Issue 14
September 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... Hot Fueling
****FAQ --- NATA Safety 1st and Fueling Issues
****Safety Tips … Offered by NATA Safety 1st Participants
****Safety Review
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****NATA Safety 1st Program and Other NATA News
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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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ChevronTexaco has selected NATA Safety 1st

The following excerpt came from The Hiller Group (ChevronTexaco) Quarterly, Important Aviation News and Updates :

FBOs Learn NATA Training Pays
Looking for a way to help cut your insurance costs? Well, the answer is to increase training. And nowhere is that more important than with your line service personnel. After all, they interact with every customer and every aircraft that comes to your facility.

At the head of the training class is National Air Transportation Association's (NATA's) Professional Line Service Training (PLST) program. Currently over 500 FBOs have trained their staff using the proven program.

Safety 1st covers ground servicing; customer service; safety; aircraft security; refueling piston, turbo-prop and jet aircraft; towing; fire safety and fuel farm management.

ChevronTexaco has selected NATA Safety 1st as their recommended training curriculum. They recognize the need for initial and recurrent training and acknowledge the Safety 1st program as an excellent program for their distributors and customers.

We welcome ChevronTexaco as a NATA Safety 1st participant! Thanks for the vote of confidence. We look forward to working with you.

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Positive Impact of Safety 1st at Galaxy Aviation

Galaxy Aviation-with locations in Boca Raton (Boca Aviation, BCT), Palm Beach (PBI), Orlando (MCO) and Stuart (SUA), Fla.- has been a part of Safety 1st program since mid 2001. All of our base locations are 100 percent certified in Safety 1st , with all new line service employees required to complete the training program.

Since beginning the Safety 1st program, we've seen a significant positive impact with customer interest and an increase in employee moral, as well as a significant decrease in insurance claims. We recently went through an audit with AIG (Aviation Insurance Group) at our Boca Raton location and received great reviews. We could not have done this without our continuous partnership with NATA training programs. Galaxy Aviation's other locations will go through the same review in July and August, and I am confident will have the same favorable results.

In addition to participating in Safety 1st , Galaxy Aviation has also developed our own Certified Tow Operator training program, based on NATA guidelines. In order to become a Certified Tow Operator at one of our bases, technicians must first complete the Safety 1st training program. Specially selected candidates are then nominated by management to undergo further instruction in towing, which includes additional classroom training and the requirement to retake the Safety 1st written test on towing. Only Certified Tow Operators are authorized to tow aircraft at our bases. This program has been a great success, not only for our customers but for our employees as well. We have not filed an insurance claim since the inception of the program, which was implemented over a year ago.

Galaxy Aviation also offers extensive ongoing training opportunities for our line service technicians and customer service representatives. Company-organized supervisor training for all base supervisors was held in March, with 100 percent participation from all Galaxy Aviation locations. In June, we sent seven line technicians to the NATA Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar in Sarasota, Fla., and conducted Customer Service Training for CSRs at all of our bases. Company-organized Managers Training for all line and customer service managers will be presented in July.

Many thanks to the excellent NATA Safety 1st program for providing Galaxy Aviation with the best line service training in the industry, as well as the inspiration and guidelines for our own company-organized training programs.

Ken Bray
Galaxy Aviation
Manager, Safety/Training

We want to thank everyone at Galaxy Aviation for the vote of support! You do a great job!
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Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG) and Aircraft Towing Guide (ATG) Can be Purchased Online

Purchasing copies of the AGSG and ATG couldn't be easier. Click the AGSG and ATG links and your copy will arrive before you know it! These guides will help your line technicians provide the ultimate customer service by giving them pertinent details on arriving aircraft.

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Speaking of the Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG)…

Why not 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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2004 Aircraft Towing Guide (ATG) Coming Soon

The ATG is being expanded and updated for 2004. The new ATG will be a great resource to have on hand for all your experienced line technicians as well as your new line staff. Copies will be available in the New Year.

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NATA Safety 1st PLST Security Module

The 10th module for the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training Program will be coming out in the next several weeks. It is receiving finishing touches and will go for reproduction in the next two weeks. TSA previewed the video and was so impressed they want a copy. (Make sure your NATA Safety 1st participation in the PLST is current to receive your complimentary copy.)

