COVER SHEET 

APPLICATION UNDER 

THE SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE 

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

(Small Community Program or SCASDP) 

Docket No. 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 

IL Summary Overview 

III. SCASDP Selection Suitability 

IV. Funds Requested & Use of Funds 

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 

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U.S. DOT· SMAll COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ 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 of Aviation 

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 of Transportation 

("DOT") through Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 provides this assistance in the form of monetary 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 under 49 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 of 2012 (P .L. 112-95). 

II. OVERVIEW 

Mineral County-Nevada, with its County-seat of Hawthorne, is comprised of small 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. The Airport serves a Community demonstrating geographic 

diversity and the unique circumstances that highlight the need for, feasibility of and the economic promise 

in grant assistance from the SCASDP. 

Although Hawthorne Airport and the towns comprising the communities of Mineral County do not 

currently have commercial air service, they have officially partnered by Board Resolution with Nations 

Investment Company ("NIC") for solicitation of the SCASDP Grant. 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 ("MCEDA"), the town of Hawthorne and specific businesses in the County. NIC had 

determined HSA would be hubbed primarily out of Hawthorne 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 structured using 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 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 redefme aspects of movement 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 of selection criteria: Priority Selection 

Criteria and Secondary Selection Criteria. In this Application, the Consortium meets several·ofthe 

Priority Selection Criteria. The Private Partner of the Consortium will provide the majority of the capital 

from investment and financing sources other than airport revenue sources. Local funding will be restricted 

to in-kind contributions in the portfolio of finance and funding but cash is not required for the Project. 

Priority Selection Criteria 

As stated earlier, the Consortium has established a 3P to explicitly structure and facilitate air carrier 

service to the public. The process directly structures the decision-making event to be mutually examined 

and reviewed, with the determination of results 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 of the Project and provide critical guidance as well as insight in decision-making to NIC 

as to what aspects of the 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 of the traveling public that are present now and are desired to be pursued. This includes 

business, educational institutions, and other enterprises, whose access to Hawthorne I Mineral County I 

Rural NV is limited relative to the national air transportation system. The CBP developed for HSA with 

recommendations by MCEDA is conceived using a hub and spoke structure between other NV rural 

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 

other rural connecting hub 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 County removes the impediment of logistical access that has historically stifled the selection of 

Hawthorne and other rural communities as sites for new operations or convenience for tourism. 

The Project has a well-defined plan and reasonable timetable for use of the grant funds. 

Since extensive preliminary survey research has been performed, much of the timetable has been 

compressed for various studies. This is true for the various marketing and promotion of the airport, 

community, carrier (HSA) and destination(s). Moreover, the strategy enables existing assets in Mineral 

County and multiple other counties I communities to be repurposed and exploited. The cooperation 

between the other rural airports and Hawthorne in conjunction with HSA's O&D schedule is designed to 

stimulate all related communities. 

Secondary Selection Criteria 

The CBP conceived by the Consortium is innovative in design and content. The Project creates a wellspring of new and creative solutions to the transportation issues facing the rural communities in NV. 

These underlying tactics (see SECTION VII.) include: resurrection of rail lines presently dormant; 

explicit packaging of intermodal or regional solutions to connect passengers to the community's ground 

services as well as attractions (i.e., cost-effective inter/intra city passenger bus service, marketing of 

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

impact on travel and tourism); utilizes existing businesses while encouraging others; and is integrated so 

as to serve as a template for the other rural communities that have identified themselves as supporters. 

The breath of broad community participation and support in all the Counties is palpable (see Letters of 

Support) at a diverse level of government along with various industries. · 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
The geographic location of Hawthorne bears out the challenges of the present lack of reliable regular air 

service to this and other communities like it. The challenges in accessing larger centers of air service 

without low-fare service alternatives extends travel time and diminishes convenience. The impact on the 

profile of the population and level of business activity is indisputable. The absence of air 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, and bases its 

CBP on enabling the movement of people, materials and services that will support the growth of these 

small communities. The Consortium sees a potential for selective adjunctive financial support over the 

life of the 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 of air service operations (see SECTION V. & VI.). 

