# COVER SHEET



# APPLICATION UNDER THE SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (Small Community Program or SCASDP) DocketNo. DOT-OST-2012-0069 MINERAL COUNTY-NEVADA & 

# NATIONS INVESTMENT CO 

# I HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES CONSORTIUM

Legal Sponsor: Mineral County Economic Development Authority

- NV DUNS Number: 929947182


# U.S. Congressional District: NV 02

## TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Background ILSummary Overview III. SCASDP Selection Suitability IV. Funds Requested & 

## Use ofFunds V. Project Concept, Strategy & 

## Process Framework VI. HSA Service I 

## Origins & 

## Destinations (Abbreviated Prelim) VII. Branding & 

## Marketing: SAMPLE Proprietary Tactics (Abbreviated Prelim) Appendix C

- Summary Information

Page 2 of25 U.S. DOT· SMAllCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM/ Docket DOT...QST-2012-<1069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## I. BACKGROUND The Small Community Program was established by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (P.L. 106-181) and reauthorized by the Vision 100-Century ofAviation Reauthorization Act (P.L. 1 08-176). The program is designed to provide financial assistance to small communities to help them enhance their air service. The United States Department ofTransportation ("DOT") through Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 provides this assistance in the form ofmonetary grants that are disbursed on a reimbursable basis. Authorization for this program is codified at 49 U.S.C. § 41743. The Small Community Air Service Development Program ("SCASDP") is authorized to receive appropriations under49 U.S.C.§ 41743(e)(2), as amended. Appropriations are provided for this program for award in FY 2012 pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (P.L. 

### 112-95).


## II. OVERVIEW Mineral County-Nevada, with its County-seat ofHawthorne, is comprised ofsmall communities that meet the statutory criteria (49 U.S.C.§ 41743) for eligibility. The Hawthorne Airport, publicly-owned by Mineral County, that serves these small communities has not achieved small hub airport status and has no regular commercial air carrier service. TheAirport serves a Community demonstrating geographic diversity and the unique circumstances that highlight the need for, feasibility ofand the economic promise in grant assistance from the SCASDP. Although Hawthorne Airport and the towns comprising the communities ofMineral County do not currently have commercial air service, they have officiallypartneredbyBoard Resolution with Nations Investment Company ("NIC") for solicitation ofthe SCASDP Grant. NIC had conceptualized and commenced establishment ofa Nevada Entity, HIGH SIERRAAIRLINES ("HSA"), as a Nevada regional airline almost two years ago in collaboration with the Mineral County Economic Development Authority ("MCEDA"), the town ofHawthorne and specific businesses in the County. NIC had determined HSA wouldbe hubbed primarily out ofHawthorne Airport. HSA is confident it will be able to meet in a reasonable period all Departmental requirements for air service certification, including safety and economic authorities by 2013. This Application is structuredusing a Public Private Partnership ("3P) framework where Mineral County is the Public Partner and Mineral County Economic Development Authority a private nonprofit is the designated Legal Sponsor for administering the Program. NIC is the Private Partner. The SCASDP provides for a 3P framework so as to establish a Consortium for partnering in the submission. Unlike the previous efforts to operate a viable rural regional airline in Nevada, HSA will operate on the premise ofa comprehensive business model that enables access to the un- and under-utilized assets ofthese rural communities versus dependency on the appropriation ofa governmental air service passenger subsidy for small communities (i.e. Essential Air Service- EAS). HSA's Business Model is predicated on HSAbeing the Logistical Access Catalyst for Rural Nevada. In this role, HSAwould function as the enabler of commerce (e.g., people, goods and services) to these Communities and redefme aspects ofmovement for business to these locations where rubber-tire access is the predominant mode for transportation now.

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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## Ill. SCASDP SELECTION SUITABILITY SCASDP grants are to be awarded based on the two categories ofselection criteria: Priority Selection Criteria and Secondary Selection Criteria. In this Application, the Consortium meets several·ofthe Priority Selection Criteria. The Private Partner ofthe Consortium will provide the majority ofthe capital from investment and financing sources otherthan airport revenue sources. Local funding will be restricted to in-kind contributions in the portfolio offinance and funding but cash is not required for the Project. 

## PrioritySelection Criteria As stated earlier, the Consortium has established a 3P to explicitly structure and facilitate aircarrier service to the public. The process directly structures the decision-making event to be mutually examined and reviewed, with the determination ofresults being intended to stimulate and foster commerce. MCEDA and the Mineral County Commission along with its Hawthorne Airport will carry the duties of policy and related approval advocacy in the Partnership. They will actively participate in the implementation ofthe Project and provide critical guidance as well as insight in decision-making to NIC as to what aspects ofthe Business Plan best enable economic sustainability in the County and peer counties in NV along with leading advocacy. The Comprehensive Business Plan ("CBP") is premised on stimulating and sustaining material benefits to a broad segment ofthe traveling public that are present now and are desired to be pursued. This includes business, educational institutions, and otherenterprises, whose access to Hawthorne I 

### Mineral County I 

### Rural NV is limitedrelative to the national air transportation system. The CBP developed for HSA with recommendations by MCEDA is conceived using a hub and spoke structure between otherNVrural airports in the Origins & Destinations ("O&D") architecture (see Section VI.). In this way, the Project provides critical benefits relevant to the community. Air service would offer new and additional access to otherrural connectinghub airports. This air service would be provided at crucial travel times for both business and leisure travelers that would help obviate the need to drive long distances. In this way, Mineral Countyremoves the impediment oflogistical access that has historically stifled the selection of Hawthorne and otherrural communities as sites for new operations orconvenience for tourism. The Project has a well-defined plan and reasonable timetable for use ofthe grantfunds. Since extensive preliminary survey research has beenperformed, much ofthe timetable has been compressed for various studies. This is true for the various marketing andpromotion ofthe airport, community, carrier (HSA) and destination(s). Moreover, the strategy enables existing assets in Mineral County and multiple othercounties I 

### communities to be repurposed and exploited. The cooperation between the otherrural airports and Hawthorne in conjunction with HSA's O&D schedule is designed to stimulate all related communities. 

## SecondarySelection Criteria The CBP conceived by the Consortium is innovative in design and content. The Project creates a wellspring ofnew and creative solutions to the transportation issues facing the rural communities in NV. These underlying tactics (see SECTION VII.) include: resurrection ofrail lines presently dormant; explicitpackaging ofintermodal orregional solutions to connectpassengers to the community's ground services as well as attractions (i.e., cost-effective inter/intra city passengerbus service, marketing of

. intermodal surface transportation options also available to air travelers orprojects that have a positive

impact on travel and tourism); utilizes existingbusinesses while encouraging others; and is integrated so as to serve as a template for the otherrural communities that have identified themselves as supporters. The breath ofbroad communityparticipation and support in all the Counties is palpable (see Letters of Support) at a diverse level ofgovernment along with various industries. · 

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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### The geographic location ofHawthorne bears out the challenges ofthe present lack ofreliable regular air service to this and other communities like it. The challenges in accessing larger centers ofair service without low-fare service alternatives extends travel time and diminishes convenience. The impact onthe profile ofthe population and level ofbusiness activity is indisputable. The absence ofair service has a crucial consideration in not being selected for numerous businesses moving into Hawthorne. HWY 95 Redevelopment Agency has adopted sectors: Defense; Agriculture; Tourism and Renewable Energy, as NV's major growth sectors identified by the Governors new economic development strategy for the State, MCEDA adopted it for their county and Hwy 95 RDA for the region. The current Mining exploration, renewable energy projects and defense contractors have voiced the obstacles to expansion arising from having only a drive option. Since this is a 3P, HSA is committed to the rural communities' ongoing economic success, andbases its CBP on enabling the movement ofpeople, materials and services that will support the growth ofthese small communities. The Consortium sees a potential for selective adjunctive financial support over the life ofthe grant award but not beyond its expiration. The grant amount requested reflects about 25% of the related total funds to be used for the Assessment, Validation and Regulatory compliance steps in the cue-up to Phase One ofair service operations (see SECTION V. & 

### VI.). Letters ofIntent from various airline planning departments are in preparation with pre-existing globally recognized aviation industry firms as well as intermodal surface transportation providers at the ready on behalfparticipating in the Project with NIC. These "Best ofBreed" collaborators specifically intend to participate as collaborators where requested in their respective areas ofexpertise in conjunction with the delivery ofnew air service along with the related surface transportation service in support ofHSA's service. The CBP is self-sustaining after the grant award window expires andjobpropagating into the foreseeable future. Preliminary analysis ofthe relevant target markets initially evaluated, were the underlying basis ofNIC's determination to pursue the Project with MCEDA along with the otherrural communities staggered in Phases. The vastportion ofProject funds (federal, state and in-kind local) are to be used for the development and implementation ofverifying and formalizing activities. The proposed as well as pre-existing marketing plans were examined in context ofinvigorating and repurposing the County's profile ofun- andunderutilized assets. These funds and/ orin-kind services will coverthe preparation ofadministrative materials for physical operation to commence and support canvassing ofthe surrounding communities as well as connecting rural counties I 

### communities by HSA's air service that has beenpreliminarily crafted.


## IV. FUNDS REQUESTED & USE OF FUNDS The Consortium is seeking $250,000 in federal funding through the SCASDP Grant for the Project. The Community's total contributions to the Project that includes in-kind contributions from the airport, the County and in-kind contributions from the community are projected to be $50,000. There are no cash contributions from the County and member communities. As well, the Hawthorne Airport will not be contributing cash from revenues because there are no related operations presentlyfor such contributions from which to be drawn. There are no cash contributions from other community sources, and no cash contributions from the state and/or local governmentprojected at the time ofthis submission. 