NATA is also producing an Aviation Security manual for the entire membership. We will let you know how to get a copy of this vital manual.

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In the each e-Line, we ask you to share safety information or statistics 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 your lines safe.
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NATA NEWS
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2004 NATA Convention & AS3 Tradeshow

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) & AS3/GSE Tradeshow will run May 18 - 20, 2004 at the Las Vegas Convention Center & Las Vegas Hilton . NATA staffers and committees have begun planning for this exciting event. We'd like to hear from you if you have particular programming requests. As always, it promises to be another fun, educational and networking extravaganza!

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Aviation Business Journal--- Roaring Success

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) launched its new publication, Aviation Business Journal in July and received kudos from many of our members. This quarterly publication provides NATA members with business management information to help them run more effective and profitable aviation service businesses.

Featured articles in the inaugural issue included; Industry Leaders Look to the Future of Business Aviation, Maximizing Charter Cash Flow, FBO Real Estate: Opportunity or Obstacle, Inside Washington, Safety Culture on the Ramp and Frederick Aviation: Building a Better FBO. If you haven't read this issue, make sure you get your hands on a copy as it is filled with great information.

The next issue of the Aviation Business Journal will be distributed at NBAA in October so don't leave without an issue to read on your return home. The October issue promises to be even bigger than the July issue.

An Aviation Business Journal media kit is available. For information on advertising in Aviation Business Journal, contact Cheryl Stratos or Marnie Murphy at 703/212-4967 or adsales@nata-online.org .

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NATA Releases 2003 Compensation Study

NATA has released its 2003 Aviation Business Wage and Compensation Study. Member companies that participated in the study have received a complimentary copy. The study is available to members for $50.00 and non-members for $100.00. A copy of the study, available only in CD-ROM format, may be purchased from Susan Nicholson at 800/808-6282 or by email: snicholson@nata-online.org .
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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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts on October 27 & 28th , hosted by the Massachusetts Airport Management Association . The next scheduled LSST won't be until 2004. Check our Calendar of Events for additional dates and locations. Hotel, seminar, registration and shuttle information are available online.

The 2004 LSST schedule is coming out soon. Keep an eye out on our website for future dates and locations!
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NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar --- Back by Popular Demand

Why not give your trainer two days of uninterrupted time to REALLY learn how to present your PLST program? The NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar is designed to motivate and guide your trainer through the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training (PLST) process.

What Will You Gain?

Strengthen your training skills with the proven tips, techniques and training guidelines of the PLST.
Return eager to implement the comprehensive PLST that will make your FBO a better place for customers, employees and your bottom line
Scrutinize the fire safety training module of the NATA Safety 1st PLST and return certified to train others in fire safety
What Are the Benefits?

Coordinated training process
Thorough understanding of all components of the PLST
Networking opportunities with other trainers and supervisors
Inspiring tips and techniques
If you missed the NATA Safety 1st Trainer seminar in Las Vegas, we have scheduled another one in Baltimore, Maryland on October 16 & 17th. Check our website for specifics on registration, hotel and shuttle information.

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NATA And AAAE to Present FBO Symposium

NATA and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) will present an FBO Symposium on November 7th in Las Vegas. The symposium will immediately follow AAAE's Non-Hub General Aviation Airports Conference, November 5-6 .

This year's symposium presents an opportunity for airport and FBO managers to discuss key issues of interest to both parties. The symposium will consist of interactive panel discussions on such topics as grant assurances, minimum standards, security, rules and regulations, leases and whatever additional topics participants choose to cover. Audience participation will be strongly encouraged.

You can register online .

For program information, contact Clif Stroud at 703/845-9000 or by email at cstroud@nata-online.org. For registration information, contact Kate Hood at AAAE at 703/824-0500, ext. 174, or by email: kate.hood@airportnet.org .

