Is the program that guarantees flights to small communities really working? Ask the Captain

John Cox
·2 min read

What is your opinion about the Essential Air Service program? One carrier in the Northeast frequently cancels flights to some of the small towns/cities if there are only one or two passengers. It's happened to me.

– JJ, Bradenton, Florida

The basis for the Essential Air Service contracts is that the operator is paid for the flight whether or not there are passengers. Usually, research into why a flight was canceled reveals a more complicated answer than “there were not many passengers.”

Canceling a flight is a last resort for the operator. During inclement weather, it may be necessary to reroute an aircraft to accommodate more passengers at another station, but that is usually the only time passenger load figures into the decision. If there is a maintenance issue and equipment is substituted, this is an operational decision.

EAS has helped smaller communities for decades. Today, the program is not as widespread as in the past. There are calls by some politicians to eliminate it, but I hope it remains to provide air service to communities that would require a lengthy drive to an airport otherwise.

How can I become a pilot in U.S. if I’m not a citizen?

– James, Taiwan

You can apply for a visa to get your training in the U.S. The flight school can help you with the necessary forms. Once you're training and you have the necessary licenses, a company would have to sponsor you to get a work visa to work in the U.S. There are attorneys that can help you with the process, but it is not easy.

Talk to the flight schools that specialize in helping non-U.S. citizens become U.S. pilots.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Essential Air Service: Are flights canceled for too few passengers?