologies . Check our Calendar of Events for additional dates and locations. Hotel, seminar, registration and shuttle information is available online.
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Financial Management Tools and Techniques for Aviation Service Businesses, will be held May 11 & 12, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevad a. To reach any goal you need two things: a road map or plan on how to reach the objective, and the ability to track the progress toward that goal. That's just what this seminar provides.
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The Business of Business Aviation is designed to assist new aviation professionals by enhancing their business skills and knowledge. New entrants into the aviation industry will learn everything they need to know about the aviation industry in one sitting.
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The NATA Safety 1st Trainer Program was developed because everyone wants to provide the best training for their line service team. After all, it benefits your company in a number of ways, including fewer aircraft handling and fueling accidents and increased customer satisfaction. The problem is, when can you find time to provide the level of training your employees' need?

NATA has a solution. Two days of totally dedicated, totally uninterrupted training that will teach your company's designated trainer the best ways to present the elements of our Professional Line Service Training program (PLST) to the other members of your team. This in-depth training session has been created to motivate and guide your trainer through the important PLST process.

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Let us hear from you ... If you'd like to share something with other NATA Safety 1st participants, send an email to Amy Koranda with information and/or pictures for the NATA e-Line and website.

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****Featured Safety Article...NATA Safety 1st SAFETY
MEETING LESSON PLAN TWO / PROFESSIONAL LINE SERVICE SUPPLEMENTAL MODULE TRAINING EXAMPLE
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As part of this e-Line, we will include an educational article.
Most of the articles will provide continuing education on issues
of importance to line service. In addition, if you are currently
taking the NATA Safety 1st written and practical exams, these
articles will make great study material. Feel free to copy them
and maintain a book for future reference.

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Lesson Plan Two

Section 2: Safety: Aircraft Marshalling and Hand Signals Review

Lesson Objectives:
The purpose of this module is to stimulate discussion and test knowledge of information learned in the NATA Safety 1st PLST Section 2: Safety
Demonstrate aircraft marshalling and hand signals
Identify personal safety and servicing dangers

Accident Report Case Study:

As a favor to one of the FBO's best customers, the line manager asked one of his part timers, Chester, to wait for a Citation's arrival after normal business hours. At dusk the jet landed and Chester began directing the pilot toward the ramp. There was a twin parked to Chester's left and an old 6' metal pole to his right. Using illuminated wands, the lone lineman tried to maneuver the pilot between the twin and the pole. As the jet neared the twin's wing, Chester became anxious, mixed up his signals and caused the pilot to taxi into the pole that he didn't see in the fading light.

The Citation's left wing was substantially damaged by the collision and the repair cost in the neighborhood of $100K. Since the airplane was out of service for approximately two months, the claimant incurred an additional $75K loss of use expense.

Problem Identification:
List all the probable factors that led to the accident:

1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________
4.__________________________
5.__________________________

Corrective Action:
What subsequent actions need to be taken as a result of this accident? What suggestions do you have to keep the situation from re-occurring?

1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________
4.__________________________
5.__________________________

Additional Questions

1. Demonstrate the following hand signals to the supervisor:

Hand Signals Fixed Wing Aircraft
1. Move aircraft straight forward.
2. Turn aircraft to right.
3. Slow the aircraft.
4. Turn aircraft to the left.
5. Amount of clearance available.
6. Final position of the aircraft.
7. Stop the aircraft.
8. Install wheel chocks (wheel chocks have been installed)
9. Remove chocks.
10. Ready to start engine.
11. Cut engines
12. Signal the pilot to taxiway when at end of ground guidance.
13. Courteous farewell.

Hand Signals Helicopters

1. All clear, OK, No
2. Start Engine
3. Stop Engine
4. Engage rotor
5. Stop rotor
6. Landing Direction
7. Land here
8. Take off
9. Move back
10. Stop
11. Move left
12. Hover
13. Move up
14. Swing tail to the left
15. Abort Landing

2. Why do you need to wear "over the ear" hearing protection and not just ear plugs while servicing aircraft on the ramp?

