Scott’s advice was fresh in my mind, as I listened to Ed Bolen, president and CEO, NBAA explain the growing menace facing aviation. “Business aviation is under full-scale attack,” he told the conference’s 230 delegates. “There is an effort to disparage our industry, which is not consistent with data and our strategy and we see it in a lot of ways. Nor is the problem confined to Europe, it also occurs in the US.”

Evidence is not hard to find. Top of mind were three new US policy initiatives that could significantly damage business aviation. The unholy trinity includes: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to step up its audits of business jets owners, a plan for longer depreciation periods on aircraft purchases and a planned five-fold increase in fuel tax over five years.

“On February 21st, the IRS said it would do a lot more audits of people who own an airplane,” said Bolen. “The IRS is saying we think there is a lot of non-compliance on personal use.”

Fuel tax and depreciation are also being targeted. “There is a proposed five times increase in [fuel] tax with no real justification. Plus, there is also a proposal for longer depreciation schedules at a time when most policy-makers think shorter depreciation is good for jobs and good our economy,” he added.

Such legislative attacks are not restricted to the US. Earlier this week, Brazilian Congress moved to approve new tax legislation, which could penalise business aviation, according to Felipe Bonsenso, partner with the country’s law firm Bonsenso Advogados.

If enacted, the ‘Imposto Seletivo’ or Selective Tax would apply to aircraft that are considered harmful to the environment and health. The rate of tax increase is apparently still under discussion.

An attack of a more visceral kind took place this week when protestors stormed onto Hanscom Field Airport, near Boston, Massachusetts. Extinction Rebellion protesters climbed a perimeter fence to disrupt airfield operations forcing the temporary closure of the airport. The raid was staged in protest to Massachusetts Port Authority’s plan to build more hangars for business jets on the airport.

The latest protest follows similar action by the group and others targeting private aviation at other airports in North America and Europe – including, notoriously, at last year’s EBACE event at Geneva Airport.

So, what to do when under attack? The NBAA’s strategy is the opposite of the one recommended by my Tucson taxi driver. Instead of backing quietly away from the threat, the NBAA’s policy is to counter it with reasoned argument, backed by hard data seasoned with practical examples of how business aviation is benefiting lives and businesses worldwide.

Business aviation has a wealth of data to back its case and the global industry should find a unified voice to put that case to policy-makers, protestors and the public worldwide, according to the NBAA. Bolen put it like this: “The facts, the truth and the reality are on our side. We really are an important engine for the economy, a vital link in the transportation system, developing remote economies and businesses to grow by staying in contact with the global economy.”

Combating the many threats facing global business aviation demanded a truly co-ordinated industry response. The association aimed to focus that response with its Climbing.Fast campaign launched at the NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas last October. In addition to promoting the industry’s business and community benefits, the campaign aims to highlight the sector’s mission to achieve net zero carbon emissions, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and its leadership on sustainability targets.

The campaign, and the industry it seeks to defend, faces tough battles to win over business aviation’s increasingly vocal critics: That’s even with the campaign’s army of acronym-based ambassadors including NAFA; the reason for my visit to the Tucson Mountains.

*Meanwhile, please do not rely solely on my taxi driver’s advice if you encounter a western diamondback rattlesnake or any other type of venomous reptile this weekend. Always seek professional guidance. (Scott’s contact details can be provided on request).

Note of complaint: NBAA argues against IRS plans to step up audits of business jets owners and plans for longer depreciation periods and higher fuel tax.

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This is an industry-wide campaign launched at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas to promote business aviation’s mission to achieve net zero carbon emissions, its leadership on sustainability targets and wider contributions to society.

Think of it as a re-imagined No Plane No Gain initiative – but with many more founding members and a broader remit. The old campaign by NBAA and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) sought to explain business aviation’s contribution to the economy and society. Now Climbing. Fast. delivers a new-century perspective on the old, old question: how can we help people better understand the sector’s full contribution.

