Originally Posted by
dn_wisconsin
Its part of the job and if you've never flown into podunk where the runways aren't always cleared, the ramp is covered in ice and its down to a 1/2 mile or less you don't have any clue what its like. I've had to shut down my engines while coming onto a ramp just to stop from sliding off into a snow bank because the ramp was one be ice rink.
Done all of the above - still can't support subsidizing year round operations for occurrences that arise once or twice a year. Besides, if an area gets hit by crippling snow storms multiple times per year every year, then they should be equipped to handle it!
Also, contrary to EAS guidelines, several of the routes served are subsidized for $2000+ per passenger (KELY, KHVR just to start). Also, recently for KAHN and KMCN one carrier bid on the routes without asking for subsidy, but our government denied that bid and awarded the routes to a carrier requesting several million per year.
Air service is a luxury. It's a luxury that we've gotten very used to but there is nothing essential about having passenger service to any particular community. Anyway, that's as far as I'll rant on this one. Regards!