Q: Can I vote for one of the safest single engine pressurized turboprop aircraft on the market this EAS bid, like AAT's Pilatus PC-12, and also retain the ability to select a 2 engine and 2 pilot plane in a future EAS offering?
A. Yes. Absolutely.
We have copied the legal rule and included it in this post, and in particular, the rule outlines the requirement of 2 engines and using 2 pilots. If the rule is not followed for 60-consectutive operating days since October 31, 1978, then the rule does not apply. This simply means that the community can select a carrier of their choice be it single or 2 engine and 2 pilot and the community can always return to the 2 engine and 2 pilot plane if they so choose.
In the McGrath market, RAVN ceased their EAS service for passengers and cargo with 2 engine and 2 pilots April 5, 2020. No other air carrier has fulfilled this requirement of 2 engines and 2 pilots since April 5, 2020. Well, 4-years have passed with no air EAS carrier fulfilling the rule.
If you choose to have a our Pilatus PC-12, a pressurized IFR rated turboprop plane serve your market as the EAS provider, then you can still retain the option to go back to a 2 engine and 2 pilot plane when either Alaska Airlines or another airline bids the next go around.
I hope that this makes sense and welcome further discussion if there are questions. Again, for reference, the rule is copied below.
Best,
Josie & Team AAT
49 U.S. Code § 41732 - Basic essential air service
U.S. Code
Notes
(5) "service provided in aircraft with at least 2 engines and using 2 pilots, unless scheduled air transportation has not been provided to the place in aircraft with at least 2 engines and using 2 pilots for at least 60 consecutive operating days at any time since October 31, 1978."
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