Launching the campaign at the show, Ed Bolen, president and CEO, NBAA put the proposition neatly: “No Plane No Gain, has been around for a very long time. It is the foundation on which Climbing. Fast. will build,” he said. “It’s not just about the industry’s commitment to net zero contributions but it’s about who we are.”

Business aviation has long provided economic and employment opportunities, helped business of all sizes, connected communities, especially during and after Covid, and provided humanitarian aid in addition to setting and delivering measurable sustainability targets, said Bolen. “Our new, branded Climbing. Fast. initiative will take this message to policy-makers, opinion leaders and other key audiences, informing perceptions about the industry’s sustainability record and value.”

Pete Bunce, president and CEO, GAMA linked business aviation’s contribution to the economy with its role as a technology incubator for the wider aviation industry and its achievement in leading safety and sustainability standards.

“Our industry supports over 1.2 million total jobs and over $247bn in total economic output in the United States,” said Bunce. “When you look at our industry, Climbing. Fast. truly describes the work we have been doing to foster aviation’s sustainability and technology, advance safety, strengthen economic growth and provide valuable services to communities.”

For private aviation incubator, think fuel-saving winglets, global positioning systems, advanced composite materials. On sustainability, think the efficiency of modern engines, which deliver 30% improved fuel efficiency compared with previous generations of business aircraft. Think the white heat of new aircraft technology – electric aircraft, hybrid-electric and, eventually, hydrogen-powered aircraft. Then there’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which although growing from a tiny base, can cut carbon emissions by up to 100%.

But does the public care? Ill-formed criticism of business aviation has often travelled halfway around the world before the truth has got its boots on (to quote that master wordsmith Sir Winston Churchill).

The Climbing. Fast. organisers have an answer. It urges the industry and particularly its supporters to, as Bolen said, “engage” with schools, policy-makers, opinion-formers and the public to put those message across. The campaign should have an army of ambassadors including Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA).

 This army of acronyms has numerous weapons of choice to win the battle for hearts and minds: digital advertising, multi-platform social media presence and a targeted media relations programme.

Brian Foley, founder of Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO) understands the pressure for action but has a doubt. “Our industry associations’ charter is to look after the interests of their constituents,” he told Corporate Jet Investor. “Lately the hot button topic has been bizav sustainability, which although only accounting for 0.04% of annual greenhouse emissions, gets outsized attention from activists due to getting them more press coverage than say, spray painting a bus.” Activists know that targeting business aviation won’t result in the same large public backlash such as blocking a motorway or freeway.

Faced with growing criticism, Climbing. Fast. provides a modern answer. “Our industry lobbyists have developed a campaign to provide an alibi to future criticism,” says Foley. 

And now for the doubt. “While I’m not sure who’ll still be around to check on the progress in 2050, we’ll at least have these talking points to hold us over until then,” he adds. 

Meanwhile, let’s hope that powerful advocates within the acronym army can accomplish what business aviation has often struggled to get: recognition from government and civil society for its many achievements. Engagement is the word. Here’s to being around in 2050 to judge the progress made.

Pictured are private jets on parade at the NBAA-BACE 2023 static display at Henderson Executive Airport.

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I have thought about that question over the last few days.  I wished I would have had the time to go into more depth. Yes, a mentor is important throughout your career, but there are other important elements as well.    Throughout my career, I have hired and observed many young talented people come and go.  I often reflect on what makes the difference in people succeeding and what causes many of them to fail.  I have analyzed this for years and believe that the top 5% do many things that make a big difference in whether they “stay with the pack” or become top performers in their field.

My observations watching those top 5%: 

ATTITUDE:   It starts and ends with their attitude.  What is interesting is the fact that I have asked hundreds of people if they think they have a bad attitude.  No surprise here, but almost all of them never admit to being negative or having a bad attitude.  However, you and I know that when you are around a person that has a negative attitude, they will brighten a room by leaving! One person with a bad attitude can and will cause severe problems if they remain part of a team.

