Essential Air Service (EAS)

Question 0

How and when did Congress originally seek to ensure air service to small cities in the contiguous United States?

Answer 0

Federal Aviation Act of 1958

Question 1

What does EAS authorize air carriers?

Answer 1

Authorizes air carriers to receive compensation for serving small communities that would not be profitable.

Question 2

1. With deregulation, what was done to ensure air service to small communities?
2. As a result, what responsibility was the FAA tasked with?

Answer 2

1. Congress added Section 419 to the Deregulation Act.
2. Determines minimum service levels, specification of connecting hub, aircraft characteristics, and maximum number of intermediate stops to hub.

Question 3

EAS was modified as a result of the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Act of 1987 in what way?

Answer 3

EAS divided into Basic and Enhanced levels.

Question 4

Describe basic and enhanced EAS.

Answer 4

Basic - Requires service to a medium or large hub airport, no more than one stop, 15 seat pressurized aircraft, and 11+ enplanements per day. Geared towards BE1900 equivalent aircraft.

Enhanced - those eligible for EAS prior to 23 Oct 1978, 50+ miles from a small hub, 150+ miles from larger hub, can get enhanced EAS by agreeing to subsidize 25 % of the cost and pax level use. If agreed to pax levels not maintained, this and the original basic level service could be lost. Tied to SAAB 340 / RJ equivalent aircraft.