t>oT- &st-^«>5 ' /^"f S5 

79 Wood Cliff Drive 

Plattsburgh, NY 

12901 

Dennis J. DeVany, 

Essential Air Service Division, 

X-3 Office of Aviation-Analysis 

U.S. Dept of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 

Washington, D.C. 

20590 

February?, 2010 

Dear Mr. DeVany, 

I am a resident of Clinton County, New York, writing to ask you not to follow the 

recommendation of our local Legislature in the awarding of the new EAS contract 

for the area. The Legislature's selection of Colgan Air is highly controversial, does 

not represent anything approaching a consensus, is not in the best interests of the 

community or its long-term economic development, and is a significant waste of 

taxpayer dollars. For all these reasons I would urge you to award the new contract 

to Cape Air, which in its prior term has tripled traffic on the Plattsburgh - Boston 

route. Cape Air's excellent service, reliability and cost effectiveness position it 

strongly to continue to grow traffic at Plattsburgh International Airport in the 

future. 

I believe I have a useful perspective on this matter having owned and operated 

Schonbek Worldwide Lighting, one of the area's largest employers, for over thirty 

years. In this capacity 1 gained an appreciation of air travel requirements of 

businesses in the North County and had considerable direct experience with all of 

Cape Air's predecessors over diat time period. This experience also provides me 

with an understanding of the vital role of effective air service in economic 

development and the growth of the community in the future. 

Apart fh)m safety, the most important air service requirements for an area such as 

this one are frequency, connectivity, reliability, and price. Size of aircraft (the factor 

on which the Legislature's faulty decision was based) is also a consideration, but not 

if it results in a major compromising of the other key factors. 

The competing proposals of Cape Air and Colgan are based on very different 

business models. Significantly, deploying a large and nimble fleet of small aircraft in 

markets such as this one is the very essence of Cape Air's value proposition. 
Whatever the volume of traffic, this approach allows the airline to fly at a higher 

load factor than would otherwise be the case. At the same time, as traffic increases, 

Cape Air can easily schedule more frequent flights, thereby improving connectivity. 

The fleet flexibility inherent in this model also results in superior service to what 

might otherwise be achieved. For example, in certain situations Cape Air has 

assigned multiple aircraft to a single flight to accommodate temporary load surges. 

Furthermore, reliability and on time performance are enhanced by the ability to 

quickly bring a replacement aircraft onto a particular route to deal with mechanical 

problems or compensate for upstream system delays. Finally, the relatively lower 

unit cost per flight and higher load factor results in better cost effectiveness than 

could otherwise be achieved. 

None of these advantages is associated with the more conventional business model 

based on larger aircraft espoused by Colgan Air. At any given level of traffic Colgan 

will likely have fewer flights, resulting in poorer connectivity than Cape Air. Service 

is also likely to suffer, as the airline will have an incentive to cancel empty flights, 

and will not have the flexibility to work around mechanical or system traffic delays. 

And obviously, larger planes with larger crews (including an unnecessary flight 

attendant) cost more, translating into higher ticket prices. 

All of these disparities are evident in the competing proposals put forth by Cape Air 

and Colgan. Significantly, Cape Air's proposed schedule is for three flights per day, 

every day, with four during the summer season. Outside of a trial "stimulus period" 

that includes three daily weekday flights, Colgan proposes two flights per day, and 

only one on weekends. This severely limits connection options in Logan and is sure 

to result in a major decrease in trafRc. 

On the matter of cost, Cape Air has guaranteed a one-way ticket price of $ 65, while 

the best that Colgan could do is commit to a "target range" of $ 75 - $ 125, with no 

guarantee that this will not be exceeded in the future. In practice, Colgan has a track 

record of aggressively increasing prices in other markets in which they have been 

awarded EAS contracts. 

Very importantly, to deliver this lower level of service, Colgan is asking US taxpayers 

for a subsidy 59 % higher than that being requested by Cape Air. As the government 

struggles with the effects of unprecedented deficits, one would think that this factor, 

in and of itself, would be decisive. 

Apparently, the Legislature was swayed in its decision by a survey prepared by the 

local Chamber of Commerce, which indicated that Montreal residents would be 

more likely to travel ta Plattsburgh to make use of the airport if it were serviced by 

larger aircraft Having grown up in Montreal I cannot imagine that this is the case, 

given that the result of larger planes will be less connection options at Logan. 

Certainly, if the question explicitly recognized this trade off, as well as that 

associated with the higher costs of the larger aircraft, the response would have been 

very different 
In any case, however, even if this were not the case, it is my understanding that the 

EAS program is not designed as a means for US taxpayers to subsidize the travel of 

foreign nationals. Therefore, any argument on the theory of traffic increases based 

on non-resident ridership ought to be disqualified. 

Several of the Legislators hid behind the fig leaf of public safety in suggesting that 

the lack of a copilot on Cape Air flights was inherently unsafe. In making this 

baseless argument, they chose to ignore Cape Air's impeccable safety record, as well 

as the controversy surrounding the Colgan flight 3407 accident As you may be 

aware, an upcoming PBS documentary makes the point that economic issues 

associated with the Colgan business model created incentives to cut corners and 

take risks that ultimately contributed to this tragedy. 

For all these reasons the Plattsburgh community is up in arms over the misguided 

recommendation of its elected officials. Not only is this not consensus - it is the 

antithesis of it I've attached as Exhibit 1 comments posted on the website of the 

local newspaper, the Press Republican, relative to recently published articles on this 

matter. Those supporting Cape Air are highlighted in yellow. While obviously this is 

not a scientific survey, as you can see, an overwhelming majority of these comments 

are in support of Cape Air's renewal as Clinton County's EAS provider. 

I urge you to take all of this into account, and to not follow the Legislature's 

recommendation in this matter. 

Sincerely, 

Andrew Schonbek 
Exhibit 1 - Postings on Press Republican Website 

I thought this Essential Air Service(EAS) was earmarlted for LOCAL SERVICE. PBS Frontline 

has uncovered some very scary and serious pilot training problems, unsafe practices, and 

management manipulation of pilot hours that should make all of us think twice about who is 

really flying these planes and the risks with our lives that they are willing to take! Cape Air 

should have received our loyalty like Mr. Heins said. I applaude his great character) and he 

also is right that Colgan will not guarantee the rates!...humm, wonder why??Oh yes, and how 

about the extra $1 million they need to come her. Not smart in time of economic depression. 

With two Wyeth facilities closing and everyone cutting back,(ev8n WPTZ), Sam's Club, etc, 

increased prices will only hurt our area. Good Luck Plattsburgh, we are going to need it!!!! 

Febnjary 4, 2010, 4;-14 FM 

I agree wholeheartedly with the above writer. I have flown Cape Air several times and the 

service has l)een fine. I have relatives in l\flontreal and yes, they may drive down to fly to Ft. 

Lauderdale but would NEVER drive down to fly to Boston. This competing airline is a division 

of USAIR, which has to be the worst airline in the history of the United States when it comes to 

customer sen/ice. The only thing USAIr is skilled at is losing your luggage. And most of my 

CAPEAIR flights have not been full, why would a bigger plane be full? As the saying goes, 'if It 

aint broke, why fix it?' 

Frbrusrv'4, 2010, 5:00 AH 

Aiionymoii-'. 

I believe this is a good move anybody here of the saying 'If you build it they will come'? 

FelH'u.iiy 4, 2010, 1 :S7 AM 

However, cost is also an important component of demand and it was negligent of the board to 

not push the new airline for a commitment on pricing. If their price point is too high, demand 

will shift to substitute option for the given passengers. 

February 4, 20:10, 12:30 AM 

sure to see your ridership decrease.. 

February 4, 2010, 12:30 AM 

The new facility and respective marketing efforts represent the major reason for the increase in 

passengers, not the airline. To continue market growth, there needs to be an airline service 

that can provide increased capacity and a product that people want. This new choice will meet 

both capacity needs and customer, i.e. larger aircraft. 