MOTIVATED:  Have you noticed most people that complain and develop a bad attitude are the ones doing the least amount of work or nothing at all!  This is where they need help by taking an inventory of their activity.   It is hard to be unmotivated when you are busy.   If you want to get motivated, then get busy!  Do something, i.e. get motivated by making some calls, setting up appointments, talking with customers, reading, studying and learning.  Understand that real motivation comes from the “doing” not the “wishing” things would improve.

STEP UP AND MOVE FORWARD:   Successful people have a desire to learn. They are involved in stepping up by setting realistic goals and then by moving forward.  They take action!  Do they make mistakes?  Yes, but that is a sign of stepping up and moving forward.  In many situations, they will learn from these mistakes more so than from the successes.   They don’t coast through life.  We all know if you are coasting, you can only coast downhill.

PATIENCE AND COMMITMENT:  I don’t mean sit around and wait.  Yes, sustainable success takes real time and effort to get the greatest rewards. The road to success is not straight without bumps, hills, and plenty of detours.  How you handle the bumps and detours, will determine the person you become.  If you want to become a person of value, a person of character, a person respected, then you must be patient while you work and take the steps and move forward.

MONITOR CLOSELY THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU:   Some person you meet along the road of life will either pick you up or pull you down, or just hang on to you for a ride.  People that don’t know you will form an opinion of your worth based on the people that are your associates. Who are your role models, your mentors, people you respect in the business and would like to emulate?  Life is full of choices on your way to success so be picky about your influencers!

All of the above recommendations are part of the puzzle that will make up your success:  your attitude, people that you surround yourself with, your patience and commitment, staying motivated, finding a mentor.  All pieces of the success puzzle.

Do you want to be one of the top 5% of highly successful people? Step up and move forward and you will not only enjoy the journey, but you will also enjoy success at the destination.   Good Luck!

Wayne has specialized in aircraft finance for nearly 20 years, most recently as Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for PNC Aviation Finance. He is now executive director for the International Aircraft Dealers Association.

The National Aviation Finance Association (NAFA) awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership, contributions and service to the association, its members and the aviation industry in 2018.

Wayne Starling, Starling Consulting LLC, 208-724-5327

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“The NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognise NAFA Members that have made outstanding contributions to NAFA and the business aviation finance community,” stated Tony Kioussis, chairman of the NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award Committee.  “Considering Wayne’s accomplishments within the finance community, and his relentless support of NAFA, the Association could not have selected a worthier candidate.”

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Clearly most country fans are not in a position to buy a jet (although Nielsen says that 29% are planning to get a truck). But the musicians are loyal customers. Lombard, the UK bank, last week hosted a select gathering at the Country2Country festival in London. It was headlined by Brad Paisley, who owns a Falcon 50. Other country business jet fans include Dierks Bentley. Bentley who sings Drunk on a [commercial] Plane has spoken at NBAA and flies his own Citation M2. Jake Owen is a Wheels Up customer and played at a Super Bowl Party for other members. There are many others.

Like business jets, sales of country music have fallen significantly since 2008. But for very different reasons. Album sales have been hit by downloads and music streaming (although country music has actually held up better than many other music types). Business aviation is actually luckier. Aircraft have not been replaced in the same way, but there has been a shortage of buyers.

Country music singers can afford to fly privately because they have adapted to this shift. They have turned to live music. Nielsen says consumers now spend the biggest share of their personal budget on live music. In 2016 this was 36% on their total music spend.

Performers use their jets to get them around like other small businesses. Business aviation lets them see their customers and get home to their families (Cessna has a great video showing how Bentley does this). Other musicians including Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson (who flies an Eclipse 550) use business aircraft in similar ways.