## Types of contributions. Forthe purposing ofthis Application, by definition the contributions represent a new fmancial commitment ornew fmancial resources devoted to supporting new air service. Various Page 5 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### service issues here before not a consideration for the Hawthorne Airport will be addressed. This will include but not be limited to developing and sustaining patronage ofthe new air service at the Airport. It hasbeen agreed that the contributions will be limited to substantively the following types: • In-kindcontributionsfrom the airport. This can include such items as waivers oflanding fees, terminal rents, fuel fees, and/or vehicle parking fees. • In-kind contributions from the community. This can include such items as donated advertising from media outlets, catering services for inaugural events, or in-kind trading, such as advertising in exchange for free air travel. Travel banks and travel commitments/pledges are considered to be in-kind contributions, as are reduced fares offeredby airlines. Since NIC has committed to being the new air service providerthrough its subsidiary, HSA, it was mutually agreed that the Public Partner along with the various communities would not be called upon to make local contributions in cash at thisjuncture. This is not to preclude future cash contributions to be considered, but the circumstances would be driven by verifiable economic results with demonstrated business expansion I

### job creation that wouldjustifY such action by business and the like. Travel banks and travel commitments/pledges as well as pre-sell arrangements are anticipated as part ofthe cooperating business development strategies. NIC intends to continue to pursue other funding and financing options from all governmental sources.


## V. PROJECT CONCEPT, STRATEGY & PROCESS FRAMEWORK 

# HIGHSIERRA REGIONALAIRLINEProject The creation ofa Regional airline headquartered in Nevada that has one ofits primary hubs in Hawthorne, NV- 

### Mineral County, to be named "HIGH SIERRAAIR". Unlike all the previous efforts to operate a viable regional airline in Nevada, HIGH SIERRAAIR ("HSA") will operate on the premise ofa comprehensive business model and not on the appropriation ofgovernmental passenger subsidy for rural airlines presently at risk for termination. HSA's Business Model is predicated on HSAbeing the Logistical Access Catalyst for Rural Nevada. In this role, HSA would function as the enablerof commerce to locations and the redefined movement for people along with goods and services to locations where rubber tire access is the primary mode for transportation. Preliminary HSA Origins & Destinations ("O&D") schedules incorporate many Nevadarural airports into profitable integrated business and tourism circuits. The initial business assessment review includes Hawthorne, Tonopah, Minden, Elko, Ely, West Wendover and Laughlin through three NV

### hubs. Las Vegas, Reno/Tahoe and out ofstate feeder routes from majorpopulation areas (e.g., Los Angeles, Hollywood/Burbank, SanDiego, San Jose, Vancouver BC. etc.) are part ofthe initial and subsequent rollout plans. The next Stage will entail an evaluation I 

### assessment Site Review to investigate as well as preliminarily formalize collaborative agreements for commitment to HSA's Concept. The Site Touris anticipated to include briefings withkey stakeholders, a physical walk-through ofrelevant facilities, initial face-face interviews ofkey business owners I 

### various governmental agencies I 

### airport administrative groups and follow-up meetings debriefs so as to validate and verity the reconnaissance. The compiled results ofthe Site Tourwill provide for the necessary first-hand details to complete the Strategic Implementation Plan ("SIP"). Page 6 of 25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### A finalized dynamic Vision will prepared for presentation from the data I 

### information collection gathered from the various airports, areas businesses and local tourism components crucial to the success of Comprehensive Business Plan ("CBP"). The central theme for HSA is the catalyzing and enabling of regional economic assets so as to spur economic development and in so doing provide a diverse profile of passengers demanding service in the related rural Nevada Counties. The fact is that not only would the rural Counties benefit from this traffic but Las Vegas through its McCarran Airport would reap economic gains as well. Besides the increased employment directly resulting from HSA's three hubs, ancillaryjob opportunities would generate at each airport in support ofthe passenger flow and integrated strategies for both business and tourist demand. The CBP will be tempered explicitly by regional economic development agendas and initiatives in conjunction with County as well as Town objectives for renewed growth for their various constituent Communities. Ifthe ultimate objective of job creation and economic growth is to have a desire for permanence, then stability relative to the attribute oflogistical access needs to be attained in a sustaining manner. Corresponding, strategic partnerships that are devised explicitly versus implicitly will best suit all interested who would be seeking to leverage the presence ofHSA. The integration and coordination of related economic development objectives is believed to be the prescribed methodology to secure the results desired by all stakeholders and those invested in Nevada's vitality. From an operational perspective, a bankable and on-going successful CBP requires thorough investigation and confirmation ofcritical business assumptions. There are a many components that make-up the operating aspects for the CBP. These components include variable operating costs listed: Operating Costs Fuel Labor Aircraft Rents and Ownership Non-aircraft Rents and Ownership Professional Services Food and Beverage Landing Fees Maintenance Material Aircraft Insurance Non-Aircraft Insurance Passenger Commissions 

### Page 7 of25 %

### ofOperating Expenses 

## 29.4 21.4

6.3 

## 4.4 7.9 1.3 1.8 1.7 0.1 0.4 

## 1.1

U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM / Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPLICATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### Communications 0.9 Advertising and Promotion 

### 0.7
Utilities and Office Supplies 0.6 Transport related 

### 14.3
Other Operating 

### 7.6 

### The capital cost ofthe HSA project is initially estimatedbetween $32-40 million, with a revolving-line of credit ofapproximately $12 million. The preliminaryproposed schedule Build-Out over two years will be through leased aircraft acquisitions to service the expanding Nevada Hubs. This Build-Out will be reexamined and refined as a result ofthe planned Site Tour. Discussions and shared insights from local stakeholders will provide valuable information so as to better determine operational and equipment needs. As currently structured, the aircraft required in conjunction with the present PHASE #1 and PHASE #2 of the Build-Out are as follows: PHASE #1 1. Q300

- 48 seats 2. CRJ-900- 66 seats 3. CRJ-900- 66 seats 4. B757-200- 162 seats 5. CRJ 900- 66 seats 6. Q300

- 48 seats 7. B757-200- 162 seats 8. Q300- spare PHASE#2 9. B757-200- 162 seats 10. B757-200- 162 seats 11. B757-200-162seats 12. CRJ-900 -66 seats 13. CRJ-900 -66 seats 14. CRJ-900 -66 seats 15. CRJ-900 --66 seats 16. CRJ-900 -66 seats 17. CRJ-900 -66 seats 18. B757-200- 162 seats 19. CRJ-900 -66 seats 

## HSA Employment/Job Creation It

### is anticipated that the HSA Aircraft Fleet whenbuilt out over 2 years will have 19 aircraft ranging from B757-200 down to Bombardier Q300 based at various Nevada locations. Although they vary, depending on the fmal schedule architecture and fleet mix, the ideal ratio ofemployees to aircraft is 1: 130

- 170. This would generate over 1,000jobs ifthe airline is hubbed, based and headquartered in Nevada as
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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### planned. Specifically, there will be a viable mix ofskilled and unskilledjobs, with many ofthesejobs being well paying skilled and/orprofessional occupations.