It is quite obvious that legislators had their eye on the larger aircraft for quite a long time. This 

has been evident for some time now. What do they think - a larger aircraft will make their 

airport look better? It's time to grow, they say, but., are we sure that the county's ready? The 

county dropped the ball this time, and cliose a company that was just yesterday profiled on the 

NBC Nightly News for that ill-fated trip to Buffalo that happened because they were using a 

crew that did not properly know how to operate in a professional manner, and also how to 

operate in a serious situation. I hope the county enjoys the sight of the larger planes leaving 

Plattsburgh, and uses that Image on promotional brochures, because they sure can't use the 

name of the alrtlne, nor can they use the image of a ftjil plane with what has been going on 

with this company. Nor can they use the fdct that fares to Boston, MA are going up... and that 

the company who has now won this right to fly out of Plattsbiiiigh has no idea how much the 

fares are going to be right now. Gongratutations, Clinton County, i hope you all have your ferry 

trips to go to BuHington International Airport ready when the airline has something going 

wfbng, and you need to answer P.R.-related questions. 
WOW! How dumb are these local legislators? Oh, duh guess it's not just on the local level! 

Now let me get this correct, Cape Air has been serving this area for the past few years now 

when others have not wanted to, and serving it well at that - even with the minimal amount of 

fliers per trip. I've got a bright idea....lets get someone with bigger planes so there can be more 

open seats on the route and we can waste more fuel. Wait, isn't that the main reason the 

others got out of here - not enough fliers and wasting money on fuel?? Also, the nice people at 

Cape Air are going to set their price at $65 one way, but we will go with Colgan, cause they 

said they are going to try and have their price somewhere between $75 - $125 one way. 

Makes Total Sense To Mel!!! I'll see everyone on the road as we ail drive back and forth from 

Boston again! 

February 3, 2010, 1.0:2.1 PH 

When are they going to have a flight to and from Burlington? 

i't'bui..>i y 3 , yii.iO , .M,i: U; <''"' 

Anonymous 

I hope everyone knows that Colgan spelled Plattsburgh WRONG in their presentation they 

really care about you guys ... 

FebruBH' 3, 2010, 9:49 PM 

Arionymous 

enjoy the increased fares and less flghts a day pbg 

Februarys, 2010, 9:48 PM 

Anonymous 

The Legislators should have made sure of Colgan,s price to Boston. There is quite a difference 

between $75 and $125. 

rebruar/ 3, 2010, 9:40 PM 

Awesome! 

r-bruds y S, ,'UiO, ':i '-M PM 

It was embarrassing to witness how the Legislature conducted itself in ignoring the simple 

economic facts as well as the overwhelming interests of its constituents. This decision Is 

about on a par with locating the sewage treatment facility on prime real estate at the mouth of 

the Saranac River. 

February 3, 2010, 9:33 PM 

Good Luck, it will be needed. So how many people are gonna book a flight on Colgan? 

February 3, 2010, 9:05 PM 

Choosing Colgan Air is an irresponsible, self serving waste of federal subsidy money by 

Clinton County legislators. The truth of the matter is that this air service has been available for 

a number of years out of Plattsburgh. First at the old Clinton County Airport with hometown 

alriine CommutAir. After CommutAir left Plattsburgh altogether {and managed to attain more 

profitable routes elsewhere), the County brought in Big Sky Airlines v«^ich was a Big Disaster. 

Both CommutAir and Big Disaster operated larger turt)oprop aircraft. Then Cape Air came in 

and filled the gap. During all these years these flights operating out of Plattsburgh to Boston, 

on any of the 3 mentioned airlines fly around with 1 or 2 passengers or EMPTY, This small 

market Is exactly the niche market that Cape Air is more than capable of handling. The notion 

that if you get a bigger airplane people will come, is ridiculous. Plattsburgh has had service on 

bigger regional aircraft in the not So distant past, and it was proven then as it is every day now 

that the airplanes wont be futt or even close. This is a waste of close to a million dollars of 

federal subsidy money te make a few political egos here happy and fly 1 or 2 people every 

waektoBOS. 
AiiOiiyrrioLis 

Good luck pbg enjoy the crummy service! This will be the end of custumer service in pbg and 

the the local custumers will be the ones too suffer. 

rcDiuary i, ?CH si 'd'AS PM 

At last they've made an intelligent decision! 

Was dinner and drinks , served? 

'•• l-ni.nry ;, 'fj.!.:: K.. 1 : PM 

FebiMdiV 3, 2010 , 8:36 PM 

Anonymous 

*shakes head* 

February 3, 2010, 8:34 Pi^ 

Progress means moving forward and the Legislature has certainly done so this evening. The 

next step is to work with Colgan to provide flights to destinations to the West, such as 

Syracuse, Rochester and/or Buffalo, which would allow PIA to serve residents of the North 

Country, not just the Canadians. 

Fi-bru.Ky 3, 2010 2:2[-; TM 

Anonymous 

Good luck you're gonna need it. 

Februarys, 2010, 8; 16 PM 

One can hope that Colgan Air serves the people of tiie North Country in a safe manner. 

Colgan was the operator of the plane that aashed in Buffalo a year ago. Read the papers 

today, it was found that Colgan was the reason for the crash. PLEASE be sure you know what 

you're asking for. 

February .3, 2010, 8:13 PM 

Ancu'ivPiOif: 

YAY!!!! 

r-uihivUy .]. 20.i:}, LbOO P;M 

You're right suff happens! However the point against Colgan is that that accident could have 

been easily prevented. Colgan treats thier pilots poorty, they dont pay them, they dont train 

them and it is clear industry wide that Colgan has cut conners. Why would our legislators want 

to condone this sort of behavior especially when it conies down to the safety of our 

families? How dare the Legislators say they are for 'growth and expansion' when they refijse 

to look at the facts, ignore the people that have experience in the industry and the people that 

actully use the service, and ignore all evidence and research that says reliabillity, fl-equencey, 

and affordabillity are the things that grow an air service. How dare they take the word of the 

self sen/ing Gary Douglas that has wanted Colgan here for years. How can 'market research' 

and surveys be scientific and non biased whe they're created by someone that is promoting a 

particular party? How dare the Legislators insult the people of this community by saying they 

dont understand or recognize growth. How dare the Legislators say that we cant think with our 

'emotions', i dont know whats more personal or emotional than a father being able to 

affordably and retiabily his son to and from Boston for college, or someone being able to go to 

Boston for medical appointments. A Cape Air pilot gave me their personal cell phone number, 

just in case my appoltment went to long, so that she could wait for me and I wouldnt have to 

stay the night in Boton. On a bad weather day I've witnessed Cape Air cab people to Boston 

so they wouldnt get stuck! They dont have to provide service like that and Colgan deflnatley 
won't. EAS was created to allow people in certain communities better options for 

transporation. And that is what Cape Air has done (they increase thier own enplanments 22% 

every month, with out the help of the Chamber), and thats what they'll continue to do if 

allowed to stay. You are PATHETIC! and if you think this place and the people are so 

terrible, you should leave! 

February S, ZO.i.O, 8:03 Ai^'^ 

ArujiK-ni' h.r_, 

You people are hilarious. An airline has a plane crash that you all hear about in Buffalo and 

that airline is condemned for all eternity. Did you all vow to never fly on American Airlines 

when an Airbus A319 crashed in Far Rockaway New York because the pilot wasn't trained to 

use the rudders properly and the tail rudder fell off the plane? Did you all even know about 

that? Planes crash. Cars Crash. People walk into poles. The world isn't a 100% safe place to 

be. How dare Clinton Country venture into the forsaken world of growth and expansion! 

