Mazzei Flying Service - NATA

What was quickly learned by NATA and others
was that it was too late; the laws were passed and
the regulations written. Of course that would not
be the end of this story. NATA worked alongside the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and
hundreds of flight training business owners, flight
instructors, and individual pilots in an effort to allow
those that know this industry the best to have
input on the laws and rules that affect them.
With the August 1 compliance deadline quickly
approaching it became clear that the laws could not
be changed in time. The flight training industry was
too diverse for a long-term solution to be identified,
debated, and passed in just a couple of months.
Rather, NATA and others in the industry began to
pursue a delay in compliance with the new laws
that would allow time for all stakeholders to participate
in an effort to find a solution that would
both protect students from predatory flight training
providers and allow this industry to continue.
An All-Out Effort in Sacramento
As each day of summer passed, the
compliance deadline drew closer.
NATA and AOPA lobbyists worked in
the state capitol convincing legislators
that a delay was necessary to prevent
the destruction of our industry. Pilots,
flight instructors, and business owners
spoke to their representatives about
the value that flight training and aviation
bring to the state. The compliance
deadline came and went, and just before
the close of the legislative session in
late August, Assembly Bill 1889 was
passed by the legislature. In this bill was
language that would have provided the
much-needed delay for the flight training
industry. However, other portions of
the bill made it impossible for the governor
to sign, and AB 1889 was vetoed.
The legislature did not go home; they
had yet to pass a state budget and would
remain in Sacramento until they had
done so. NATA and AOPA continued to
work quietly behind the scenes looking
for a solution. On October 8, Senate Bill
856, a budget trailer bill, was passed by
both houses of the legislature. SB 856
contained a 12-month delay in compliance
for the flight training industry
beginning in July of 2010.
Aviation Business Journal | 4th Aviation Business Journal | 4 Quarter 2010
th Quarter 2010
On October 19, SB 856 was signed into law by
Gov. Schwarzenegger. Chapter two of this story now
begins, as the industry and the legislature will have
to find a long-term solution to this issue. In the
battle to secure a delay, many legislators learned
more than they ever knew about the flight training
effort. This educational effort will continue. The
final solution must recognize the vast diversity of
the flight training industry while also understanding
that there are individuals out there, that given
the opportunity, would take advantage of others.
General aviation has a storied history in this
country. It is a story that contains many obstacles
and challenges. NATA is certain that this issue will
become another in a long list of obstacles overcome
and challenges met by our industry. We are proud
to have the opportunity to work alongside the many
passionate business owners, pilots, and students
who worked on this issue. Together, we believe our
efforts will prove successful.
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