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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## VI. HSA SERVICE I 

## ORIGINS & 

## DESTINATIONS (Abbreviated Prelim)

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS Origin and Destinations 

## Minden/Tahoe, MEV to Hawthorne, NV/Yosemite (HTH) 1045 1145 daily 1845 1900 dally Tonapah, NV/Death Valley(TPH) 1045 1145 daily 1845 1945 daily Grand canyon, AZ (GCN) 1045 1300 daily Las Vegas (LAS) 1045 1240 daily 1115
c 1200 dally 1845 2045 d:.ily
Reno (RNO) 1115 1130 daily Wendover/Bonneville (ENV) 1120 1200 daiiy Salt Lake City (SLC) 11::10 1245 ddily San Jose, CA {SJC) 1530 1600 dally Hollywood/ Burbank (BUR} 1125 1200 daily 1545 1630 daily PhoenixAL (PHX) 1145 1300 daily Elko, NV (EKO) 1050 1120 daily Ely, NV (ELY) 1050 1145 daily Laughlin, NV(IFP) 1045 1315 dally vancouver, BC(YVR) 1545 1715 dally Palm**Sprl~s,** CA(PSP) 1114 1100 daily

San Diego, CA (SAN} 1045 1130 dally Los Cabos (SJD) 1045 1545 Sat, M, W, F QJOO Q300 QJOO Q300
QJOO QJOO CRJ 900 QJOO ClU900 CRJ 900 CRJ 900 CRJ 900 CRJ 900 8757-200 6757-200 CRJ 900 Q300 QJOO Q300 6757-200 6757-200

8757-200 6757·200 La Paz, Baja(LAP) 1045 1&45 Sun, Tue. Thr8757-200 Loreto, Baja)LTD 1045 1530 Sun, Tue. Thr 8757-200 Calgary, Alta (YYC) 1545 1730 daily 6757-200 Pagel ot 17 Phase 2

1 stop HTH 1 stop HTH

via LAS 2 stops HTH/TPH non stop 2 stops HTH/TPH

1 stop ENV

non stop

via LAS

via LAS via LAS Via LAS

CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS f>hit<;e! 

### Origin and Destinations Phase 2 Santa Ana (SNA) 1115 1200 dally 6757,200 Edmonton, Alta(YEG) 1545 1745 dally 6757-200 Los Angeles (LAX) 1045 1200 dally 6757-200 VIctoria, BC(YYl) 1615 1730 dally CRJ 900 Santa Barbara (SBA} 1117 1200 dally 6757·200 Farmington/Monument Valley(FMN} 1045 1600 daily 6757-200 via LAS Santa Fe, NM (SAF) 1045 1700 daily 6757,200 via LAS Bryce Canyon/Zion UT (BCE) 1045 1500 dally 6757,200 VIa LAS Tusc:on, AZ{TUS) 1119 1230 d<illy 6757·200 Sedona AZ(SOX) 1119 1330 daily 6757·200 Long Bead!, CA (LGB) 1545 1630 dally 6757-200 Seattle, WA(SEA) 1545 1630 dally 6757-200 Redding (ROO) 1015 1145 dally 6757-200 Sonoma, Napa (STS) 1015 1220 dally 6757-200 Kelowna, BC. (YLW) 2000 2130 daily 6757-200 Prince George, BC (YXS) 2000 2245 daily 6757·200 Jack5on Hole WY /Yellowstone (JAC) 1118 1215 dally 6757-200 Cbeyenne,WY(CYS} 1118 1330 daily 6757-200 Telluride (TEX), CO {ASE) 1115 1350 dally 6757-200 Denver, CO (DEN) 1115 1330 dally 6757-200 Ontario, CA (ONT} 1113 1200 daily CRJ 900 Regina, SK (YQR) 1900 2115 dally CRJ 900 Saskatoon, SK (YXE) 1900 2215 daily CRJ 900 

# Hawthorne/Yosemite (HTH) to Minden(MEV} 1005 1020 daily Q300 1845 1900 daily Q300 Tonapah (TPH) 1,125 1145 daily Q300 1930 1945 dally Q300 Page 2of 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



## Page 11 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012..()069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS Ph-atte 1 

### Origin and Destinations Phase2 Las Vegas (LAS) 1005 1200 dally CRJ 900 Via MEV 1125 1240 dally CRJ 900 1930 2045 daily Wendover/Bonneville {ENV) 1005 1200 daily CRJ 900 Salt Lake City (SLC) 1()05 1245 dally CRJ 900 1 stop ENV San Jose. CA (SJC) 1530 1500 daffy CRJ 900 Holtywood/ Burbank (BUR) 1005 1200 da•ly 8757-200 1545 1630 ddtly 8757-:wo Plloenlx AZ. (PHX) !005 1300 daily Q300 non stop l!lko, NV (f!KO) 1005 1120 daffy 6757-200 Ely, NV (ELY) 1005 1145 daily 8757-200 laUOhlln, NV(IFP) 1125 1330 daily 8757-200 via LAS Grand canyon (GCN) 1005 1300 dally 8757-200 via LAS 1125 1300 daily 8757-200 via LAS Vancouver, BC(YVR) 1500 1715 daily 8757-200 Palm Springs, CA(PSP) 1005 1200 daily 8757-200 San Diego, CA (SAN} 1005 1130 daily 6757-200 Los cabos (SJD) 1005 1545 Sat, M, W, F 6757-200 via LAS La Paz, Baja(LAP) 1005 1645 Sun, Tue. Thr 8757-200 via LAS Loreto, Baja)LTD 1005 1530 Sun, Tue. Thr 8757-200 via LAS Van Nuys, CA (VNY) 1705 1715 dally Q300 calgary, Alta (YYC) 1500 1730 dally 8757-200 Santa Ana (SNA) 1005 1200 dally 8757-200 Edmonton, Alta(YEG) 1500 1745 dally 6757-2.00 Los Angeles (LAX} 1005 1200 8757-200 VIctoria, BC(YYJ) 1500 1730 daily CRJ 900 Santa Barbara (S8A} 1005 1200 daily CRJ 900 Farmington/MonumentValley(FMN) 1005 1600 dally CRJ 900 #REF• Santa Fe_ NM (SAF) 1005 1700 daily CRJ 900 #REF! Bryce Canyon/Zion UT (BCE) 1005 1500 dally CRJ 900 #REF! Page3ot 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



## Page 12of25 U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS ?h,as-e 1 

### Origin and Destinations Phase2 Tuscon, AZ(TUS) 1005 1230 dally CRJ 900 Sedona AZ(SDX) 1005 1330 daily CRJ 900 Long Beach, CA (LGB) 1500 1630 dally CRJ 900 Seattle, WA(SEA) 1500 1630 dally CRJ 900 Redding (ROO) 1005 1145 daily CRJ 900 Sonoma, Napa (STS) 1005 1220 dally CRJ 900 Kelowna, BC. (YLW} 1500 2130 daily CRJ 900 Prince George. BC (YXS) 1500 2245 dally CRJ 900 Jackson Hole WY/Yellowstone {JAC) 1005 .1215 daily CRJ 900 Cheyenne, WY(CYS) 1005 1330 daily CRJ 900 Telluride, CO (TEX) 1005 1245 daily CRJ 900 Denver, CO (DEN} 1005 1330 daily CRJ 900 Ontario, CA (ONT) 1005 1200 daily CRJ 900 Regina, SK (YQR) 1500 2115 dally CRJ 900 saskatoon, SK {YXE} 1500 2215 daily CRJ 900 

## TONAPAH,NV/DEATH VALLEY (TPH) to Minden(MEV) 930 1015 dally Q300 142.5 1515 darly Q300 Las Vegas (LAS} 1155 1215 daily CRJ 900 2015 2045 daily Wendover/Bonneville (ENV} 930 1200 daily CRJ 900 salt Lake City (SLC) 9.30 1245 daily CRJ 900 1 stop ENV
san Jose, CA (SJC) XXX 1530 1600 daily CRJ 900 Hollywood/ Burbank (BUR) H25 1200 daHy 8757-2:00 1545 1630 daHy 6757-200 Phoenix AZ. (PHX) 1145 1300 daily #REF! non stop Elko, NV (EKO) 1050 1120 dally CRJ 900 Ely, NV (ELY) 1050 1124 daily CRJ 900 Page4of 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPROOUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



### Page 13 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-20U-Q069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS Ph::1se: 1 

