Thursday, November 02, 2006

NATA: New guidelines for charters

The Aero-News Network is reporting on some new guidelines for air charter operators offered by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

The first is NATA’s Guide for International Transportation of Minors. Aimed at on-demand charter, Part 91 aircraft management, and Part 91(K) fractional operators, the guidelines address issues concerning the transportation of minors outside the United States.
The publication addresses several scenarios, including transporting minors with only one parent or legal guardian, minors alone or with neither parent or legal guardian, minors with a different last name, and minors with one deceased parent. The association explains that, although some nations do not require documentary evidence of the accompanying adults’ relationship to the minor and/or notarized letters of permission from the parent(s) or legal guardian for entry, and they are not necessarily required for departures from the United States, these guidelines are recommended for all international travel with minors to guard against legal action resulting from the transportation of minors.

"The airline industry has long been following similar guidelines, and on-demand charter operators have indicated a strong desire for industry guidance. Many operators are afraid to ask prominent clients for sensitive information, such as birth certificates or notarized letters. This publication gives companies guidance for establishing their own policy, and can serve as an educational tool when provided to customers," said NATA President James K. Coyne.
The second set of guidelines, Risks of Illegal Charters, is intended to "help legitimate charter operators educate their clients."
[The document] describes the training, oversight, drug and alcohol testing, and other significant differences between legal charter operators certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and illegal operators. It also advises consumers how to determine if a charter operator is properly certified by the FAA.
For more information, visit that NATA website at http://www.nata.aero/.

Source: NATA Offers Guidelines For Air Charter Operators - Aero-News.net

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