Workforce Challenges And Illegal Charter Also Among Top Concerns For Southeast Region Operators

On September 25, NATA held the fifth in its series of 2018 Industry Town Hall meetings at Epps Aviation (KPDK) in Atlanta, GA. This event was the first opportunity for NATA members and industry to meet with Gary Dempsey in his new role as NATA President. Dempsey was joined by NATA EVP Tim Obitts along with airport officials and other Atlanta-area aviation business professionals, including leaders from FBOs and air charter providers.

NATA welcomed attendees with opening remarks before the group discussed an array of topics affecting general aviation — specifically the workforce shortage, illegal charter and current pressures on FBOs.

“A top priority of the Association is to visit with members throughout the country and hear directly about their pain points and successes,” stated Dempsey.

Obitts added, “We continue to see recurring themes around workforce challenges and the threat of illegal charter, to the extent that we also host Air Charter Forums to talk with Part 135, 91 and other aircraft operators about their specific concerns. The forums have aided us in developing action plans for our Illegal Charter Task Force, as well as allowing us to address other charter-related issues such as federal excise taxes and FSDO relationships.”

“We appreciate Epps Aviation for hosting our fifth town hall of the year and the attendees for their participation in our town hall, as general aviation is a key contributor to the Atlanta-metro economy,” Obitts stated.

“This fall, we look forward to our final Industry Town Hall and our last two Air Charter Forums of the year. It’s important that we continue to listen to and engage with our members and industry, as these meetings allow us to respond to top aviation business issues from a legislative, regulatory and operational viewpoint,” Dempsey concluded.

NATA town halls and forums are free to attend and include a complimentary lunch, thanks to member company hosts and sponsors AirSure Limited and Gogo Business Aviation.

Upcoming Dates:

• Air Charter Forum – October 30 – Wing Aviation – Houston, TX
• Air Charter Forum – November 1 – Solairus Aviation – San Jose, CA
• Industry Town Hall – November 15 – Banyan Air Services – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

(Source: NATA news release)

FMI: www.nata.aero