### Origin and Destinations PhaS<! 2 Laughlin, NV(tFP) ll20 ens dally CRJ 900 vla LAS Grand Canyon (GCN) 1000 1300 daily CRJ 900 via LAS 1120 1300 daily CRJ 900 via LAS vancouver, BC(YVR) 1500 1115 dally 6757-200 Palm Springs, CA(PSP) 930 1200 daily 6757-200 San**Ol~o,** CA (SAN) 1000 1130 dally 6757·200 Los Cabos (SJO) 1000 1545 Sat, M, W, F 6757-200 via LAS La Paz, S.ja(LAP} 1000 1645 Sun, Tue. Thr 6757-200 via LAS Loreto, Baja)LTO 1000 1530 Sun, Tue. Thr 6757-200 via LAS Van Nuys, CA (VNY) 1000 1200 dally CRJ 900 Calgary, Alta (YYC) 1500 1730 daily CRJ 900 Santa Ana (SNA) 1000 1200 dally CRJ 900 Edmonton, Alta{YEG) 1000 1200 dally CRJ 900 Los Angeles (LAX) 1000 1200 daily 6757-200 Victoria, BC(YYJ) 1500 1730 dally CRJ 900 Santa Barbara (SBA} 1000 1200 dally CRJ 900 Farmington/Monument Valley(FMN} 1000 1600 dally CRJ 900 #REF! Santa Fe, NM (SAl') 1000 1700 dally CRJ 900 #REF! Bryce canyon/Zion UT (BCE) 1000 1500 dally CRJ 900 #REF! Tuscon, AZ(TUS) 1000**1~0** dally CRJ 900**Sadon;~** AZ(SDX) 1000 1330 dally CRJ 900 Long Beach, CA (LGB) 1500 1630 daily CRJ 900 Seattle, WA(SEA) 1500 1630 dally CRJ 900 Redding (ROD} 1000 1145 dally CRJ 900 Sonoma,**Nap;~** (STS) 1000 1220 dally CRJ 900 Kelowna, ac. (YLW) 1500 2130 daily CRJ 900 Prince George, BC (YXS) 1500 2245 dally CRJ 900 Jackson Hole WV/Yellowstone (lAC) 1000 1215 daily CRJ 900 Page 5 Of 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCf OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY**Prep;~red** by Nett Atkinson



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### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS**f'h,ls~** 1 

### Origin and Destinations Phase2 Cheyenne,VVY(CYS) 1000 1330 dally CRJ 900 Tellurlden, CO {TEX) 1000 1245 dally CRJ 900 Denver, CO (DEN) 1000 1330 dally CRJ 900 Ontario, CA (ONT) 1000 1200 dally 6757-200 Regina, SK {YQR) 1500 2115 dally 6757·100 Saskatoon, SK (YXE) 1500 2215 daily 8757·200 

# LAS VEGAS, McCARRAN (LAS) to Tonopah/04!ath valley{TPH) 330 900 dally QJOO 1345 1405 daHy QJOO Hawthorne/Yosemite (HTH) 

### sao 945 dally Q300 1345 1440 daily Q300 Minden/Tahoe(MEV} 830 1015 daily Q300 1345 15t5 dally QJOO Reno(RNO) 100 745 dally CRJ900 1315 1400 daily CRJ900 1645 1730 daily CRJ900 Elko(EKO) 730 930 Q300 2 stops ElY /ENV 1315 1500 daHy CRJ900 1 stop RNO 1645 1830 d<>Hy CRJ900 1 stop ELY
san Jose, CA (SJC) S45 930 daily CRJ900 1915 :woo daily CRJ900 Wendover, NV (ENV) 700 noo daily CRJ900 viaMEV 730 845 Q300 1 stop ELY Silllt Lake City (SLC) 700 1245 daily CRJ900 VIA MEV HollywOOd/Burbank{BUR) 845 915 daily 6757 200 1330 1400 daily 6757 200 191)0 1930 daily 8757 200 2130 2200 daily 6757

## zoo Grand canyon {GCN) 810

.900 daily CRJ900 1300 1400 dally Q300 via IFP 1430 1550 daily CRJ900 via PHX 1650 1710 ddlly CRJ900 Phoenlx{PHX} 810 945 da•ly CRJ900 via GCN 1430 1500 diHly CRJ900 Ely (ELY) 750 800 d<>ily Q300 Page6of 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPROOUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



### Page 15 of25 U.S. DOT· SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATlON SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~- HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS**Phn;s~** 1 

### Origin and Destinations Phasa2 Laughlin (IFP) 1300 1315 daily QJOO Vancouver, BC (YVR) 2015 noo daily 6757-200 Palm Springs (PSP) 1330. 1400 di!ily 6757-200 San Diego, CA (SAN} 1845 1915 dally 8757-2.00 LOs cabos (SJO)

. 1400 1545 Sat, M, W, F 6757·200 La Paz_ Baja(LAP) 1400 1645 Sun, To, Thr 6757-200 Loreto, Baja)LTD 1400 1530 Sun, Tu, Thr 8757-200 Calgary, Alta (YYC) 2045 2355 dally 8757·200 Santa Ana (SNA) 1330 1400 dally 8757-200 Edmonton, Alta(YEG) 2115 2320 dally 6757·200 LosAngeles (LAX} 1330 1400 dally 6757·200 VIctoria, BC(YYJ) 2045 2230 dally CRJ 900 Santa Barbara (S8A} 1345 1430 daily CRJ 900 Farmington/Monument Valley(FMN) 1000 1200 dally CRJ 900 1430 1600 dally CRJ 900 Santa Fe, NM (SAF) 1000 1110 dally CRJ 900 1430 1700 dally CRJ 900 Bryce Canyon/Zion UT (BCE) 1000 1300 daily CRJ 900 1430 1500 dally CRJ 900 Tuscon, AZ(TUS) 1500 1545 dally CRJ 900 Sedona AZ(SOX) 1500 1645 dally CRJ 900 Long Beach, CA (LG8) 1330 1400 daity 8757-200 Seattle, WA(SEA) 2000 2130 daily 6757-200 Redding (ROO) 1355 1440 dally CRJ 900 sonoma, Napa (STS) 1355 1515 daily CRJ 900 Kelowna, 

### ac. (YLW} 1345 2130 dally CRJ 900 via MEV Prince George, BC {YXS) 1345 2245 dally CRJ 900 via MEV Jackson Hole WY /Yellowstone {JAC) 1545 1645 dally CRJ 900 Cheyenne, WY{CYS) 1545 1800 daily CRJ 900 Page 7 of 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETAA.Y WORKPA.OOUCf OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



## Page 16of25 U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: CITY PAIRS Phn-s&; 1 

### Origin and Destinations Phase 2 Telluride, CO (TEX) 1525 1800 dally CRJ 900 Denver, CO (DEN) 1525 1640 dillly CRJ 900 Ontario, CA (ONT) 1400 1430 dally CRJ 900 Regina, SK (YQR} 1345 2115 dally CRJ 900 via MEV Saskatoon, SK (YXE} 1345 2215 dally CRJ 900 via MEV 

## Elko NV (EKO) to Minden (MEV) WOO 1030 daily Q300 Ely ELY) 1000 1150 daHy Q300 LasVegas (LAS) 1000 1230 daily Q300 1530 1615 da•ly CRJ 900 Reno (RNO) 1800 1830 daHy CRJ 900 Hawthorne, NV /Yosemite (HTH) 1000 1105 daily Q300 Tonapah, NV/Death Valk!y(TPH) 1000 1145 daily Q300 Grand Canyon, AZ (GCN) 1000 1300 daily Q300 Reno (RNO} 1000 1130 daily CRJ 900
Wendover/Bonneville (ENV) 1000 1200 da>ly CRJ 900 Salt Lake City (SLC) 1000 1245 daily CRJ 900 San Jose, CA (SJC) 1000 1600 daily CRJ 900 Hollywood/ Burbank (BUR) 1000 1200 dally 6757-200 1530 1630 datly 6757-200 Phoenix A2. (PHX) 1000 1300 dally CRJ 900 Elko, NV (EKO) 1000 1120 daily Q300 Ely, NV (ELY) 1000 1145 dat!y Q300 Laughlin, NV(IFP) 1000 1315 daily Q300 Vancouver, BC(YVR} 1530 1715 daily 6757-200 Palm Springs, CA(PSP} 1000 1200 daily 6757-200 San Otego, CA (SAN} 1000 1130 daily 6757-200 Paoesot 17 CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY Prepared by Nell Atkinson



### Page 17of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

# naHons-~ High Sierra Airlines

HIGH SIERRA EXPRESS Q300 Seating Collflg Sun Tue W11d Thu Fri**~V~t)M** 6 Sierra Family 

### m 20 LAS 0830 d LAS 0836 d LAS 6830 <I LAS 0830 d LAS 0&30 d LAS 0830 d LAS 0830 d 22 TPH 6905 .a Tl'H 0905 a TPif 0905 a TPH 0905 a TPH OKSa TAA 0905 a TPH 0905 a 48 TPH 0930 d TPH 0930 d TPH 0930 d TPH G930 d TPH 0930 d TPH 0930 d TPH 0930 d naut. miles bi<>Ck time HTH09S:O a HTH0950 a HTH0950 a HTH0950 1 HTH09S:O a HTH0950 a HTH0950 a :lAS-Tl'H Tl'H-HTH HTH-MEV