Shame on you! Keep these sheltered people happy with their 8 passenger airlines. Decrease 

the speed limits on the roads - we all know they drive 10 miles per hour slower than them 

anyway. Do not take away their precious Cape Air. Which I'm sure they all complained about 

the day it arrived in Plattsburgh, much like the revelation of the automobile, as a poster 

mentioned below. Clinton County is doing you all a favor and you don't even know it. And to 

think all of the people who don't even know these comments are getting posted because they 

don't know computers exist in the world...this place is pretty pathetic. 

Febfii.ny 4, M'K.U, \ \ J ? Fbl 

Friends it's time to do something about the 7 Legislators that vote in favor of this airline. We 

can recall them or vote them out of office in November. We need a Massaschusetts style 

election and show our legislators who is incharge. 

Febiuary 4, 2010, 9:57 PM 

The decision of the county is astoundingly incompetent and Irresponsible. The choice of 

Colgan in the same week that the shoddy practices and culture of that company are on 

display at the PAA is just Jaw dropping. The Board looks like a bunch of hicks who have just 

been sold a bill of goods by the traveling salesman. There comes a time when responsibility 

for public safety has to be put ahead of the fantasy that business will be drawn here, or that 

that people will come in droves to fly out of Platteburgh with Colgan. Greed is a deadly sin. 

The OHjnty fathers cannot even deliver on that ephemeral goal in this deal. The posters 

below are correct. Anyone who has followed the Clarence crash caused by incompetently 

trained and supervised Colgan pilots knows that this company cannot be trusted with the lives 

of one's loved ones. Apparently incompetence on the part of the County Board needs to 

snuggle up to any other incompetence they can find. The decision is just so irresponsible -

the highest obligation of government is supposed to be maintenance public safety. Makes one 

wish for a real two party system in this county. One more link on the 

pile, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/nyregion/03colgan.html 

February 4, 2010, 6:54 PM 

Anonymous 

Congrats to for The town of Harrietstown unhitching from P'burgh before they rolled oviar the 

cliff. The split bid will probably increase subsidy price, but P'burgh is faking the wrong road 

and the rest of NY Is wise to stick with Cape Air. Now fiy safe and watch and laugh as the 

Plattsburgh/Colgan drama unfolds (it appears to have already begun unraveling at last nights 

meeting). Pertiaps Clinton will wise up sooner rather than later and the idea for additional 

Cape Air flights connecting upsfate airports, Boston, and Albany can be revived. Meanwhile, 

thanks for applying proper reasoning to keep essential air service in this underserved market. 

Cape Air has been an asset and a good member of our communities. 

February 4, 2010, 6:33 PM 
Bet you guys would have complained when they went from horses to cars. Why go to cars 

when a horse carries only 1 where it could carry 2. Look at how people would be killed riding 

in cars at those high speeds and unsafe drivers. Much safer to be riding a horse. Maybe 

Clinton County if thinking of the future and growth. 

I C4HUO;V 4, 20.i0, 5. :3 FM 

I would like to start off saying I flight over 100,000 miles a year and have for about the last 7 

years leaving ft"om BTV. I live in Rouses Point and Plattsburgh would be much better with the 

shorter drive and no partying fees. However for the business traveler Colgan Air does not 

appear to be a sound decision. First Colgan Air acts as a regional carrier for Contential, 

United, and U S Ariways flying only into Logan in Boston. With none of these three arilines 

having a hub in Boston the traveler then generally takes a flight to one of their hubs then on to 

the final destination. For the best results the regional carrier leaving Plattsburgh should fily 

directly to a hub of the airiines they partner with for more efficient traveling. In addition to this, 

the safety record of Colgan Air is at the tower end of the flight industry. For safety reasons and 

for flight schedules I will remain taking the longer drive to Buriington then take a chance on 

Colgan Air out of Plattsburgh. To bad someone missed the boat here. Maybe more 

information should have been sought from people who actually fly for a living? 

February 4, 2010, 5:?S PM 

Anonymou'; 

There goes my business. Good job Plattsburgh! 

Februiiry4, 2010, 5:18 PM 

Pinnacie (owner of Colgan) flies real jets out of Buriington (as Delte/Northwest). They stand to 

gain if Plattsburgh is prevented from becoming a real airport (plus pick up a few million in 

subsidies in their efforts to keep Plattsburgh a backwater - a win/win for them). Too bad 

county officials don't know the airiine industry. Too bad the Press Republican couldnt expend 

some resources on this issue (a couple of Google searches would have done it). The 

Canadians will be pleased to know that Pinnacle's Buriington flights are on Bombardier 

Canadair Jets (not obsolete SAABs salvaged from some boneyard). 

February 4, 2010, 4:2.3 PM 

Glad I live in Saranac Lake. Hopefully more business will come our way because of this 

bonehead decision in Plattsburgh. 

February 4, 2010, 4:17 PM 

Anonymous 

I suggest that everyone stay away from Plattsburgh airport when they come in. I have already 

posted it on my site and blog... Pass on the information maybe the county will listen..! know 

that people in Montreal are falking about it. 

February4, 2010, 3:47 PM 

The anti-canadian stuff is very disturbing, i don't think Canadians will travel 70 miles to board 

a Cessna. It sounds like Colgan is the issue and their reputetion. Keep the Cessna's for the 

local ti'affic, but engage another carrier for real flights in smalt jets that go to New York and 

Washington. The name pof the airport is Plattsburgh International, not Clinton County 

Aifiport. Canadians are vital to its growth together with our American friends. 

February 4, 2010, 3:33 PM 

Anonymous 

I would just like to say after attending the meeting last night, it was a big joke! After the 

legislatures had a long list in front of them of all of Colgan's negative's (high prides, lack of 

safe^, constant delays and cancellations, etc..,) and they went ahe^d and picked them. One 

thing that made me mad was when they kept saying they wanted to attract Canadians. Not for 

noticing, last time 1 checked, I pay my taxes! The Canadians dont ply them for me. EAS is 
suppose to be for the community! Not about servicing a diffrent country!!! By the way, that 

colgan representive could have been on 'dancing with the stars' the way he danced around 

that pricing question. It's only a matter of flme before these prices go up with colgan! Also, 

some were concerned about the one pilot situation. Last I checked, the pilots that were flying 

that buffalo plane had two pilots and look what happened! And you want to say flying with one 

pilot is not safe! I fly Cape Air all the time because I can afford it and it's SAFE!!! Never once 

have I felt unsafe!! I will not be flying colgan evert Buriington just got a new customer. I will 

travel the hour so my family and I can be safe! Everyone should see this link. If you or your 

family are planning to fiy colgan, you ahould watch and pass this link to love ones as 

well. PBSa€TMs §€oeFronflinea€ is preparing a special on regional airiine safety (and lack 

there of). Colgan seems to be the main subject of this piece, due to air Feb 9 at QP. I think 

everyone might be interested in watching the pre-view clip (10 minutes): 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flyingcheap/ 

February 4, 2010, 2:30 PM 

There is still time to exert some pressure for Colgan damage control. The statements (not 

even promises) made at the meeting are not enforceable unless they are in the contract. The 

price promise didnt even last until the end of the meeting, the 'Third flight' not Included in the 

EAS bid Is what airiines call 'collapsable schedule.' they'll sell three flights but only fly two. On 

teh 'cancelled' flight? Out of luck. Connection depend on the cancelled flight time? Laaw and 

the Colgan contract of carriage will not help you if they accommodate you on a flight within X 

hours of your scheduled flight (connections don't count). If the cancellation is blamed on Air 

traffic Control (a daily occurrence in Boston) there is no responsibility at all. if your connection 

is USAir they can let you on the next 'available' flight but no lodging meals or compensation 

for lost time even if the next flight with seats is the next day or even later. That's why this 

'Third Flight' is not in the EAS bid. The EAS bids are nto final, push for language in there that 

protects us and provides some recourse when Colgan pulls out. 