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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...HOT FUELING
Walter Chartrand, Technical & Operations Training Manager
Email: Walter Chartrand
Website: Air BP

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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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Note to Reader : All personnel need to be trained on specific equipment that they will be using in Hot Fueling operations (very much like the specific training required for towing aircraft). Sign-offs acknowledging this training should be categorized by specific aircraft type and all appropriate hand signals and fueling procedures reviewed by both line personnel and flight crews to confirm proper understanding by all parties.

The following information provides guidance on Hot Fueling utilizing practical knowledge and Standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 407, Chapter 5 section 21 which allows "Rapid Refueling" of "turbine engine helicopter fueled with JET A or JET-A1," ONLY. As always, your company policies and procedures take precedence over these guidelines. This article is NOT an endorsement for performing Hot Fueling , only guidance on making it as safe an operation as possible.

Definition :
Hot Fueling can be defined as fueling with the main aircraft engine running. Additional precautions to normal fueling operations should be followed to prevent aircraft fire during Hot Fueling operations. This operation should not be considered a routine task , it needs to be done with extreme care, and only when operationally necessary. In addition, it is advised that a written agreement between the two participating parties be in place in advance of this type of operation stating all areas of responsibility and liability of training requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment :
The first area of ensuring safety in any operation is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for Hot Fueling this should include: Fuel Resistant Gloves, Safety Boots or Leather Boots with Non-Skid Soles, Safety Glasses or Goggles, Protective Clothing (100% Cotton or Nomex) and adequate Hearing Protection. For these types of operation, it is imperative that full PPE is worn, especially safety glasses or goggles to avoid dust, dirt, etc. from getting blown into eyes. Adequate hearing protection is also required as the prolonged exposure in such operations can have a severely detrimental affect on hearing.

Considerations :
There are some key points to consider in the performance of Hot Fueling Operations, they should include:

Equipment or physical plant conditions that could adversely effect the results of the operation
Areas of concern that could result in personal injury or effect the safety of the operation
Primary causes or effects of a fuel product spill
Equipment or procedures which might make performance of the task easier or more efficient
Ideally, details of the requirements for carrying out the operation of Hot Fueling should be discussed in detail and agreed upon by all parties concerned before training for such activities can commence. This is essential for ensuring both flight crews and fueling personnel understand all the conditions required for Hot Fueling . Items such as hand signals are to be agreed between flight crew and fueling operations personnel prior to the start of any Hot Fueling operation.

Passengers :
It is best advised that fueling operations not take place with passengers on board, unless in the case of emergency ambulance flights, and where the passengers are unable to leave the aircraft. If passengers are to remain on board, it is highly recommended that a two-person fueling crew be utilized. With this two-person operation, one would concentrate on the fueling criteria such as connecting the bonding cable, deploying the fueling hose and controlling the fueling while the other would remain in clear eye sight of both the refueler and a flight crew member in addition to being in the vicinity of both an emergency stop button, and fire fighting equipment. All personnel involved in the Hot Fueling should be aware of the location of emergency stop buttons. Where this is not feasible , consideration ought to be given to the safety of carrying out the operation.

Approaching an Operating Aircraft:
When approaching the aircraft, the first thing that needs to be checked is that fire fighting equipment should be available and in position at the fueling operation. There should be at least a 20LB extinguisher (checked prior to fueling). Extreme caution must be exercised when approaching the aircraft, according to type, from front or side, and only when instructed by an aircraft crew member. Fueling vehicles shall be positioned with at least 30 feet from any rotor tips of the Aircraft. The Aircraft should preferably be nose into the wind. Training should include the best entrance point for approaching the aircraft and the best exit route; many times the exit will be along the same path as the entrance. No one should approach or walk to the rear at any time - avoid engine exhaust and the tail rotor.

Before Fueling :
In order for the fueling operation to begin, information regarding the fuel requirements should be relayed to the fueling personnel and clearly understood. Wherever possible, advance information concerning aircraft type and requirements should be obtained before the aircraft is at the agreed upon refueling point. All vehicle checks must be completed, and any required fuel sampling performed prior to beginning fueling operations. The aircraft should be signaled into position and all personnel remain clear until fight controls have been neutralized and engine speeds brought to ground idle. Once in position, and the flight crew has signaled that fueling operations may commence by authorizing approach of personnel to aircraft, fire-fighting equipment shall be put into place and the bonding cable connected. It is important to note that static charges can take up to 3 minutes to dissipate. Utilization of a "curb or other approved barrier" will allow any mobile equipment to approach within 10 FT. of any rotating component while the lack of any "cur or other approved barrier" will restrict any vehicle from coming any closer than 20 FT.

