Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
The operating status of fractionally owned aircraft in the USA could finally be determined following the US National Air Transport Association's (NATA) decision to support the continued operation of shared aircraft under Federal Airworthiness Regulations (FAR) Part 91 general aviation rules. NATA, which represents the interests of the charter community, is still pushing for changes to the FAR Part 135 commercial aviation regulations.
An earlier NATA decision supporting fractional ownership was rescinded under pressure from members of the Alexandria, Virginia-based association. The move came after a survey of its 1,900 members showed a change of mind.
NATA has now joined an industry forum, which includes aviation service providers and associations, including the National Business Aviation Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association "to work towards developing guidelines for the operation of fractional programmes and create a non-regulatory system to ensure compliance".
The US business aviation industry has been at loggerheads for nearly two years over the issue of operational control. Several charter operators have been outspoken in their criticism of fractional ownership programmes, believing they have a significant competitive advantage because they can operate under less stringent regulations - even though fractional ownership and charters do much the same task.
"Charter operators spend a lot of money to operate their aircraft under Part 135, by having to install the latest technology, and have to abide by strict operating regulations. The Part 91 operators, which many feel are poaching their business, can operate at a fraction of the cost and with comparatively more freedom," says NATA vice- president, Andrew Cebula.
NATA is now calling on the US Federal Aviation Administration, which has been investigating the issue for more than 18 months, to modify "burdensome regulations" affecting Part 135 operators, looking in particular at the runway stopping distance, and weather reporting.
"Under the current rules, operators have to land in the first 60% of the runway without using reversers, and have to fly to airports with approved weather and weather reporting," says Cebula.
Source: Flight International