MEV• Minden/Tahoe 151 05 HTH 1005d HTH 1005d HTH 10il5d HTH 1005d HTH 1005d HTH 1005d HTH 1005d 79 0.25 MEV 1020.a MEV 1020 a MEV 1020 a MEV 1020.a MEV 1020a MEV 1020 a MEV 1020a 59 0.25 MEV 1045 d MEV 104$ 4 MEV !GAS d MEV 1G4S d MEV 1045d MEV 1045 d MEV 1045 d HTH 1105a HTH 1105**~** HTH 1105 a HTH 1105 a HTH 1105a HTH 1105 i HTH 1105 a HTl-1-- Hawthorne, NV/Yosemite TPH • Tonopah, NV /Oe*ffl Valley HTH 1125 d HTH 1125d HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d HTH 112S d HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d TPH 1145a TPH 1145a TPH 1145a TPH 1145a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145a TPH 1145 a TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPH 1205d TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPli 1205 4 TPH UOS d LAS 1240a LAS 1240 a LAS 1240a LAS 1240a LAS 1140 i LAS 1240a LAS 1240 a

Total blodiiiOUI'$ Total navt. mllea Weekly blod< !tours w•tidy n...tmit. weeklyatute milu weekly pllons weekly fuel cost nOtlfuel eperthlg cost <tduill weekly fiMIcost weekly fuel nvlnvs weeklyoperatlno <:asts



### Page 18of25 LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d TPH 1410a TPH 1410a TPH 1410• TPH 1410 • TPH 1410 a TPH 1410a TPH 1410 • TPH 1430 d TPH 1430d TAA 1430d TPH 1430 d TPH 1430 d TI'H 1430 d TPH 1430 d HTH 1445 a liTH 144Sa HTH 1445 11 tiTH 1445a HTH 1445 i HTH 1445a- HTH 1445 a HTH 1S:OS d HTH 1505 d HTH 1505 d HTH 1505 d HTH 1505 d HTH 1505 d HTH 1505 d MEV 1520 a M£11 1520 a MEV 1520 a MEV 1520 a MEV 152011 MEV 1520 a M£11 1520a MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d HTH 1900a HTH 1900a HTH 1900 <t HTH 1900 a HTH 1900a HTH 1900a HTH 1900 a HTH 1930 d HTH 1!}30d HTH 1930 d HTH l!UO d HTH 1930d liTH 1930 d HTH 1910 d fPH 1945a TPH 1945a TPH 1945a TAA 1945 -1 TPH 1945 a TPH 1945 a TPH 1945 a TPH 2015 d TPH 2G15 d TPH 2015 d TPH 2015 d TPH 2015 d TPH 2015 d TAA 2015 d lAS 2045 a LAS 2045 a LAS :i-045 4 LAS 2045 a LAS 2045 a LAS 2045 a LAS 2045 a 28 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 8092 1156 1156 1156 1156 1156 1156 1156 1.15

1 $3.58 65% $3.06 50%

Page 10f62 COHI'IOENTIAl PROPRII!TARY WORK PRODUCT OfNATIONS INVESTMI!NT COMPANY: Prepared by Nell Atkiii!IOII

U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## VII. BRANDING & 

## MARKETINGPROPRIETARYTACTICS

# naHons~ HIGH SIERRAAIRLINES



### OVERVIEW- ExecutiveSummary Please also referto the Proposed Operating Schedule for HIGH SIERRA Airlines and the**sel~cted** Origin and Destinations "City Pairs·· created by the**schedul~.** The schedule consists ofa hub and spoke model with two interconnecting hubs in MindewTahoe**~nd** Las Vegas Me('arran. Mo<t connection< are within two hou111 at the hubs (many are •hortcr). There will be an incentive to use the longerhaul Nevada hubs through the promotion ofa FREE NIGHT IN LAS VEGAS on the retum tlight. The schedulesare laid out in thePba>es in which they will be they will be built out, creating orderly <'rilical mass and "through" feeder traffic. By the end ofPhase lbree,the network wHI co;erall Western Statesand most mnjor citiesand tourist desti!llltions in the Wl'5lern USA , Canada and Mexico. Re·Brnnding R!!JlionalNevadaAi!11orts Itis proposed that the following Nevada airports berebranded and connectinghus;limo 

### scrvirebeprovidedto.the appropriateground destination. rheground service will provide an autOillatic connection withthe flight scheduleand bagscan becheckedright through on theoutbound leg {on the return theywill havetoredaim to

### go through weurity). Airtickets will alsoincludethe ground leg portion and reservations made in conjunctiOn with tlightreservations. Minden !Tahoe- ground service to Lake**Tahoe~** Carson Cily and Virginia City Hawthonte!YoSt."lllite ground <rervice to Yosemitc National Park Tonopah;l)eath Valley_, ground service to Death Valley National Patk Ely/Great Basin ground service to Great Basin NP nnd srerun r.tilroad Wendover /Bonncvtlle --ground service !lour to airmuseum

# ana Bonneville Salt Hats Phase One Phase One is primarily Nevada domestic, 

### with sonie.tegional

## feed from the San Francisco Bay via San Jose and Southern California via Hollywood!Burbank. Itwilllin'ktogetherinto acore schedule the smallerairports ofHawthorne, Tonopah, Minden, Ely, Elko and Wendoverwith Las Vegas. Reno

### and Sa!t Lake City. It will also combine service into Grand Canyon Airpon, Lauyhlin and Phoenix. PhaseTwo Phase Two is an expansionofthe fimPha$6, which will be implementedoncePhaseone is atbreakevcn and traffic patterns are more fully developed: Theintegration will include Baja California (Los Cabos. Lotcto and Las Paz) and**W~-stem** Canadill!l**t~** from Vancouverand interior BC, Calgary. Edmonton, Los Angeles (LAX), Palm Springs, Sttn Diego, Sanla Ana, Ontario,CA Vict{>ria. BC. Santa Baroara, Denver, Telluride, Seattle, Loog Beach. Tucron. Sedona, Jackson Hole andCheyenne. How these all fit together into an integNttcd hub spokeoperation is shown in the attached0 and D(origin and destination) citypail'$ 1\:>r Phaus

# one andtwo.**Thi~** illustmtcd how a hub spoke Otx"l'alion and the scltedule architecture is much 

### more dtidcntman apoint to point operatioo. where there are multiple destinationscreated byone depanure and subsequently the flights achieve a much higherpayload and profitability. The city pairs produce the following number ofprillllll')' and seeondarydesrinatiO!ls**p~'f**thedaily flight schedule for the First Two Phases. Mirnkn: 43 simullanoous destinations Hawthorne: 43 simultaneousdeslinatioos Tonopah 42 simultaneous destinations Elko: 46 simultaneous**dt.'Stination~** Ely: 44 ;;imultaneous destinations Wendover: 43 simultaneousdestination• LasVegas 43 simultaneous**destinatio~** Reno: 43 simult!Uleous destinations Vancouver. BC: 37 simultaneous destinations (via Minden andLas Vegas)



### Page 19of25 U.S. DOT- SMAllCOMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## HIGH SIERRA AIRLINEs. Executive Summcny 

## PROPRIETARYCONCEPTMATER.IAL: NOTFORDISCWSUU High Sierra

- SierraAltaAirlines "Friends !n High Places• · "Amigos enAltos Lugares"**Fly~in** 

### Day Tours from Las Vegas In ronjunctlon with PbaseOne Schedules: • (imntl Cunynn Tour: <k>part LAS at 8.10 am, return from (j('Nat 1730 •J),ath Vall")' Tmtr: depart LAS at 0830am, return from TPH at 2015 (road shuttle from Tonopahto Death Valley)

• ros""'it;: Tour: depart LAS at 0830, return from Hawthorne (HTH) at !930(road shuttle from Hawtbometo.Ymemite) "l.ak;: Tahoe Tour: depart LAS at 0900, return from Minden (!>lEV) at2100 (road shuttle to

### trow MindenroLltke Tahoe)

• Elko:J)udeRanch ToRr: depart LAS 0900,return from Elk.o (EKO) at 1730 •Ely: GreatBa.'iin -l.ehman Caves Ti>ltl' depart LAS 0900,return from Ely at WJO •Wmdover: Bann<wine:SaltFlats 1intr- depart LAS 0730, return from Wendover at 1815
In Coniunctlonwith PhaseTwoScheduleswithdepartures (rpm Las

