Durbin Files Amendment To FAA Reauthorization In Support Of Essential Air Service Program Communities In Illinois
The amendment would guarantee a community’s right to two-pilot, two-engine service even if the local airport had previously selected a single-pilot, single engine bid from an airline
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) filed an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that will be considered by the Senate this week. The proposed amendment would update a provision in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Essential Air Service Program (EAS), which was established to ensure that smaller communities were serviced by certified airlines, and to allow local airports to retain their right to two-pilot, two-engine service. Under current law, a community airport forfeits its right to two-pilot, two-engine service if the airport has previously selected a single-pilot, single-engine bid from an airline and has received that service for at least 60 consecutive days.
If Durbin’s amendment were to be included in the final FAA reauthorization bill, local airports would retain their right to two-pilot, two-engine service even if the community has accepted a single-engine bid. This choice has become a more frequent occurrence for small communities, as regional airlines continue to cite operational challenges and issues with pilot hiring and retention. Illinois is home to three EAS communities – Decatur, Marion, and Quincy.
“Small community airports make the best decisions they can with the options available to them. Temporary circumstances that may cause them to have single-engine, single-pilot service should not waive their right to two-engine, two-pilot service in the future,” said Durbin. “This amendment would ensure that Essential Air Service communities in Illinois and across the country are able to select the best options for their regional customers, who rely on these flights for work and leisure.”
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