February 4, 2010, 2:28 PH 

Those expecting the DOT to make a more rational decision take pause: they can't, their hands 

are tied. The EAS law was written years ago before carriers like Big Sky and Colgan started 

dumping services and raising prices. It has a minimum aircraft size that doesn't include Cape 

Air or other airiines that can afford modem fuel prices. Cape Air was not able to bid these 

routes until the last couple of years when the other carriers abandonment of such markets 

created a crisis for EAS communties. Cape Air has picked up a lot of these routes recently 

across the country and is getting rave reviews because of a wavier process that needs to be 

signed by local officials, altowing the smaller planes. Faced with smaller planes or nothing 

Clinton County signed this wavier, but they created the recent debacle by threatening to 

refuse to sign the wavier if Cape Air got this bid. Thatis why our neighbors in Saranac have 

abandoned us to Colgan (the bids used to be combined to save money), so they could sign 

their wavier and keep Cape Air. Either County officials need to be convinced towithdraw ttieir 

threat not to sign the wavier, or our Congressman need to be prompted to update the law and 

modernize it's reference to minimum plane size. Meanwhile Cape Air will likely mainfain it's 

contract in other upstate airports and Rutland VT, and Buriington has at least 4 regular airiines 

with full size jet service each with multiple flights per day to multiple destinations with 

convenient connections (Colgan flies prop planes on some of those routes under the 

Continenfal Airiines brand). The chamber misread if s surveys, this is what the Canadians 

want, real airiines with regular routes, not a prop plane with 25 more seats flying once or twice 

a day which limits it's connection options. Plattsburgh is positioned to have a real airport, but it 

looks like local politics (for whatever undisclosed reason) does not understand the travel 

industry enough to get us there. 

February 4, 2010, 1:55 PM 
Who exactly is Bob Heins 'loyal' to? Cape Air or his constituents???? They don't call him the 

Waffle for nothing! 

Ariony-noub 

Colgan also flys out of Buriington to Newark as Continental Connection. Express Jet Airiine 

also flys from Buriington to Newark but as Continental Express. If you fly this route make sure 

you ask which cannier you are actually flying. I would hate so see people go to Buriington 

because they don't want to fly on colgan and end up on a Colgan plane over there. You won't 

catch me on a Colgan plane. I will go down to the Saranac Lake airport and continue to fly 

Cape Air!! 

February 4, 20JO, 1:30 FM 

I was not in time for the public comment portion of last night's meeting as I was returning from 

Boston on Cape Air 1019. Following the usual on time arrival, I came directly to the 

meeting. It was shocking to observe the ignorant and infantile manner in which the 

Legislature conducted itself in reaching this decision. The obvious lack of understanding of tiie 

issues involved, tone deafness to the interests of the constituents, joking about the need limit 

comment to use the bathroom, and cat and mouse game about who would vote last, 

demonstrated cleariy that the area is not ready for 'the big time'. The Legislature should be 

ashamed of itself. I'm going to contact the DOT suggesting that they not follow the direction 

of the Legislature in awarding the contract. This is something that they are fully entitled to 

consider. My recommendation is that intelligent residents of Clinton County, who care about 

the economic development of the area, do the same. The e-mails of the responsible 

individuals to contact are dennis.devany@dot.gov and brian.swanson@dot.gov. 

February 4, 2010, 12:32 PM 

My husband and I have flown Cape Air from Plattsburgh to Boston many times. We always 

purchased our tickets ahead of time and paid $54.75 each way per person, what a bargain. 

We drove the 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to frie airport from our nottfjern New York home 

west of Plattsburgh. Since Colgan is in and Cape Air is out for Plattsburgh International 

/Vlrport, we will now travel 15 minutes less to Saranac Lake to catch the Cape Air flights to 

Boston and not use Colgan. We are very disappointed with the decision made last evening. 

February 4, 2010, 9:53 AM 

In 2 years or so, Gary Douglass and the legislators will be regretting this foolish decision. May 

be Washington will wise up and rnake them go with Cape Air and not waste taxpayers $ on 

empty seat. Hey, Buriington - ya'll have more air travel business coming from me! 

February 4, 2010, 9:3d AM 

Don't forget when Gallagher's & Trombleys temn for re-election comes up , don't vote for them 

I they aren't smart enough to decide on their own , how to vote on anything I 

February 4, 2010, 9:35 AM 

I just want to know who is getting there palms greased in this deal Im sure the chamber is 

involved also. Just goes you cant trust anyone in politics especially in the riorth country 

February4, 2010, 9:17 AM 

Wake up Clinton County TAXPAYERS, 7 of our leglslalotrs just sold PLATTSBURGH out, I 

hope they plan to fly with that service. 

February4, 2010, 9:08 AM 

That PBS story is scary, hopefully Colgan has cleaned up their act. I guess the question is 

has your local legislators made the right choice? They feel there is a need for you to go 

t>eyond Cessna's and they chose Colgon. It would appear to me that your airport is a success 

story, arid what ever served yoO in the past was in anottier time and another place, Now you 
have a worid class facility, or what bills itself as such. I will comment on that after our flights 

with Direct Air in May. Marketing yourself as an International Airport you are catering to a 

larger radius which includes upstate New York, Vermont, Quebec and Eastern Ontario. 

Personal! i doubt if you could flII these planes just with folks from Plattsburgh, but certainly if 

it's marketed properiy in Montreal, Cornwall and Ottawa there may be some new clients at 

your airport. IVIore people at your airport, more shoppers, motel rooms, restaurants, maybe a 

Tim Hortons near the airport! No-one likes change and I remember all the negatine 

comments when the facility was first opened. Who ever dreamed of direct flights from 

Plattsburg to Fort Lauderdale or Myrtle Beach, whomever you are , Canadian or an American 

or whatever. 

Februaiv 4, ?M0, 9:0J A!'-

The voting was done in alphabetical order, but John Gallagher (D-Area 9, City of Plattsburgh) 

and Sam Trombley (R-Area 2, Ellenburg) wanted to wait to cast their votes until the others 

had decided, which Heins, as chair of the meeting, allowed, the above should not have been 

allowed. I will only add its enlightning however to know those that dont have the courage to 

vote on their own and need to wait with flnger in air to see the wind direction while evry other 

legislator votes to make tiieir determination. This sounds like a PHS schoolboard 

meeting wait one of these guys is on the PHS school board 

February 4, 2010, 8;!;4 AM 

Anor'syrnous 

The pilot that crashed Flight 3407 last year near Buffalo (killing 49 people) was hired by 

Colgan after he had failed five (5) pertormance checks while working for other airiines. The 

First Officer was cited in the crash investigation for having been sending text messages during 

the flight I'm against any taxpayer funded subsidies for any airiine. If it's a viable and 

lucrative business venture that they always pitch it to be, it can stand on it's own feet 

(profitably or othenwise). 

February 4, 2010, 8:45 AM 

ArK")nyr>ious 

I'm very dissapointed with the County Legislators and thier decsion to go with Colgan! 

Thinking that a larger aircraft is going to bring more people to the airport is naive, ignorant, 

and closed minded. Good Job Guys, way to think outside the box! Hopefully those of you that 

chose to go with Colgan will one day appoligize and take responsibility when Colgan fails to 

provide realiable, and affordable service. 

Februaiy 4, 2010, 8:28 AM 

ArK)riyiTiOUS 

Please read the following fix>m Aviatton Online Magazine before you schedule your next 

airiine frip regarding Colgan 

Air: http://avstop.com/news_feb_2010/ntsb_report_on_colgan_air_crash_highlights_capaac 

TMs_safety_concerns.htm Also the reading public needs better reporting from the Press 

Republican. 

February 4, 2010, 8:10 AM 

Wake up and see how corrupt this choice is,as our government is full of crooks and idiots.How 

much did the legisslators get for this .money free tickets,WHATEVER.This company just killed 

50 people fiying with unqualified pilots.call your legislator and tell him he smells corrupt!!! 

