NATA CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL FBO LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

• A panel including FAA Manager of the Airport Compliance Division, Airport Compliance and Field Operations Branch, Kevin Willis, Nantucket Memorial Airport Manager Al Peterson and McBreen & Kopko Partner Leonard Kirsch discussed the value of airport minimum standards to the future of businesses. Willis listed airport minimum standards as one of the five key tools that the FAA recommends to airport managers and businesses. He said that among the benefits of minimum standards is helping to maintain the quality of service, ensuring an open and competitive field, protecting airport users, establishing a process for development of the airport and promoting safety. Kirsch added that comprehensive and inclusive minimum standards can be the best friend of an airport and FBO. He also advocated that, at a minimum, minimum standards should be reviewed periodically. Peterson added that minimum standards can be changed, but apply to aeronautical purposes only and are for future development, not existing conditions.

"The 2011 NATA FBO Leadership Conference provided a robust lineup of issues important to the association's member companies," concluded Coyne. "I was thrilled with the participation level and involvement by attendees at each of our sessions."