### Yerw orTahoe: • Monument Valley

• Bryce Canyon- Zion National Park

• Redding/Sequoia- Mt Shasta

• Napa !Sonomawine trail

• Sanlll Ana/ Disneyand theme parks

. • TucsoniSedona

• Jackson Hole/ Yellowstone

• S11nta Fe l\111ltj Dn "Sj@rrJTral.b"'T'lJ!r Ci(£!!itt; ·EXAMPLI':S·

. Day l arrive Las Vegu(bAS) Day 2 Las VCj!as Day 3 fly to Death Valley

### \IPH} Day 4 DeathValley Day 5 fly to Yosemite (HTH)**Da~** 6 Yosemite Duy 7 fly to LakeTahoe (MEV) Day g Lake Tahoe- depart for home orextensions Day 1 Arrive Las**Vega~** Day 2 Las Vegas Day J fly toGrand Canyon Day 4 Grand C**~~rtyon** Day5 fly to Death Valley 

### PageS of9 COJI;l'fD£::\iTIAL & PROI'IUIITARV WORKPRODtJCT OfNATIONS INVESTMENTCOMPANY Prepared hy Neil Atkinson



### Page 20 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

### HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: Executive Summary 

## PROPRIETARYCONCEPTMATERIAL:NOTJ'ORDISCLOSIJRlt High Sierra

- SierraAltaAirlines "Friends In High Places"-·Amigos en Altos t.ugares· 

### Fly-in Day 

### Tours from Las Vegas Incon!unction

### withPhaseOne Schedules: • (irand CanJ•on To11r: depart LAS at 8. I0 am, return from GCN at !730 •/)eath**Vall~** Tour: depart LAS at0830am. return from TPH at 20!5 (road shuttle lr¢m Tonopah to Death Valley)

• Yosem#« Tour: depan

## u.s at 0830, return from Hawthorne (HTH) at 1930 (road shuttle from HaWl:bome to Yosemite) "Lakl! Tahtte Tour: depart LAS at 0900, return from Minden {MEV) at 2100 (roadshuttletollom Minden toLake fahoe)

• Eflw: /)tJtfe Rench Tmmdepart LAS 0900.retum from Elko (EKO) at J730 •Ely: Url!ot Basin- Lelrmun Caws To11r depart LAS 0900, return from 

### ElY at 1930 •WI!ndover: Bonnn•illeSaltFlats Tour- depart LAS 0730, return from Wendover at H!l5
In Con!unctlonwithPhaseTwoScheduleswjtbdepactum

### from Las

### YeW orTahoe: • Monument Valley

• Bl)'l:c Canyon- Zion National Park

• Redding/Sequoia- Mt Shasta
• Napa !Sonoma wine trail

• Santa Ana/**Di~ney** andthemepark$

• Tucson/Sedona

•Jackson Hole/ Y dlowstomi:

• &lnta Fe 

### M11lti Day "Si$traTrail!''T'wrCirsaits: ·EXAMPL£S. Day l arriYe Las Vegas (LAS) Day 2 Las Vegas Day 3 tlyJoDeath Valley (TPH) Day 4**Death¥~** Day 5 fly to Y oscmite (HTH} Day 6 Yosemite Day 7 fly to Lake Tahoe (MEV) Day 8 Lake**Tahoe~** depart for home orextensions Day I Arriw Las Vegas Day 2 Las Vegas Day 3 fly to Grand Canyon Day 4 Grand Canyon Day5 fly to Death Valley 

### Page 5of9 CO:'IiFIOESTIAL & PROPRI£TARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTM.Ello'TCOMPAl\1¥ Prepared by Neil Atkinson



## Page 21 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## HIGH SIERRA AIRUNES: Executive Summary Day 6 fly 10 Yosemite Day 7 Yosemite 

### Day & depart Yosemite for home orexrensiom Day I Arrive Las Vegas Day 2 tlv 10 Great Basin NP Day 3**G~eat** Basin steam train (ELY) Day 4 fly to Wendover transferto Bonneville Salt Flats Day 5 fly to Elko -"City Slit:kers" Dude Ranch program Day 6 Elko Dude Raoch Day 7 tly to Tahoe Day S TahO<: depart Mind.m for Hom<> orextension
Weekend

### Getawnrs: -EXAMPLES· Day I friday amve Las Vegas orTahoe Day 2 Saturday Las Vegas orTahoe Day 3 Sunday Fly to Grand Canyon Day 4 Monday Grand Canyon. return home Day 1 Friday arrive Las Vegas orTahoo Day 2 Sarurday Las Vegas orTahoe Day 3 Sunday fly to Death Valley Day 4 \londay Death Valley return honre Day 1 Friday arrive Las Vegas orTahoe Day 2 Saturday Las Vegas orTahoe Day 3 Sunday Fly to Y Ol\elllite Day 4 Monday Yosemire rerum home Sports

### and Adrenalin Actiylties : Adrenalin Fly·In Packages include.,.
Las Vegas "Big Bang''Adrenalin Starter· The cencerof America'sAdrena/in Center. Two days starterprogram inLas Vegtiincludes a choice ofscream machine, thrill rides including; Stmtosphere TowerRides: Sky Jump Insanity !Jig Shot XScream 

### rremonr fli!lhdines: Circw; Circus: Canyon Blaster Chaos Inverter Rim Runner Sky Shot New York New Yon: Manhattan Express Buffalo Bills" 

### Page6of9 CONFIDENTIAL& PROPRIETARYWORKPRODtiCTOFNATIOI'iS li'I'VESTME'IIT COMPANY Prepared by Neil Atkinson



### Page 22 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## ~ 

# nations- HIGH SIERRA AIRUNES: ExecutiveJummcuy

In addition to Las Vegl!JI, the greaterregion as served by High Sierra would encompass probablythe best adrenalin !sportS and winter spons opportunities in North America, These would include: • Rock climbing, hiking and mootltain biking in Yosemite andthe High Sierras • Skiing: and winter sports activities in Tahoo and Mammoth Lakes • RAfting on til¢ Colorado • Soaring with gliders at Minden • Surfing CnlifomiaCoast • ATV (all-terrain vehicles) on the high desert • lliking i camping in America's great National Parks • Horse trekking- cattle round ups (City Slicker**packaj~es)** Golfing There are hundreds ofgreat, PGA standard golfcourses within the region that High Sierra would operate in making it a natural tourplatform for packaging golf'with additional nights in Las Vegas, including;

Las VegA$ Courses Palm DesertGolfCourses Pebble Beach Courses San Diego GolfCourses La QuintaGolfCourses**IA~S** Angeles GoIfCourses SacramentoGolfLQI!fSeS Fresno GolfCourses Rancho Mirage GolfCourses SM Jose GolfCourses Indio GolfCourses Palm Springs GolfCourses Western Heritage Wclkonstroctedpackaged airtoursto focus on '.'A Snapshot**ofYeste~'11t"** Such tours could include: Dude Rantites, ()host Towns, Gold Rush sites, Virginia City ·Comstock Lode sites- SCL'Ilic railroad, ete. Otherpossibilities include replkasofa &ragectiach, old co>ered wagon s etc, which could be co- sponwredby cmnnwl'\'ial entities, CaliforniaZephyrConnector The Amtrak legendary**~california**Zephyr"complete with vista dome can; travels through someofthemost spectacular scenery in North AQl!!l'ica ThetniJSt scenic is the section through the Rocky Mmmtains between Denver and Salt Lake City, The schedulesareg,:nernlly timed so that they arrive in Reno Station at 830AM next moming From a t01ll'i$m standpoint. the majorweaknesses ofthe route is that thete is no connecting mil**~"!"Vice** to Las Vegas or nn extensionto**~Angeles** as the train reonitl1ttC'I in Etll<>"t)ville, CAinthe San Francisco Bay Area West Bound: !X-pa11 DenverStation at K05AM, arrive Reno Station at 8.36 AM next moming, Coonect on High Sierra Air (indudatransfer from Reno Station toeither Reno Airportor Minden Tahoe} To: • las Vegas • Hollywood Burbank • SanJose, CA • Phoenix, AZ • Palm Springs. CA 

### Page 7oC9 CONFIDENTIAL& PROPRIETARYWORKPRODUCTOFNATIOSS INVESTMENTCOMPANY Prepared by i'icil Atkinson



### Page 23 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012.0069 APPLICATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES& Executive Summary

One day and multiple day toursto: • Hawthorne! Yosemite NP. • fonopah I Death Valley NP. • Grand Canyon, NP. • Elko •Wendover/Bonneville Salt Flats • Ely Eastbound: High Sierra provides Jlight conne<:tiOtts from its' network to Reno or \iitlden!Tahoe to Reno Station. Reno at 16.05 PM for Salt lakeCity. Denver, Chicagoandpoints East Skiingand WinterActivities The High Sierra Airlines networl< includes somethe largest ski resorts in North America. TheSI! are**~incipally** located aroundTahoe and Salt Lake City and as the network expand. Vancouver and Calgal)'.Thc main tocus wiH b¢on Tahoe which includes Squaw Valley (site ofthe I960 Winter Olympics), Alpine Meadows. HomewoOO. Northstarand Heawnly. Those around Salt Lake City include: DeerValley, Canyons, Park City, Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude. Tbe Canadian ski areas include Whistler via Vancouver (site ofthe 2010Wlll(erOlympiCs and Banff'LikeLouise> via Calgary and Edll101lton/Jasper !1-larmot Basin). · High Sierra Airlines will**int~>roct**promotionally with ski resorts to indude.free carry on ski boots andhelmets onboard and**se<~Wnal** pronwtiooalpasses (in conjunction with seasooal liftticket\ete.}. ResortActivity Phase Two will be thesum**ofe~otic** resort activitywith corme..'tious from las Vegas to La Pax, Loretoand Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas) in Baja California.