February 4, 2010, 7:57 AM 

Anonymous 

I cant believe no mention of Colgan air being investigated for recent crash in Buffalo, Pilots 

found at fault not having enough time flying experience. Look on abc.com for full story. 

Shouldnt the Press Rep have reported this or are they to in bed with the Chamber? 
You paid and we all paid for your flight in May. Bigger planes mean bigger cost to the 

consumer and a bigger subsidy to operate. It's not cheap to fly around empty seats, ya know. 

febtvary A, 3010, 7:21 A;'3 

AHuriy;rsous 

That is the county for you. Colgan Air was just found guilty of having under qualified, over tired 

and very young pilots. Which mind you was the result of flight 3407 going down killing 50 

people. Of course they choose them. I am changing my plane ticket right now to fly in 

Buriington!! It says we need to have proof of what we state about companies so here it is 

from the Daily News... After reviewing the litany of screwups by the crew and its employer 

Colgan Air Inc., acting National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark Rosenker said all 

appeared guilty of 'cutting the salami too thin on being fit to fly.' 

February 4, 3010, ?:0/ A^• 

I paid for a flight on Cape Air in MAy. What happens to my ticket now> 

February 4, 2010, G:02 AM 

Anonymoiis 

Here we go again, 1 hope 'bigger* Is better, the fact that Colgan would not set a fixed price 

should have said something to our 'elected officials' I hope you made the right decision, 

however I am glad to see the term limits stay, I believe we need some new blood in the 

legislative arena! 

Febfuary 4, 2010, 5:03 AM 

I have flown on CapeAir on several different occasions from Boston. I see no reason to change 

air caniers at this Juncture. The reason I chose to fly into Boston and then into Plattsburgh is to 

keep someone from coming to Buriington to pick me up. Flying into Plattsburgh is just more 

convenient and MUCH CHEAPER than flying into Buriington from Tennessee. Cape Air is 

doing a wonderful Job and there are no baggage fees. Will we get the same witii tliis new 

airiine (associated with USAinvays), I think NOTIHI Stick with what works and move on to 

something more important than a smaller plane with more flight times to a larger plane witii 

LESS flightimes, more fees, larger fares and a stewardess. Our pilots on Cape Air are very 

competent and very friendly, they take the place of ttie stewardess, great company on a short 

flight to Boston. 

February' 3, 2010, 3:37 PM 

Make your opinion count:! Email dennis.devany@dot.gov , fax (202-366-7638), or write tiie 

real decision-maker: Dennis J. DeVany, Chief Essential Air Service Division, X-3 Office of 

Aviation-Analysis U.S. Dept. of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, D.C. 

20590 By position, he must be more objective and considerate of the truth than our local 

madia. 

Februarys, 2010, 1:03PM 

Full cost of a one-way ticket: Colgan (US Ainvays) Bag fees = $25 1st + $35 2nd = $60 + $75 

ticket *= $135 Cape Air one-way Bag fees « $0 + $65 ticket = $65 $135 vs $65..:..Big 

difference! 

February 3, 2010, 9:38 Ai^ 

So the county legislature gets to decide if my federal tax dollars should subsidize to the tune of 

$134.00 for each Cape Air ticket sold (10,432 in 2009) or $210.00 for each Colgan Air ticket 

sokJ? We built the airport. Now perhaps we should start picWng up passengers in Montreal. 

Why not for free? I am sure we could boost ticket sales even farther. Does the flight attendant 

dance or sing? So much for reducing deflcits. 

FebrucUY i, 2010, 9:24 AM 
How did this reporter who covers the city with such detail about taxes, leave out the taxpayer 

cost for the essential air service contract? Not one word of how much this contract is costing 

the taxpayers, in any of the newspaper coverage of this debate. Very interesting. Remember 

your editiorials about how government should not be in the business of creating jobs? I guess 

he did not want to offend legislator Heins, who is such a flscal conservative, when it comes to 

local pnjperty taxes and employee costs, but like so many others, flscal conservatives they 

show up at all the ribbon cutting cermony for their pet pori< projects. Essential air service 

should be renamed, Essential air pork for the airiine industry. Show me the money. This airport 

is the best local example of government waste, but wait, I forgot, it's not waste of tax dollars if 

it's in your backyard. 

Februarys, 2010, 3:14 AM 

Until Cape Air overbooks, isn't providing reliable, affordable and frequent flights and costs 

more than a different airiine, why change? Don't fix it if it aint broke! 

February 3, 2.010, 7:57 AM 

Anonymous 

Well did anybody else see the FAA report on Colgan air? I did and it was pretty bad! The 

Buffalo crash was caused by and I quote' Pilots texting prior to take off. Immature officers, 

lack of discipline, lack of training and total disregard of the passengers safety! Is tiiat who we 

really want to service our sky's in the Nortti Country? I really doubt I would fly with someone 

like that but hey call me crazy. 

February 3, 2010, 7:04 AM 

It seems everyone has forgotten that bigger airplanes have been tried in Plattsburgh and it 

didn't work then. Commutairflew 19 Beech 1900's for Continental Connection. The plane was 

pressurized and large enough to take all types of luggage and no one flew them then, why 

would people fly on a bit larger of a turiio prop plane now? They were the first airiine to start at 

tiie new airport In Plattsburgh and they never left full. Colgan in Plattsburgh will not work, its 

already been tried and failed as it did with Big Sky for three months before Cape Air came In. 

lamary 28, 2010, 11:44 PM 

Anonymous 

To the comment about being 'pancaked Into the ground' or^ Cape Air's aircraft, I suggest you 

compare Cape Air's excellent safety record to Colgan's. You may l>e surprised. 

January 28, 2010, 6:30 PM 

Afi''.>nytTi!.}iJS 

1:35 comment. Sorry the SAAB 340 is a pressurized aircraft. Nice try, read first speak later. 

January 28, 2010, 4:38 PM 

.Anonymous 

If Colgan Air saw this as a growtii opportunity they would have made a more aggressive bid. 

Their initial proposal didn't even include a non stop flight from Plattsburgh to Boston. They 

must understand something about the e(X)nomics of using large planes on this route that the 

Legislature is missing. The fact that they didrt't even bother showing up at last night's meeting 

shows how little they care about this business. 

Januciry -'o, ^010, 2:30 PM 

Anonymous 

People that are afraid to fly on Cape Air's 9 seat aircraft will also be afraid to fly on Cologans 

34 seat plane. They are both low altitude prop airplanes. Look up pictures of both and tell me 

theyre not equally smal and uncomfortable. Cologan has significantly increased fares in all 

thier EAS markets, and will do the same here. Maybe people would be more likely to fly larger 

aircraft but ttiey wont be able to afford it. The contract is two years, why not continue to let 
Cape Air till their planes, and provied wonderful service, and cheap fares. 

The article omits the fact that USAir Express charges passengers $25 for one piece of 

checked luggage, and Cape Air doesnt. Comparable cost to such passengers would be $65 

on Cape Air and $100 on Colgan. ft also omits comparable total cost to our government: 

Colgan's 2-year bid is $1.5 million more Cape Air's. For what? 

Ijrsuary 28, 2010, 11:41 AM 

Don't forget that Colgan Air was responsible for the crash last year in Buffalo with 

inexperienced, over tired pilots. 

January 28, 2010, 11:40 AM 

A question for everyone. Why are we wasting our time writing about this topic? The 

legislatures are going to do what they want despite what we have to say. All I will say is that 

my business will continue to go to Buriington. 

January 28, 2010,, 11:27 AM 

Anonvniu:;s 

Ha! Cape Air's conenction with JetBlue? Have you noticed that you can't book a ticket on 

JetBlue via Cape Air out of Plattsburgh. They promised it in the beginning but it never 

happened. JetBlue won't let them as it is in direct competition with Buriington. Therefore that 

affiliation is worthless! 