Letters of Intent 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 

behalf participating in the Project with NIC. These "Best of Breed" collaborators specifically intend to 

participate as collaborators where requested in their respective areas of expertise in conjunction with the 

delivery of new 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 and job propagating into the 

foreseeable future. Preliminary analysis of the relevant target markets initially evaluated, were the 

underlying basis ofNIC's determination to pursue the Project with MCEDA along with the other rural 

communities staggered in Phases. 

The vast portion of Project funds (federal, state and in-kind local) are to be used for the development and 

implementation of verifying and formalizing activities. The proposed as well as pre-existing marketing 

plans were examined in context of invigorating and repurposing the County's profile ofun- and underutilized assets. These funds and/ or in-kind services will cover the preparation of administrative materials 

for physical operation to commence and support canvassing of the surrounding communities as well as 

connecting rural counties I communities by HSA's air service that has been preliminarily 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 presently for 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 government projected at the time of this submission. 

Types of contributions. For the purposing of this Application, by definition the contributions represent a 

new fmancial commitment or new fmancial resources devoted to supporting new air service. Various 

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U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR 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 of the new air service at the Airport. It 

has been agreed that the contributions will be limited to substantively the following types: 

• In-kind contributions from the airport. This can include such items as waivers of landing 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 offered by airlines. 

Since NIC has committed to being the new air service provider through 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 this juncture. 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 would justifY such action by business and the like. Travel banks and 

travel commitments/pledges as well as pre-sell arrangements are anticipated as part of the 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 

HIGH SIERRA REGIONAL AIRLINE Project 

The creation of a Regional airline headquartered in Nevada that has one of its primary hubs in Hawthorne, 

NV- Mineral County, to be named "HIGH SIERRA AIR". Unlike all the previous efforts to operate a 

viable regional airline in Nevada, HIGH SIERRA AIR ("HSA") will operate on the premise of a 

comprehensive business model and not on the appropriation of governmental passenger subsidy for rural 

airlines presently at risk for termination. 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 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 Nevada rural 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 of state feeder routes from major population areas (e.g., Los Angeles, 

Hollywood/Burbank, San Diego, San Jose, Vancouver BC. etc.) are part of the 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 Tour is anticipated to 

include briefings with key stakeholders, a physical walk-through of relevant facilities, initial face-face 

interviews of key 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 of the 

Site Tour will provide for the necessary first-hand details to complete the Strategic Implementation Plan 

("SIP"). 

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U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ 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, ancillary job 

opportunities would generate at each airport in support of the 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. If the ultimate objective of job creation and economic growth is to have a desire for 

permanence, then stability relative to the attribute of logistical 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 of critical 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 

% of Operating 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 of the HSA project is initially estimated between $32-40 million, with a revolving-line of 

credit of approximately $12 million. The preliminary proposed 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 of the 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 when built 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 of employees to aircraft is 1: 130 - 170. 

This would generate over 1,000 jobs if the airline is hubbed, based and headquartered in Nevada as 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
planned. Specifically, there will be a viable mix of skilled and unskilled jobs, with many of these jobs 

being well paying skilled and/or professional occupations. 

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

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 

Phoenix AL (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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U.S. DOT· SMAU COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-OST-2012-0069 APPUCATION SUBMISSION 

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 

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U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY 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/Monument Valley(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 

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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 ?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 

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U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY 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 

Page 14 of 25 

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 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 of 25 

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 

Los Angeles (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 PROPRIET AA.Y WORKPA.OOUCf OF NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY 

Prepared by Nell Atkinson 

Page 16 of25 

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 

Las Vegas (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 17 of 25 

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 

HIGH SIERRA EXPRESS 

Q 300 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 OKS a 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 1020 a MEV 1020 a MEV 1020 a 

59 0.25 

MEV 1045 d MEV 104$ 4 MEV !GAS d MEV 1G4S d MEV 1045 d MEV 1045 d MEV 1045 d 

HTH 1105 a HTH 1105 ~ HTH 1105 a HTH 1105 a HTH 1105 a HTH 1105 i HTH 1105 a 

HTl-1-- Hawthorne, NV /Yosemite 

TPH • Tonopah, NV /Oe*ffl Valley 

HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d HTH 112S d HTH 1125 d HTH 1125 d 

TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a TPH 1145 a 

TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPH 1205 d TPli 1205 4 TPH UOS d 