ECO-FINING: Additional Co115idenitiolls**G~n Oi~el**  andAviation Blil'fuel • Establish anere-finingplantprodudnggreen diesel and greenjet aviation fuel within the Hawthorne Airport perimeter. • Establish a fuel blendingfacility andtank faint on the Hawthorne airportpc'fimeter (commoo tor airports), • Theprimary feedstock woold be sagebrush /juniperpinion as the region is part ofa buge Western sage brush biomas!, Ranchers already

### pay to have sagebrush andjuniperpinion rcmo>ed from theirproperty**~·** so a secondary servicecould be establishedtopkkup the feedstock andprocess it- similartoa "tipping**fcc~** ata waste dump, The sage brush waste afterprocessingwould.beburnt toproducepowergeneration and surplus electricity would be soldback to the power grid opera**tort~.** Feedstockoo)lectiontrucks would bepowere-d by**~ost** etTectiv.: green diesel fuel lndmtrial development would require a cheapand constant water source, Hawthorne would becomeboth a diesel andaviationjetfuel hubin Western N<Mida. au area !bathas rnany vehicles that have diesel engines(IWsetc.) -would**hn~ethe** potential to be a major RV center Surplusjetfuel could be sold to commercial airlines in Re>no and las**Vega_~.** OperationalAdvantages& DevelopmentalStimulus • The eco-lining plant and the formation ofrhe airline will encourage otherindustries and smallercommercial airlines to k1eate orservice Hawthorne ( cost effective air service and cheaperdiesel andjet fuel). 

### Page 

### 8of9**CO,..FIOE~TIAL** & PROPRIETARYWORKPROOIJCTOFNATIOSS**fNVE.'>TME;>~T** COMPA!'IV Preparedby Neil Atkinson



### Page 24 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012-G069 APPLICATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES; ExecutiveSummary

• Using**re~tional**jets allows the**a~rline** to onernormal baggage allowances neededby tourists and oftenrestricted by small general avtation aircraft.

• The e.xrfiningplant will produce lower cost aviation fuel. which will mean that from the initial servicewill have a more profitable start up break-evenpoint.

• Eco-fininJ!: plartt will produce carboncredits whichcan besold when legislation is tinatir.cd

• Producingourownjet fi.el minimizes the COSl offuel hedging. whkh is increMinglyimpomntdue to the increasing cost ofcrude oiL WayForward lllgh SierraAlrlil'll's The actual

..hub-spoke" scheduleinetwork archite<:ture is important to tbe profitability oftheentire integratedproject. The tollowing stage will bero prepare a busines$/implemwtation plllll for potential inveotorsba$00on the. schedule nrehitecture. This has still tobe tully developed aod the business planwill incorporate the projectedrevenue, operational costs and cash flow at!alysis, Bio Fuels Additional work tX-eds to hedoneon the suitabilityand yields ofSagebrush orinvasiveJuniperPinyon and Cheat grass as a viable feedstock fur thee.:o-lining. ·



### Page 9of9 CONFIDEi'<TIAL & PROPRIETARYWORKPRODUCTOFNATIONSINVE!ITMENTCOMPANY Preparedby l"eil Atkinson



### Page 25 of25 U.S. DOT- SMALLCOMMUNITYAIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

### NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM

## Fwd: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEY Program- June IIth Submission



## Fwd: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program -June 11th Submission
From: Shelley Hartmann <shartmannmceda@sbcglobal.net> raymond Mason <RMason@nationsinvestmentco.com> 

### To: Priority: Normal Date 06-05-2012 05:40 PM

Shelley Hartmann, MCEDA Mineral ColU1ty Economic Development Authority 'We are all aboutjobs' Begin forwarded message: From: Gene Etcheverry< :J,etchewrrvriolandercountynv.org > Date: JlU1e 5, 2012 8:15 55 AMPDT To: Shelley Hartmann<**shartmannmc~·dariilsbcglobal.n(:t** > Subject:Re: SMALLCOMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program- June 11th Submission Good Morning, Shelley, I will take the letter ofsupportfor High Sierra Airlines to the Commission on Thursday, June 14, 2012. The Battle MoW1tain Airport (BAM) is well-developed and well-suited to commercial airline service. Only a small amolU1t ofupgrading would be required for the airport to serve commercial air service. Please keep me in the loop on this initiative, as this is the first commlU1ication I have received on the issue. There is an absolute need for such service in Battle MolU1tain, as the 'regional' airport in Elko is not truly centrally located to serve the mining operations that are (generally) located 50- 80 miles to the west. Best regards colleague! Gene P. Etcheverry ExecutiveDirector Lander ColU1ty On Tue, JW1 5, 2012 at 6:56AM, Shelley Hartmann< shartmannmcedai(ii.sbcQ:Iobal.net >wrote:

Our rural airline is asking for support for their grant application to bring a small air carrierto rural Nevada. 1 believe this will help every rural coW1ty enhance tourism, take productto urban markets and passengers to all

, markets. I believe this will be a key to attracting business to rural Nevada ' We appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Warmest regards ' Shelley

Shelley Hartmann, MCEDA Mineral ColU1ty Economic Development Authority 'We are all aboutjobs'

. Begin forwarded message: From: Raymond Mason< RMa&nv2i!nationsinvestmentco.com > Date: June 5, 2012 5:30 00 AMPDT To:wendvrudder.laigroup@gmail.com, tmoversimci.elko.nv.us, "



## http://ox.myappservice.com/ox6/ox.html Page I of2

6/9/2012

## Fwd: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEY Program- June 11th Submission

bthompsoni{uco douglas nv us " < hthompson(t/lco dougias.nv us>, ALPHA I·iilFRONTJER:\ET NET, Pam< pamfcl'ecedawm >, Mike Coster< costerwpc@>.:maJI.com > Cc: "shcllcvr{[lrmilcrakountvncvada corn"< shellcv1iilmincrakountvnevada.com >, Neil Atkinson < NAtkmson·iDnatlcmsmvcstmentco com>, Mike Trujilo < mcpwriilgb1s wm > Subject:SMALLCOMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program- June 1lth Submission Reply-To: Raymond Mason< R\lason,,/)natlonsmvestrnentco corn> All, As each ofyour 

### airports are included in the PHASE 

### 1roll-out for HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES (" HSA "), Nations Investment Co had hoped that youwould have responded to our initial suggestion tojoin ourconference call on the Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant solicitation. Understanding the timing was less than convenient, we are hoping that youhave since had time to review the information distributed and the HSA Initiative welcomed. It is our desire that all ofyouconsider being Public Partners in the Initiative explicitly, but at least minimally to acknowledge your supportfor the Initiative. I will be reaching outto each ofyouoverthe nextcouple ofdays to this end. Please take a look at the attached Draft Letter ofSupportor Partnership. Let us know your interests in participating and ifwe can discuss the implications to your Airport, Community and County as currently scoped. Do not hesitate to call me. Thank you for yourconsideration. Best Regards, Raymond Mason, Chief Operating Officer & VP 

### NATIONS INVESTMENT CO**r~o3 -~**  -13 a phone**(.~03 6~**  

### -:31 S 

### fax



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6/9/20126220 Mcleod Drive Suite 100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89120-4441 702-454-2682 

### I 702-953-7842 Fax 

### June 5, 2012 Dear: Aloha Ley, Associate Director, Small Community Program United States Department ofTransportation On May gth 

### 2012 the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT") through Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 invited solicitation of proposals from communities and/or consortia of communities interested in obtaining a federal grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program ("SCASDP"). The purpose of SCASDP is to provide assistance to small 