:iiiM;j,irv 28, 2010, 1 L I 3 AM 

This idea that bigger planes will create passengers is ludicrous. To think passenger #s will go 

flrom 5 passengers per flight to 28 (Colgan's needs) with a bigger prop plane to an 

inconvenient hub (Boston) is pure folly. Buriington is 1 hr away, that Is always going to be the 

main outiets for residents flying to US destinations. The extra cost to tax payer^s for Colgan is 

an outrage. Plattsburgh needs to get out of tiie defeatist attitude that we need uncle Sam's $ 

for everything we do. Uncle Sam is broke I'd advise Mr. Owens to be careful supporting 

wasteful spending of taxpayer $. 

January 28, 2010, 10:44 AM 

Way to go Clinton Legislators, you all say that you are working for the people of Clinton County 

and yet you (Keith) change your minds mid- stream. No wonder people drive 2-3 hours to 

other airports. 

3.:iiiu.,iry 28, 2010, .10:22 AM 

Anonymous 

I doni care about the size of the aircraft. I cana about where it's going. I preferred the times 

when the planes were headed to Albany for connecting flights. Why? Better airport. Boston's 

Lc^an airport is one of the worst to make connecting flights. I'll ojntinue to drive to Buriington 

to bypass Boston. 

January 28, 2010, 10:25 AM 

AnonyrnotiS 

I see a postive & an negative with both airiines. Colgan with larger planes makes sense. I'm 

sure a lot of people go to Buriington because of that fact.Cape Air has proven service & there 

connection with Jet Blue is a big postive.. Since this is only a 2 year contract it may be better 

to try Calgon only to see if the larger planes will attract new customers traveling from 

Plattsburgh. If this doesn't work in two years bring Cape Air back. 

January 28, 2010, 9:33 AM 

Much of the reason the Cape Air planes are only half full is beacuse many people do not want 

to fly on the smaller aircraft or simply can't. I tried to book Cape Air out of Plattsburgh to catch 

a connecting flight in Boston to go skiing. Cape Air could not guarentee that our skis would 

make the flight. Instead we have to drive two hours to a different airport to ensure our baggage 
travels with us. Bigger planes are the ONLY way the airport will grow. 

/HiiOnyiiiOi ' 

I would never fly in a 9 seat aircraft! Of course that's because I have a family of four ant that 

makes things difficult. But, I don't really want to get pancaked into the ground either. Cape Air 

should simply fly the route with a Rj80 or something like that. Nothing huge but something 

better than the little 9 seat cigar tube. 

l<i iii::;v :4,, /Oi.U, 4;n;5 Ai 

Bigger planes would attract more clients who otherwise don't want to fly a 9 seater. Perhaps 

Colgan can attract a larger market, those from Montreal with flights to NYC also. Plattsburgh 

needs to think 'outside the box' if it is to be a bigger player. 

As a 38 year Professional pilot I would rather see Cape Air buy a Turbo-prop 19 passenger 

airplane.. .Piston aircraft at gross weight, in weather have a reputation of not recovering from 

a failed engine.. Colgan Air has a bad reputation in the aviation industry for low pay, low 

experience, min. training and long hours. Therefore, my suggestion is for Cape Air to 

purchase medium size turbo-prop and keep up their good reputation for service. 

Jdnsiai V' 27, /UIO, l:-!8 F'-l 

I always fly out of Buriington anyway. It costs less and takes a lot less time than flying to 

Boston (the opposite direction of 90% of the USA) to make a connection. I'll start using 

Plattsburgh Inti. when they start offering non-stop service to either Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, 

or even JFK or LGA. 

Janueity ,'/', ..'010, J: iO PM 

The article doesn't present a fair comparison of costs. Cape Air do not charge for first piece of 

checked luggage. USAInvays charges $25 for the first. SO, $65 as opposed to $100 is closer 

to the mark 

January 27, 2010, 12:49 PM 

$1,5 more for Colgan? Why wasn't the public informed? Can t find it in this article. 

January 27, 2010, 12:40 PM 

Essential service should be based on tiie least cost and greatest safety to (X}unty citizens, 

without regard given to international citizens. Colgan's proposed annual subsidy of 

$2,117,101 Is 3M-million dollars more ttian Cape Air's $1,334,262. Over two year, that $1.5 

million EXTRA. Yet legislators appear ready In this recession to give away our tax-payers' 

dollars to suit Inrelevant schemes. Why should our government support the needs of Canadian 

citlzans? Second, its decision does not rely on tangible evidence-such as data of recorded 

accklente, fatalities, training, maintenance, and performance. For instance, how about proof 

that each company's pilots have training relevant to and experience flying in winter weather? 

After Colgan's crash last year in Buffalo, investigators concluded that tiie pilots' Florida-based 

training limited to a half-hour video on plane icing was a contributing factor. Cape Air's 

recorcl? Perfect~wth pilots trained airtsorne for NE's inclement weather, federal officials report 

no accidents, incidents, or fatalities In years. While an adjacent empty seat and free shacks 

hold temporary appeal, proven safety records and reduced cost to tax-payers are paramount 

in awarding the contraot. 

January 27, 2010, 11:37 AM 

Anonymous 

I think that bigger airplanes make people feel more secure in the air...I like flying but if I had 

the choice I would rather fly on a bigger plane. You feel a lot less turbulence with the big 

planes. Also, I think it is kind of a waste to get big planes just to fly to Boston. Why don't they 
try non stop flights to Vegas and Florida or other vacation spots. I think then they would 

increase the amount of people flying out of Plattsburgh.. 

Anonymous 

Hey Gary Lets see those 15,000 surveys I have a hard time beleiving a word you say why 

don't you produce them at the meeting tonight? would be cool to see what questions were 

asked on the survey did you ask if they would be will to pay double to fly on bigger planes? 

January 27, 2010, 10:53 AM 

Who's to say that fall-back plans really exist? What's to keep Cape Air from raising their 

middle finger at us if Colgan doesn't succeed? To fiy larger planes that arent full doesn't make 

sense, as the Cape Air rep stated. If there was a need for larger planes to service this area 

don't you think Cape Air would do it? Is anyone out there really happy witii Delta or US Air??? 

JetBlue has a better customer service record - Colgan, not so much. 

Jenuary 17, 20.10, 10:49 AM 

Ai'uiiyjMinJ: . 

And Cape Air fell out of the sky in 2008 too, killing their 61 year old pilot too. It happens to the 

best of companies 

Jaiiu-JiY /./', /())U, in '19 A! 1 

Anonymous 

I love that our useless legislators have used Cape Air like a cheap trick. Pathetic. I flew out of 

Plattsburgh this summer and will drive to Lake Clear to fly out to Boston to keep my business 

with Cape Air. Shame on you, Clinton County (useless) Legislators. 

January 27, 2010, 10:39 AM 

The suits are hellbent towards the growth of Plattsburgh International Airport, and they feel 

that tiie only way to show growth is if the airplanes serving the airports are big, regardless of 

whether or not they are full. Under that style of thinking, why don't we just build 15 story 

skyscrapers In downtown Plattsburgh, regardless of the fact that a good portion of ttie 

bulkiings will remain unoccupied. It'll make It look tike that Plattsburgh is growing. 

January 27, 2010, 10:38 Ar4 

Is PIA responsible for the decline in ridership at the Buriington airport? 

January 27, 2010, 10:27 Aiv! 

Colgan Flight 3407 fell out of the sky on approach to Buffalo, NY on 2/12/09, in icing 

conditions. The iricident raised serious questions about the adequacy of flight crew ti-aining, 

crew flight experience, and flight crew rest between flights. Pertiaps the County Legislators 

ought to deniand that Colgan demonstrate that the questions associated with Flight 3407 

have been fully addressed and any necessary corrections made. 

http://www.buffalonews.com/517 

January 27, 2010, 8:2.2 AM 

I have flown with Jet Blue ever since it started and would like to fly Cape Air so it could join up 

with Jet Blue flights. 