LAS 1240 a LAS 1240 a LAS 1240 a LAS 1240 a LAS 1140 i LAS 1240 a LAS 1240 a 

Total blodiiiOUI'$ 

Total navt. mllea 

Weekly blod< !tours 

w•tidy n...t mit. 

weekly atute milu 

weekly pllons 

weekly fuel cost 

nOtlfuel eperthlg cost 

<tduill weekly fiMI cost 

weekly fuel nvlnvs 

weekly operatlno <:asts 

Page 18 of25 

LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d LAS 1345 d 

TPH 1410 a TPH 1410 a TPH 1410 • TPH 1410 • TPH 1410 a TPH 1410 a TPH 1410 • 

TPH 1430 d TPH 1430 d TAA 1430 d TPH 1430 d TPH 1430 d TI'H 1430 d TPH 1430 d 

HTH 1445 a liTH 144S a HTH 1445 11 tiTH 1445 a HTH 1445 i HTH 1445 a- 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 1520 a 

MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d MEV 1845 d 

HTH 1900 a HTH 1900 a HTH 1900 <t HTH 1900 a HTH 1900 a HTH 1900 a HTH 1900 a 

HTH 1930 d HTH 1!}30 d HTH 1930 d HTH l!UO d HTH 1930 d liTH 1930 d HTH 1910 d 

fPH 1945 a TPH 1945 a TPH 1945 a 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 Of NATIONS 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 & MARKETING PROPRIETARY TACTICS 

naHons~ HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES 

OVERVIEW- Executive Summary 

Please also refer to the Proposed Operating Schedule for HIGH SIERRA Airlines and the sel~cted Origin and 

Destinations "City Pairs·· created by the schedul~. 

The schedule consists of a 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 

longer haul Nevada hubs through the promotion of a FREE NIGHT IN LAS VEGAS on the retum tlight. 

The schedules are laid out in the Pba>es in which they will be they will be built out, creating orderly <'rilical mass and 

"through" feeder traffic. By the end of Phase lbree, the network wHI co;er all Western States and most mnjor cities and 

tourist desti!llltions in the W l'5lern USA , Canada and Mexico. 

Re·Brnnding R!!Jlional Nevada Ai!11orts 

It is proposed that the following Nevada airports be rebranded and connecting hus;limo scrvire be provided to. the 

appropriate ground destination. rhe ground service will provide an autOillatic connection with the flight schedule and 

bags can be checked right through on the outbound leg {on the return they will have toredaim to go through weurity). 

Air tickets will also include the ground leg portion and reservations made in conjunctiOn with tlight reservations. 

Minden !Tahoe- ground service to Lake Tahoe~ Carson Cily and Virginia City 

Hawthonte!Y oSt."lllite ground <rervice to Y osemitc 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 air museum 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. It willlin'k together into a core schedule the smaller airports of Hawthorne, Tonopah, 

Minden, Ely, Elko and Wendover with Las Vegas. Reno and Sa!t Lake City. It will also combine service into Grand 

Canyon Airpon, Lauyhlin and Phoenix. 

Phase Two 

Phase Two is an expansion of the fim Pha$6, which will be implemented once Phase one is at breakevcn and traffic 

patterns are more fully developed: The integration will include Baja California (Los Cabos. Lotcto and Las Paz) and 

W~-stem Canadill!l t~ from Vancouver and 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 and Cheyenne. 

How these all fit together into an integNttcd hub spoke operation is shown in the attached 0 and D (origin and destination) 

city pail'$ 1\:>r Phaus one and two. Thi~ illustmtcd how a hub spoke Otx"l'alion and the scltedule architecture is much more dtidcnt man a point to point operatioo. where there are multiple destinations created by one depanure and subsequently 

the flights achieve a much higher payload and profitability. 

The city pairs produce the following number of prillllll')' and seeondary desrinatiO!ls p~'f the daily flight schedule for the 

First Two Phases. 