The business aviation market has not pivoted as quickly. Whole aircraft sales have been not been replaced. This is partly because organising even a big concert is a lot less complex than creating a membership programme or optimising empty legs. But the business aviation market needs to keep evolving. There is a good chance that sales may pick up, but as musicians have found, it is risky to just rely on one product (there is a panel looking at this at the National Aircraft Finance Association Conference in Florida next week).

If an industry as proud of its traditions as country and western can evolve, so can business aviation. And the two have a lot in common. It is not a coincidence that all business jets are made in the south*.

The post Country and Jets appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Clearly most country fans are not in a position to buy a jet (although Nielsen says that 29% are planning to get a truck). But the musicians are loyal customers. Lombard, the UK bank, last week hosted a select gathering at the Country2Country festival in London. It was headlined by Brad Paisley, who owns a Falcon 50. Other country business jet fans include Dierks Bentley. Bentley who sings Drunk on a [commercial] Plane has spoken at NBAA and flies his own Citation M2. Jake Owen is a Wheels Up customer and played at a Super Bowl Party for other members. There are many others.

Like business jets, sales of country music have fallen significantly since 2008. But for very different reasons. Album sales have been hit by downloads and music streaming (although country music has actually held up better than many other music types). Business aviation is actually luckier. Aircraft have not been replaced in the same way, but there has been a shortage of buyers.

Country music singers can afford to fly privately because they have adapted to this shift. They have turned to live music. Nielsen says consumers now spend the biggest share of their personal budget on live music. In 2016 this was 36% on their total music spend.

Performers use their jets to get them around like other small businesses. Business aviation lets them see their customers and get home to their families (Cessna has a great video showing how Bentley does this). Other musicians including Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson (who flies an Eclipse 550) use business aircraft in similar ways.

The business aviation market has not pivoted as quickly. Whole aircraft sales have been not been replaced. This is partly because organising even a big concert is a lot less complex than creating a membership programme or optimising empty legs. But the business aviation market needs to keep evolving. There is a good chance that sales may pick up, but as musicians have found, it is risky to just rely on one product (there is a panel looking at this at the National Aircraft Finance Association Conference in Florida next week).

If an industry as proud of its traditions as country and western can evolve, so can business aviation. And the two have a lot in common. It is not a coincidence that all business jets are made in the south*.

The post Country and Jets appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

“We are proud that the NAFA NARA cocktail reception has become one of the most anticipated networking events at the NBAA Convention each year” said David Jarvis, NAFA Vice President. “This event seems to get bigger and bigger each year. 2012 was no exception with wall to wall attendees. It’s a great way to kick off the show.”

The number of international delegates rose possibly because of increased awareness of NAFA following a cocktail reception at EBACE in May 2012.

The 42nd Annual NAFA Conference will be held on April 23-26, 2013.

Disclosure: Corporate Jet Investor is an associate member of NAFA

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Andrew Roybal, at the University of North Dakota; Christopher Sailer, at the Florida Institute of Technology; and Mary Elizabeth Smith and Devon Weinman, both at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; receive 2011 NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarship Awards.

“It is imperative that NAFA support and encourage the next generation of business aviation professionals,” said Bob Howe, NAFA President and president of Dorr Aviation Credit Corporation. “We are honored to award these scholarships to outstanding young men and women like Andrew, Christopher, Mary Elizabeth and Devon”.

NAFA says that students interested in the NAFA Scholarship program should apply through their schools’ Financial Aid office.  All completed applications must be submitted to NAFA by the university/college Financial Aid office and must be received by NAFA no later than April 1 each year.  

The association is dedicated to promoting the general welfare of individuals and organizations that provide aircraft financing to the business and general aviation marketplace; to improving the industry’s service to the public; and to working with government agencies to foster a greater understanding of member needs.

It organizes a well-attended conference in May each year as well as popular cocktail parties at NBAA and AOPA. Next year it is also planning at networking cocktail at EBACE.

Corporate Jet Investor is an associate member of NAFA.

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