January 27, 2010,8:15 AM 

Anonymous 

I use this flight to go to Boston often since the bridge is out. Lass flight times, and more 

expensive doesn't seam viable for my traveling needs. It would be a big mistake on there part. 

I'd discontinue my service Indeflnitely. 

January 27, 2010, 7:15 AM 

Ano!iyii!ous 

Great...leave your name at the check4n line at the Plattsburgh Airport so we can help you 
keep your vow to not fly out of our airport! 

If Colgan Air is chosen I will never fly out of Plattsburgh. I will go to Buriington to fly to my 

destination. 

January 27, 2010, 4:3^? /' 

Friend from Ottowa, welcome aboard. It is understandable, but a misunderstanding of the 

issue, to resent what appears to be US tax dollars subsidizing Canadian vacations in an 

economy where taxpayers are hurting. But that is not really the issue. The vacation market 

(like a couple of flights a week to particular southern cities) is different than the EAS subsidy 

market, aimed at regular service to a hub airport. There is a free market argument that no 

subsidy should exist at all, but that has nothing to do with the nationality of the traveler. Among 

tiiose who understand the need for govemment involvement is transportation (nothing is more 

subsidized than roads - and you are welcomed to drive on them) the trouble Is whether or not 

the advantages sought by our officials are worth an extra million dollars. Then the resentment 

is spending a million dollars for less or worse service than could be achieved for a million 

dollars less. Finally the economic misunderstanding of the relationship between these flights 

and efforts to build regular service to multiple destinations of choice by a larger carrier. That 

would help travelers from tioth sides of the border and makes economic sense for both. 

Regular service by a first or second tier carrier or two must be the goal, and it Is hard to 

understand why we cant do that fi-om here, given our geographical and infrastmcture 

advantages, pur officials drape their decisions in this worthy goal tnit can't answer those who 

point out that their actions run counter to tills goal. If you are not paying attention it sounds like 

they are building an airport here. Meanwhile, if you drove anottier half hour you'd be in 

Buriington VT which has at least 4 major carriers and a signlflcant private charter operation. 

Direct Air and Alleglent are a great reason to stop here IF you are going to Myrtie Beach or 

Puta Gorda on the days they happen to fly. Colgan will not be a reason to stop here, and our 

people dont know how to build a maricet with choices, frequency, and multiple destinations or 

timely connecting flights. Waste of a facility with great potential. 

Februarys, 2010, 6:3.3 PM 

I am starting to undeiBtand the whole arguement a bit beller, and it appears that the CAPE AIR 

option is a better one. Every so often I see an anti-Canadian comment and it hurts. We want 

to feel welcomed in your city. Four of us just booked a Direct-Air flight to Myrtle Beach in May. 

Ottawa is a 3.5 hour drive so we are staying over on Saturday, that means some michigan red 

hots at lunch , dinner at a nice spot, shopping at TJ Maxx, Pric» Chopper etc. And the same 

thing when we retum. Good daal for us , and a good thing for your county! 

Februoiy 2, 20JO, 5:19 PM 

Newspaper editors arent expected to understand a business sector. You have cocktails with 

local elites and promote their agenda. You might, however investigate to flnd why they realty 

want Colgan; or notice tiie real story: Nationwide caniers like Colgan are cashing the subsidy 

check then dumping EAS services when ftiel prices exceed the subsidy. Cape Air has been 

taking advantage of this trend (Upstate NY, VT, Baltimore. St. Louis) growing in these maricets 

because they have the right business plan, the right size planes, to survive. The analogy to 

retail misses the point: you stock airiine shelves with frequency which equals convenience. 

More seats on less frequent flights is actually less stock on the shelves and less choic?e for 

consumers (in fact if you look at 1 flight weekends, there are even less seats on some Colgan 

days than 3 or 4 flights with Cape Air's smaller planes). Perhaps political accomplishments are 

insufficient to the task of running an alrpOrt and 'Officials' should seek help from someone who 

knows tiie industry, or at least has experience as an air commuter customer. This airport is a 

great asset, but needs business sense to get beyond subsidized service and random ti'avel 
agent packaged flights from alternative carriers. Don't get me wrong, the Direct and Allegieant 

flights are a great developmen. But with enough tarmac to run an air wing closer to Montreal's 

residets than Montreal's own airports, we need a plan to do better rather than crow about the 

ability to suck down government subsidies which aren't even retained in our community. Good 

luck! 

This story is crazy, you can not compare the travel industry to retail. If you do you are making 

a big mistake. Cape Air is providing a great economical service to the community. Sure 

economic growth is great and would be wonderful for the area but get real. You are not going 

to attract passengers by offering an overpriced ticket to Boston on a 34 seat airplane. Which I 

know is a piece of junk. Just ask ail the passengers from Canada who drive down to use Cape 

Air. Hint the service and price is right Otherwise they would fly out of Canada on a real jet with 

real flight attendants. Dont kid yourself Colgan will only hurt the Plattsburgh communitty, lets 

further isolate ourselves by making the wrong decision. 

!fA;ri!..iiv :, yfruK .A 04 yn 

I could not help but be struck by the irony that was apparent in reading Sunday's Editorial 

page. On the one hand, the Editors ignore common sense facts of airiine economics in 

promoting Colgan Air's second rate bid to become the EAS carrier for the region. Their only 

argument seems to be that Plattsburgh is poised to enter the big time. The editorial concludes, 

'If we hope to play in the big leagues, we have to have big-league equipment'. On the other 

side of the page, the Press makes clear what leagues it actually plays in, choosing to publish 

letters to the editor dealing with a dog named Mister who was hit by a truck, and the 

neighborhood pet turkey that was taken out by a blue Chevy SUV. Perhaps what Plattsburgh 

needs is a big league newspaper, rather than big league equipment... 

PeOrinry i, iOnj, .! .2'.; l-;4 

Anonyni-'is 

The PBS frontiine story is frieghtining. Colgan treats thier pilots poorly. I would never put my 

family or co-workers on a Colgan flight. Is this really the quality of service our Legislators want 

for this community. 

i>."bu.i(ii'V !, 2010, i i :44 AiJ 

I personally like the Cape Air service. I think they do a good job and in decent weather they are 

fine. But I have also flown Albany to Boston on Colgan on their 34 seat aircraft and I have to 

say, given the choice. I would probably pay more and go with Colgan. Cape Air's employees 

are first class and their service is great. But I currently drive to fly out of BTV because Cape Air 

seems paralyzed sometimes in weather conditions that for a aircraft with a pressurized cobin 

are not an issue. And one thing that nobody has mentioned as far as I have seen is Cape Air 

does not have to leave, even if they lose the subsidy. If they have built the service up from 

3000 a year to 10000 a year and want to stay so bad they are more than able to keep flying. It 

is just that our tax dollars will not be paying for it. It would be interesting to see them put their 

own money into the area. I am just alarmed somewhat because for all the talk about how they 

hate to leave areas they have a track record of dumping services when the government won't 

cut a check for it anymore. This has been done before. I used to commute our of Jamestown 

NY and the incumbent EAS provider there, flying Beech 1900's lost to Colgan and even 

though Colgan had the subsidy they remained and kept flying. 

February !, 2010, i0:37 AM 

there is a frontiine special on PBS on feb 9th that speaks very highly of colgan. 