Mirnkn: 43 simullanoous destinations 

Hawthorne: 43 simultaneous deslinatioos 

Tonopah 42 simultaneous destinations 

Elko: 46 simultaneous dt.'Stination~ 

Ely: 44 ;;imultaneous destinations 

Wendover: 43 simultaneous destination• 

Las Vegas 43 simultaneous destinatio~ 

Reno: 43 simult!Uleous destinations 

Vancouver. BC: 37 simultaneous destinations (via Minden and Las Vegas) 

Page 19of25 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
HIGH SIERRA AIRLINEs. Executive Summcny 

PROPRIETARY CONCEPT MATER.IAL: NOT FOR DISCWSUU 

High Sierra - Sierra Alta Airlines 

"Friends !n High Places• · "Amigos en Altos Lugares" 

Fly~in Day Tours from Las Vegas 

In ronjunctlon with Pbase One Schedules: 

• (imntl Cunynn Tour: <k>part LAS at 8.10 am, return from (j('N at 1730 

•J),ath Vall")' Tmtr: depart LAS at 0830am, return from TPH at 2015 (road shuttle from Tonopah to Death Valley) 

• ros""'it;: Tour: depart LAS at 0830, return from Hawthorne (HTH) at !930 (road shuttle from Hawtbome to.Ymemite) 

"l.ak;: Tahoe Tour: depart LAS at 0900, return from Minden (!>lEV) at2100 (road shuttle to trow Mindenro Lltke 

Tahoe) 

• Elko: J)ude Ranch ToRr: depart LAS 0900, return from Elk.o (EKO) at 1730 

•Ely: Great Ba.'iin -l.ehman Caves Ti>ltl' depart LAS 0900, return from Ely at WJO 

•Wmdover: Bann<wine: Salt Flats 1intr- depart LAS 0730, return from Wendover at 1815 

In Coniunctlon with Phase Two Schedules with departures (rpm Las Yerw or Tahoe: 

• Monument Valley 

• Bryce Canyon- Zion National Park 

• Redding/Sequoia- Mt Shasta 

• Napa !Sonoma wine trail 

• Sanlll Ana/ Disney and theme parks . 

• T ucsoniSedona 

• 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 V Cj!as 

Day 3 fly to Death Valley \I PH} 

Day 4 Death Valley 

Day 5 fly to Yosemite (HTH) 

Da~ 6 Yosemite 

Duy 7 fly to Lake Tahoe (MEV) 

Day g Lake Tahoe- depart for home or extensions 

Day 1 Arrive Las Vega~ 

Day 2 Las Vegas 

Day J fly to Grand Canyon 

Day 4 Grand C ~~rtyon 

Day 5 fly to Death Valley 

PageS of9 

COJI;l'fD£::\iTIAL & PROI'IUIITARV WORKPRODtJCT Of NATIONS INVESTMENT COMPANY 

Prepared hy Neil Atkinson 

Page 20 of25 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES: Executive Summary 

PROPRIETARY CONCEPT MATERIAL: NOT J'OR DISCLOSIJRlt 

High Sierra - Sierra Alta Airlines 

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

Fly-in Day Tours from Las Vegas 

In con! unction with Phase One Schedules: 

• (irand CanJ•on To11r: depart LAS at 8. I 0 am, return from GCN at !730 

•/)eath Vall~ Tour: depart LAS at 0830am. 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 to Lake 

fahoe) 

• Eflw: /)tJtfe Rench Tmm depart LAS 0900. retum from Elko (EKO) at J 730 

•Ely: Url!ot Basin- Lelrmun Caws To11r depart LAS 0900, return from ElY at 1930 

•WI!ndover: Bonnn•ille Salt Flats Tour- depart LAS 0730, return from Wendover at H!l5 

In Con!unctlon with Phase Two Schedules wjtb depactum from Las YeW or Tahoe: 

• Monument Valley 

• Bl)'l:c Canyon- Zion National Park 

• Redding/Sequoia- Mt Shasta 

• Napa !Sonoma wine trail 

• Santa Ana/ Di~ney and theme park$ 

• Tucson/Sedona 

• Jackson Hole/ Y dlowstomi: 

• &lnta Fe 

M11lti Day "Si$tra Trail!'' T'wr Cirsaits: ·EXAMPL£S. 

