Lobbyist Stresses any Regulatory Shakeup Should Be Rooted in Actual Data, Logic

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has taken issue with the handling of the Part 135 rulemaking that seems to be in the works, stressing their belief that any changes should rest entirely on actual data instead of supposition and allegation.

The changes pertain to the possible reclassification of some Part 135 operators, who've been offering on-demand public charter operations in an arrangement that allows them to remain clear of Part 121 requirements. Customers have liked the service, being smaller and more nimble than traditional airlines, while giving them the private jet experience of avoiding TSA and passing through the FBO to catch a flight. That's made such operations a hot target for the big guys, since it manages to sidestep the worst parts of traditional airline travel. They've pressed hard in calling such operations a way to exploit what they call the "charter loophole", and it seems they've been successful enough to draw governmental attention to the idea of breaking up the business model. The NBAA, being a business-centered aviation lobbyist, isn't happy to see additional regulations coming down for the charter industry, particularly without any real inciting incident backing up the action. The group pointed to its record of safety so far, while bringing attention to the fact that if smaller public charter operators aren't allowed to operate, there won't be an air carrier stepping in to take up their tiny routes.

“Safety is the top priority for business aviation, and our sector has an impeccable record of leadership in working with government agencies and other stakeholders in the development of regulations that address safety concerns and put operational needs first. The FAA’s announcement suggests an intention to sidestep both considerations,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

“Specifically, the plan to impose new requirements on these carriers has been introduced without an apparent data-based safety rationale. Additionally, the FAA’s approach to developing the requirements has the potential to relegate to the sidelines the citizens in small communities and other important voices most impacted by this process."

“We call upon the FAA to step forward with a data-driven basis that explains the need for this change, and detail its intended process for engaging with all voices in a meaningful dialogue about the agency’s approach to public charter policy.”

FMI: www.nbaa.org