# I rural communities in addressing the issues of air service and airfare in their communities. The SCASDP provides for a Private Public Partnership ("3P") framework so as to establish a Consortium for partnering in the submission. NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY ("NIC") had conceptualized and commenced establishment of a Nevada Entity, HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES ("HSA"), as a Nevada regional airline almost two years ago in collaboration with the Mineral County Economic Development Authority, the town of Hawthorne and specific businesses. Unlike the previous efforts to operate a viable rural regional airline in Nevada, HSA will operate on the premise of a comprehensive business model that enables access to the un- and under-utilized assets of these rural communities versus dependency on the appropriation of a governmental air service passenger subsidy for small communities (i.e. Essential Air Service
- EAS). HSA's Business Model is predicated on HSA being the Logistical Access Catalyst for Rural Nevada. In this role, HSA would function as the enabler of commerce (e.g., people, goods and services) to these Communities and redefine aspects of movement for business to these locations where rubber-tire access is the predominant mode for transportation now. Arizona Nevada Tower Corporation is officially acknowledging its support and advocacy in the implementation plan of HSA along with its proposal solicitation for the SCASDP Grant. With this Letter, we are notifying the DOT of our participation in this initiative as a Public Partner 

# I Supporter for the HSA Project within this 3P Framework. Arizona Nevada Tower Corporation believes that HSA's Business Model will provide a strategic business solution that is desperately needed for the transportation network of rural Nevada. The presence of a viable rurally-focused regional airline will stimulate growth and make reality the promise of sustainable job creation through reliable year-round scheduled air service. In formalizing our position as a Supporter 

# I Partner of this initiative, we are voicing our belief in the potential of HSA's operation furthering the economic development and viability of both the rural and urban counties in Nevada.

# Since~--

# AT M

Nevada's Premier Wireless Internet-Network Provider

June 

### 5. 2012

Dear: Aloha Ley. Associate Director, Small Community Program United States Department ofTransportation On May 8t11 

### 2012 the United States Department ofTransportation ("DOr) through Docket DOT-OST

### 2012-0069 invited solicitation of proposals from commumties and/or consortia of communities interested in obtaining a federal grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program ("SCASDP"). The purpose of SCASDP is to 

### provide assistance to small/ rural communities in 

### addressing the issues of air serv1ce and airfare in their communities. The SCASDP prov1des for a Private Public Partnership ('3P") framework 

### so as to establish 

### a Consortium for partnering in the submission. NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY ("NIC") had conceptualized and commenced establishment of a Nevada Entity, HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES ("HSA"). as a Nevada regional airline almost two years ago in collaboration with the 

### Mineral County Economic Development Authority. the town of Hawthorne and specific businesses. Unlike the previous efforts to operate a viable rural regional airline in Nevada. HSA will operate on the premise of a 

### comprehensive business model that 

### enables access to the un- and under-utilized assets of these rural communities versus dependency on 

### the appropriation 

### of a governmental 

### air service passenger subsidyfor small communities (i.e. Essential Air Service- EAS). HSA's Business Modef is predicated on HSA being the Logistical Access Catalyst for Rural Nevada. In this role. HSA would function as the enabler of commerce (e.g., people, goods and services} to these Communities and redefine aspects of 

### movementfor business to these locations where rubber-tire access is the predominant mode for transportation now. Atomsplash LLC is officially acknowledging its support and advocacy in the implementation plan of HSA along with its proposal solicitation for the SCASDP Grant With this Letter. We are notifying the DOT of 

### our participation in this Initiative as a Supporter for the HSA ProJect within this 3P Framework. Atomsp!ash LLC belteves that HSA's Business Model will provide a strategic business solution that is desperately needed for the transportation network of rural Nevada. The presence of a viable rurallyfocused regional airline will stimulate growth and make reality the promise of sustainable job 

### creation through reliable year-round scheduled air service. In formalizing our posttion as a Supporter 

### i Partner of this Initiative. We are voicing our belief in the potential of HSA's operation furthering the economic development and viabitity of both the rural and urban Counties in Nevada.

3785 

### Baker Lane, Suite 101 

### Reno. NV 

### 89509 775-636-7961 877-268-0157 

### V'IWw.atomsplash.com

# WNDD

5 June 2012 Mr. Aloha Ley Associate Director 

# Western NevadaDevelopmentDistrict

Small CommunityProgram 

## United States Department ofTranspomrt:ion 

## Washington, DC RE: LetterofSupport ('rrant Application**~** 

## Small Community Air Service DevelopmentProgram Dear Sir: Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) 

## is providing this 

## letter of support for the grant application under the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). WNDD is an approved Economic Development District under the auspices of the 

## U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The WNDD region is comprised ofthe following Nevadacounties: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing and Storey. The Mineral County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has been collaborating with Nations Investment Company (NIC) to conceptualize and commence establishment of 

## a Nevada Entity, High Sierra Airlines (HSA) to provide air service not only 

## to Mineral County,**Nevad~** 

## but 

## to other rural areas ofthe State. Unlike the previous efforts to operate a viable rural regional airline in Nevada, HSA will operate on the premise of a comprehensive business model that enables access to the un·utilized and under-utilized assets ofthese rural communities versus dependency on the appropriation of

## a governmental 

## air service passenger subsidy for small communities (i.e. Essential Air Service- EAS). HSA's Business Model is predicated on HSA being the Logistical Access Catalyst for Rural 

## Nevada. In this role, liSA would function asthe enabler ofcommerce (e.g., people, goods and services) to these Communities and redefine aspects ofmovement for business to these locations whererubber-tire access is the predominantmode for transportation now. WNDD knows transportation in its many forms is a vital component of economic development and community development within the region. Improved infrastrucn1re, including transportation, is a partof the WNDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The presence ofa viable, rural-focused regional airline will stimulate growth and make reality the promise ofsustainablejob creation through reliable**year~round** 

## scheduled airservice. Therefore, WNDD is supportive ofthis HSA implementation plan and 

## its SCASDP grant application. Thisproject wouldbebeneficial tothe economic development ofthe WNDDregion. Sincerely, /) /

. ., !f) 

# I

. ! ! 

## 'IJ. ., (

# ({':}1{t(~y~xflt{)l(iLtv V 

## RonaldJ. RUt Executive Director

704W. Nyc Lane • Suite 201 • Carson City,Nevada 89703 

## (775) 883-7333 • Fax (775)**883~0722**

### Dear. Aloha Ley, Associate Director. Small CommunityProgram United States Department ofTransportation 

### June 7, 2012

On May 

### 8'" 2012 the United States DepartmentofTransportation ("DOT") through Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 invited solicitation ofproposals from commun.ities and/orconsortiaofcommunities interestedin obtaininga federalgrant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program ("SCASDP")

.The purposeofSCASDP is to provide assistance to small/rural communities in addressing theissues ofair service and airfare in theircommunities

.The SCASDPprovides for a Private Public Partnership ("3P") framework so as to establish a Consottium for partnering in the submission. NATIONS INVESTJ\1£NT COMPANY ("NIC") hadconceptualized andcommencedestablishmentofa Nevada Entity, HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES ("HSA"). as a Nevadaregional airline almost twoyears ago incollaboration with the Mineral CountyEconomic Development Authority. the town ofHawthorne and specific businesses.
Unlike theprevious efforts tooperate a viable ruralregional airline in Nevada,HSA will operateonthe premise ofa comprehensive businessmodel that enables access to the un- andunder-utilized assets ofthese ruralcommunitiesversus dependencyon the approptiationofa governmentalairservice passenger subsidy for smallcommunities (i

.e. Essential Air Service- EAS). HSA's Business Model is 

### predicatedon HSA being the LogisticalAccess Catalyst for Rural Nevada

. In

### this role,HSA would function as the enablerofcommerce (e

.g.,people. goods and services) to these Communities andredefine aspects ofmovementfor business to these locations where rubber-tire access is the predominant mode for transportationnow. The MineralCountyCommission is officially acknowledging its supportand advocacy in the implementation planofHSA along with its 

### proposal solicitation for the SCASDP Grant. With this Letter. We are notifying the DOT ofourparticipationinthis Initiative as a Public Partner 

### ISupporterfor the HSA Project within this 3P Framework. Mineral County Commission believes that HSA's Business Model will provide a strategic business solution thatis desperately needed for thetransportation networkofruralNevada. The presen<:e ofa viable rurally-focused regionalairline will stimulategrowth andmake reality the promise ofsustainablejob creation throughreliable year-round scheduled air service

. In 

### formalizingour position as a Supporter 

### 1Partnerofthis Initiative. We are voicingourbeliefin 

### the potentialof HSA's operation furthering.the economicdevelopment andviability ofboththeruraland urban Counties in Nevada

. Sincerely,