ARSA Wishes Everyone a Very Happy and Safe Independence Day 2009!

In observance of the July 4th Independence Day holiday, our offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2009.

Sarah,   Marshall,   Christian,   Colin,   Crystal,   Erika,   Gretchen,   Karen,    Keith,   Matt,   Paul,   Ronda

and the ARSA K-9 corps Calvin & Spike!

In a report published June 12, the European Commission (EC) cited the foreign repair station language found in Section 303 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 915) as a "potentially trade restrictive and/or distortive measure" not in adherence with U.S. obligations as a member of the Group of Twenty (G20). The G20 is an international forum comprised of twenty nations which promotes dialogue and concerted economic action by industrialized and developing states.

In April 2009, the G20 met in London to reaffirm a commitment to refrain from raising any barriers, either direct or indirect, to international trade. The commitment, which was viewed as vitally important during the global economic downturn, is to run through the end of 2010.

The U.S. Senate is expected to introduce its version of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act in early July. The House version of the bill (H.R. 915), which already passed that chamber, contained damaging language aimed at foreign repair stations and the use of non-certificated entities.

As the Senate prepares to unveil its version of the bill, now is the time to tell your senators to reject similar language in the Senate legislation. By keeping the bill "clean", the legislation can focus on true safety issues impacting the aviation industry.

Below is a pre-written letter you can send to your senators' offices. Simply place on company letterhead, add signature, and fax to your senators' offices (you can find fax numbers at www.congress.org. In addition, you can edit the letter to tell your company's story on what it has at stake in this legislation.

In a recent letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ARSA suggested the agency adopt guidance on the use of a "current inspection program recommended by the manufacturer" under Title 14 CFR § 91.409(f)(3). In response the FAA issued an Information for Operators (InFO) Which clarifies that an operator must properly adopt a program under 14 CFR section 91.409(e) that is "current" at that time (the time of the adoption). While some may claim that the INFO carries no "weight", the fact that it clearly defines the regulatory requirement that was not addressed in the interpretation of section 91.409(f) makes it valid and applicable.

A successful advocacy program depends on the involvement of ARSA members. Attending town hall meetings in your hometown is an excellent opportunity to get face time with your members of Congress, and to help the Association develop a strong grassroots program.

In an effort to help members get more involved at the ground level, ARSA will update this web page weekly with upcoming town hall meetings in your area.

If you decide to attend a town hall meeting in your area, tell us about it! E-mail Matt Hallett at matt@arsa.org or Crystal Maguire at crystal@arsa.org and let us know how it goes.

With the economy the way it is, wouldn’t if be nice if your company could save a few bucks? The ARSA Member Getting Members program is designed to help you do just that!

Look at who has taken advantage of the program to date -

• AEE-EMF, Inc. d.b.a. Aircraft Electrical Electronics, referred by Turbine Fuel Systems
• Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc., referred by Petroleum Helicopters Inc.
• Onboard Systems International, referred by individual member Greg Farr
• Precision Fuel Components LLC, referred by Precision Engines LLC