Fueling :
During the fueling, all personnel involved should be trained and familiar with the location and operation of emergency shut-off controls and fire fighting equipment. Personnel shall be positioned as agreed and remain observant and in clear-eye-sight of refueling personnel and the pilot at the controls. Only then should a fueling hose be brought to the aircraft and fueling commence. The flow rate is to be the minimum practicable and should never exceed the aircrafts recommended flow rates. Pump speed should be as close to idle speed as possible so not to exceed 60 GPM flow rate. In the case of single-point pressure fueling, the main control of fuel flow will be a dead-man control device which has the ability to stop the flow of fuel with one single motion. When using an over-wing nozzle, the nozzle itself acts as the dead-man control.

A Spill :
Refueling should stop immediately if there is any spillage of fuel and must not be restarted until clean up is complete and the area made safe. It is important for any aircraft not to fill to capacity during Hot Fueling in order to prevent spillage which can be the precursor to a fire.

Conclusion :
Fueling aircraft and operating around motorized equipment are inherently very dangerous; combining these two activities in the case of Hot Fueling increases that level of seriousness. It is extremely important for all parties concerned to discuss, in detail, those type operations that include Hot Fueling and to understand all the different hazards these operations pose. Furthermore, it is essential that all involved in Hot Fueling be properly trained and rehearse these activities prior to embarking on these types of operations. Moreover, it might be wise to have some type of indemnity agreement in place with the companies concerned prior to conducting Hot Fueling .

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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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I recently purchased the NATA Safety 1st PLST program
and want to know if my company will have to pay
certification fees?
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Initial issuance of your certificate and patch are included in the price of the NATA Safety 1st PLST program. We keep track of the number of line service personnel included in the purchase price. If you want to know how many line techs were included in the purchase price, call us and we can share this number with you.

Training for your line technicians should be conducted every year. NATA Safety 1st certification takes place every two years. We send out reminders when it is time to renew certification. If you have questions concerning your line technicians testing dates, you can call us anytime to request an interim report. Currently, the fee to renew your certification is $10 for NATA members and $20 for non-members.

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How long does it normally take to process our certificates?
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Certifications will be processed within a 2-4 week time frame. If you need certificates in a hurry, please call us and we will work to meet any time constraints you might have.

It is important that we receive the correct paperwork and fees in order to process your request promptly. If you are unsure of the correct paperwork, refer to the back of your CD ROM for a checklist. Guidance on the correct paperwork for certification is also given in Appendix G and H of your Trainer's Guide. We always welcome your telephone requests or emails too. It won't take much time to get you headed down the right path.

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****Safety Tip...NATA Safety 1st Participant Submittal
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Our appreciation goes out to Atlantic Aero, Inc for the following safety tip:

A "FOD" (foreign objects) bucket can be created for use by line crews at strategic locations around your company. This will encourage crews to pick up FOD and raise both employee and customer awareness.

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Please share safety information or tips that have increased
safety awareness on your line. Your ideas will be printed
here with credit given. Thanks for sharing with other NATA
Safety 1st participants!
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****Safety Review
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Do you remember your light gun signals? It never hurts to review them…

STEADY GREEN ----------------- ----- It's OK to cross the runway or taxiway
STEADY RED --------------------------- Stop!
FLASHING RED ------------------------ Move off the runway or taxiway
FLASHING WHITE -------------------- Return to your starting point on the airport
ALTERNATING RED & GREEN ---- Proceed with extreme caution

For added fun, create cards with the light gun signal on one side and the answer on the other. Enjoy!

Why do you need to know the light gun signals anyway?
Air traffic controllers have a backup communication system to use in the event an aircraft, vehicle or controller's radio fails. Controllers use a Light Gun with different colored lenses to tell pilots or vehicle drivers what to do.

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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 .