Januaiy ,:)1, 2010, UK56 PM 

Anonymous 
This is what the city of Plattsburgh will get if Colgan comes 

in: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flyingcheap/ 

January 3.!, 2UiO, jO:47 l^-'i 

To the Canadian who took offense: We love our neighbors and appreciate your business. We 

are trying to build an airport that serves your need, both because we are good neighbors and 

because it makes economic sense. That is not the issue. The issue Is whether or not a 34 seat 

plane at a higher ticket cost with less frequency, connections, and Customer Service 

reputation actually accomplishes that. Another misunderstanding in your messages it that this 

will somehow get you other destinations like New York. It won't, in fact it could be argued that 

this subsidized Boston run will delay free market service to those airports. Cape Air offered an 

Albany idea, and another carrier offered New York and these were rejected by our offlcials. 

Either Cape Air or Colgan gets you connections thru Boston (Cape Air with JetBlue and 

Colgan with USAir) or you can book onward travel from Boston independentiy. The only 

national issue is If the US taxpayer Subsidized EAS program is intended to build a market of 

vacationere from outside the community (national or international), or if it is a stopgap to 

prevent the locals from being stranded without air service until the free market develops to 

serve you and others like you (as it has since cape Air has been here).. Please feel welcome 

in our community and please use our airport, enjoy the free market growth of Direct Air and 

Alleigent, and welcome aboard Cape Air or Colgan, but please listen carefully to the local 

issue and dont assume what our officials are pushing is in your best interest just because they 

market It as such. When Big Sky and Commutair left here, when Colgan left Rutiand and 

raised prices elsewhere. It did not help US or Canadian Americans. 

January 31, 2010, 7:Si PM 

Anonymous 

The growth at Plattsburgh International has been amazing and a great success! The growth is 

attributed to Allegiant and Direct Air offering travel opportunities tiiat the North Country has 

never seen. However, opportunities to Boston have always been availible. And only recenfly 

has Cape Air increased passenger loads because of thier dependability, fequency, 

affordabillity and connectivity with their afilliate Jet Blue. It is niave to think that a growing 

vacation destination market has anything to do with a commuter/business flyer market. Cape 

Air has restored the air service that is need by North Country travlers, and is adequet for 

current passenger loads with room to grow! It is dissapointing that the media is not reporting 

to the public the potential fare increases that alt other EAS communitites served by Colgan has 

seen. 

January 31, 2010, 6:33 PM 

I keep seeing the assumptions that these Colgan planes are a big consumer draw. If only we 

had bigger planes more people would fly. Do the surveys specify 34 seat props? Have any of 

you actually seen these planes? You write as though these are big spacious jet-liners. They 

are not what people mean when they answer a survey that they want bigger planes. These 

planes will slow the growth of the free market success stories you cite, and discourage regular 

commer^al service which now has to compete against more government subsidized seate 

LeSssflights and higher ticket prices also will slOwgrowth, not to mention the different 

reputations for Customer service behveen the two companies. I don't know if someone's palms 

are getting greased or if there is some mass delusion out there, but this decision makes no 

business sense and taxpayers are stijck with ttie tab (Subsidy price difference not mentioned 

in y^ur editorial - odd for a usually fiscally responsible paper). Get your heads out of the 

clouds, 

January 31, 2010,3:00 PM 

First of all we are Canadians not Canadiens (that's the hockey team). Also we do payt taxes 

when visiting your city, sales taxes, aside from the millions that are spent shopping, eating in 
your restaurants, staying in your hotels and Canadian employers such as Nova Bus and 

Bombardier. We welcome you to Ottawa and we don't expect you to pay income taxes as you 

don't live here, but do enjoy our capital. We don't consider America a foreign country. And you 

should not consider Canada as a foreign country. I think it's smart business sense that your 

chamber is interested in the Canadian market. That being said your new airport is Plattsburgh 

International, not Clinton County Airport. Perrhaps Cape Air has done a good job and 

continues to do so. The answer may be in bringing in another carrier with bigger planes that 

would fly to New York and Washington. Newark Airport does a big job here in Ottawa, but it's 

very pricey. If you are to bill yourself as Montreal's US Airport then perhaps the time has or will 

come that more flights with larger aircarft is necessary. Big Sky was operating when the airport 

was in its infancy, times have changed. 

Anonvrnoub 

Funny that there was no mention of the cost to the U.S. taxpayer: $2.1 million vs $1.3 million ~ 

to carry Canadians! 

jartuoiy 31, 2010, 2;'10 PM 

Anohy:nous 

»Hey Cape Air- Maybe your planes aren't full BECAUSE they're 9 sealers.« I would hope 

that people in the Plattsburgh area wouldn't be so ignorant to think there's a direct correlation 

between aircraft size and safety. Cape Air has proven that with no passenger fatalities over its 

20 year history. Colgan? Well, just sayin'... 

.laiiuary 11, /inii, 11:22 .'-JJ 

Hey Cape Air- Maybe your planes aren't full BECAUSE they're 9 sealers. 

Jtsniiriiy '•>], ?JIO, O.Sf! AM 

AiUiisyrrioijs 

How very dismissive of an airiine that has literally tripled passenger loads out of Plattsburgh 

over the past two years. Not only is Cape Air actually a larger airiine (62 total aircraft to 

Colgan's 48), Cape Air has a signlflcantiy better safety record with its tiny planes' than Colgan 

has with its 'big luxurious turboprops' (said very much tongue In cheek; ever flown on one of 

these Saab 340s Colgan has?). How did Cape Air expand the airport in tiie first place? 

Wasn't Plattsburgh already served by larger aircraft previously with poor results? Yes, it was, 

and the reason for that feilure was frequency. It's evident from Cape Air's success that 

passengers care more about frequency than anything else. Colgan intends to drop that 

frequency to 2 flights per day on the weekdays, and 1 on the weekends. Miss that flight 

because your connection was late and you're stuck in Boston for the next 24 hours. With Cape 

Air you could just pick up one of their later flights that day. Want to hand over business to 

Burlington? Bring in Colgan. 

January 31, 20SO, 9:3b AM 

This editorial seems like it is written by a tnje politician, look beyond the means and the ability 

to flII 9 passenger planes based on the assumption that if you have 34 seat planes you will 

some how fill tiiose witii more people who dont pay taxes in this countiy, state or county and 

make the residents pay for it In the long run. I have seen the larger planes like Big Sky, when 

ttiey couldnt fill their plans they would just cancel the flight with no regards for connections or 

the customer and when they realized that as a company out to make money they could not 

sustain the large aircraft and left us high and dry. Cape Air does in fact have small planes but 

they more than make up for small planes wMh incredible staff and excellent service, but we will 

forget that just because as with everything today, 'bigger is better' I would like to think tiiat this 

country would have learned something in the past few year but apparently not. Quality and 

Customer service beats big planes with a flight attendant any day because in the long run WE 
will pay not the Canadiens that the Chamber of Commerce caters too but the hardworking 

taxpayers of this county. KEEP CAPE AIR 

Larger planes will bring in more customers. Living in Ottawa, we are already booking a 

vacation in May with Direct Air that is a direct flight rather than a commecting one, and almost 

half the price of leaving from our airport. So what does that mean to Plattsburgh? We will be 

staying overnight to ensure we are not late for our flight, do a bit of shopping and probably 

dinner somewhere, perhaps a lunch too. Cessna's have a limited client tiase. A larger plane 

could offer week-end trips to New York or even Washington. Your city is about the same 

distance as Syracuse is from Ottawa, so it would give us a serious alternative to a US airport 

which is currentiy well use with Ottawans. You need to see the 'big' picture. Thanks 

This editorial is exactly why the north country is tilled with delusions of grandeur. You need 

6,000 new jobs not 60 at the bus company to support an airport of this size. Larger aircraft 

susidized by tax dollars that you cant flII is an oxymoron. What the county spends to support 

this airport is a scandal. Press-Republican, do a fair and balariced job of reporting. Remember 

your famous Gary Douglas quote?' I don't let the facts get in the way of my vision '. It is why 

NYS and the north country have high taxes, no jobs and no future. 

Jauuii;y 3L 2010, 7:00 AM