3. Identify items that you should not carry on your person while working on the ramp.

Training Answer Sheet
The answers below are only suggestions; please use your own expertise to go into more depth.

Problem Identification:
List all the probable factors that led to the accident:

1. Light was fading
2. Not enough clearance
3. Didn't tell pilot to stop
4. Needed wing walker
5. Didn't use proper signals
6. Didn't have proper pilot contact

Corrective Action:
What subsequent actions need to be taken as a result of this accident? What suggestions do you have to keep the situation from re-occurring?

1. Pre-walk route
2. Know clearances in congested areas
3. Pilot contact
4. Know hand signals
5. In doubt, stop the aircraft
6. Identify clearances
7. Illuminate or identify pole

Questions for your Specific Fueling Operation

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

Additional Questions

Demonstrate the following hand signals to the supervisor with the cards provided. (Cards are not available for this example. They are included with lesson plan purchase.)

Why do you need to wear "over the ear" hearing protection and not just ear plugs while servicing aircraft on the ramp?
Aircraft engines produce a high frequency noise that the bone around the ear transmits to the inner ear that can result in hearing loss.

Identify items that you should not carry on your person while working on the ramp.

All smoking materials, also loose items that can fall out of a pocket (change, pens etc.)

Training Tip of the Month:

To add fun into this exercise, write down the signals on pieces of paper. With information facing down, the employees pick up the first piece of paper and demonstrate the "hand signal." If they get it right, they demonstrate the next slip of paper and so on. Wrong answers are put into another pile to be re-tested. Employees who get all answers right on the first round receive a free large candy bar or soft drink.

Lesson Plan Two Attendance Sheet

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________

7. _____________________________________________

8. _____________________________________________

9. _____________________________________________

10. _____________________________________________

If you would like to print an order form, click here.

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****FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) --- NATA Safety 1st
and Fueling Issues
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This section will help you with the paperwork and study process.
In addition, we will include other questions about fueling issues
that are frequently asked. If you have any tips to share, please
submit them to us and we will include them in upcoming e-Lines.

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All our bases have completed the NATA Safety 1st
training with the exception of new employees. I agree
100% with continuous training. However I question
why a certified line technician has to go through the
program again for refresher renewal?
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We understand not wanting them to do the same exam
continuously. This is one reason we designed the supplemental
lesson plans. We hope this will give you a creative approach
to review information. The real issue is that no one is exempt
from having an accident/incident, no matter how well trained or
what the experience level. We view it just like a BFR that pilots
must go through. Even though many pilots are flying on a daily
basis, there is still a requirement to train and test. In many
cases there is not a lot of new material to cover. They must
prove proficiency covering similar flight skills.

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I think that a 2-year refresher with NATA is great but
I would like to see a yearly requirement rather then
every two years. This keeps all personnel current,
particularly because our company requires annual
training.
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We see your point! Our requirement is to recertify every
two years with NATA Safety 1st . Training should be
conducted every year. When we developed the program,
it was felt that two years passes quickly. It was also felt
that as long as line technicians trained yearly,
this would work. We welcome other comments.

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Do any of the plans for the new supplemental
training lessons include towing incidents/accidents,
since 90% of our problems are a result of towing?
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Yes, there is one that is based on the towing module.
We didn't want to only dwell on just one module, but if
we continue to get this kind of feedback, perhaps we should.

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Can we use these lesson plans to renew our certificates
for NATA Safety 1st?
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This can be used to renew your certificate, if you complete all
twelve lesson plans. This is only applicable to those that
have completed the NATA Safety 1st PLST in its entirety.
The PLST includes all 9 videotapes, text materials and the
practical/written exams.

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In the each e-Line, we ask you to share safety information or s
tatistics about how the NATA Safety 1st Program has impacted
your business. Please keep information coming our way! We
really think you are doing a great job of keeping those lines safe.
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The NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service newsletter is distributed
quarterly. We welcome your feedback on this newsletter and
any topics you would like to see discussed. Send articles/email
to Amy Koranda .

Thank you for your commitment to line service safety...
keep those ramps safe .