Day l arriYe Las Vegas (LAS) 

Day 2 Las Vegas 

Day 3 tlyJo Death 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 or extensions 

Day I Arriw Las Vegas 

Day 2 Las Vegas 

Day 3 fly to Grand Canyon 

Day 4 Grand Canyon 

Day 5 fly to Death Valley 

Page 5of9 

CO:'IiFIOESTIAL & PROPRI£T ARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVESTM.Ello'T COMPAl\1¥ 

Prepared by Neil Atkinson 

Page 21 of 25 

U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR 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 or exrensiom 

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 transfer to 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<> or extension 

Weekend Getawnrs: -EXAMPLES· 

Day I friday amve Las Vegas or Tahoe 

Day 2 Saturday Las Vegas or Tahoe 

Day 3 Sunday Fly to Grand Canyon 

Day 4 Monday Grand Canyon. return home 

Day 1 Friday arrive Las Vegas or T ahoo 

Day 2 Sarurday Las Vegas or Tahoe 

Day 3 Sunday fly to Death Valley 

Day 4 \londay Death Valley return honre 

Day 1 Friday arrive Las Vegas or Tahoe 

Day 2 Saturday Las Vegas or Tahoe 

Day 3 Sunday Fly to Y Ol\elllite 

Day 4 Monday Y osemire rerum home 

Sports and Adrenalin Actiylties : 

Adrenalin Fly· In Packages include.,. 

Las Vegas "Big Bang'' Adrenalin Starter· The cencer of America's Ad rena/in Center. 

Two days starter program in Las Vegti includes a choice of scream machine, thrill rides including; 

Stmtosphere Tower Rides: 

Sky Jump 

Insanity 

!Jig Shot 

X Scream 

r remonr fli!lhdines: 

Circw; Circus: 

Can yon Blaster 

Chaos 

Inverter 

Rim Runner 

Sky Shot 

New York New Yon: 

Manhattan Express 

Buffalo Bills" 

Page6of9 CONFIDENTIAL & PROPRIETARY WORKPRODtiCT OF NATIOI'iS li'I'VESTME'IIT COMPANY 

Prepared by Neil Atkinson 

Page 22 of25 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
HIGH SIERRA AIRUNES: Executive Jummcuy 

nations-~ 

In addition to Las Vegl!JI, the greater region as served by High Sierra would encompass probably the best adrenalin !sportS 

and winter spons opportunities in North America, 

These would include: 

• Rock climbing, hiking and mootltain biking in Yosemite and the High Sierras 

• Skiing: and winter sports activities in Tahoo and Mammoth Lakes 

• RAfting on til¢ Colorado 

• Soaring with gliders at Minden 

• Surfing Cnlifomia Coast 

• 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 of great, PGA standard golf courses within the region that High Sierra would operate in making it a 

natural tour platform for packaging golf' with additional nights in Las Vegas, including; 

Las VegA$ Courses 

Palm Desert Golf Courses 

Pebble Beach Courses 

San Diego Golf Courses 

La Quinta Golf Courses 

IA~S Angeles Go If Courses 

Sacramento Golf LQI!fSeS 

Fresno Golf Courses 

Rancho Mirage Golf Courses 

SM Jose Golf Courses 

Indio Golf Courses 

Palm Springs Golf Courses 

Western Heritage 

Wclkonstrocted packaged air tours to 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. 

Other possibilities include replkas of a &ragectiach, old co>ered wagon s etc, which could be co- sponwred by 

cmnnwl'\'ial entities, 

California Zephyr Connector 

The Amtrak legendary ~california Zephyr" complete with vista dome can; travels through some of the most spectacular 

scenery in North AQl!!l'ica The tniJSt scenic is the section through the Rocky Mmmtains between Denver and Salt Lake 

City, The schedules are g,:nernlly timed so that they arrive in Reno Station at 830 AM next moming 

From a t01ll'i$m standpoint. the major weaknesses of the route is that thete is no connecting mil ~"!"Vice to Las Vegas or 

nn extension to ~Angeles as the train reonitl1ttC'I in Etll<>"t)ville, CAin the San Francisco Bay Area 

West Bound: 

!X-pa11 Denver Station at K05AM, arrive Reno Station at 8.36 AM next moming, 

Coonect on High Sierra Air (induda transfer from Reno Station to either Reno Airport or Minden Tahoe} 

To: • las Vegas 

• Hollywood Burbank 

• San Jose, C A 

• Phoenix, AZ 

• Palm Springs. CA 

Page 7 oC9 CONFIDENTIAL & PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIOSS INVESTMENT COMPANY 

Prepared by i'icil Atkinson 

Page 23 of 25 

U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR 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 tours to: 

• 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 lake City. Denver, Chicago and points East 

Skiing and Winter Activities 

The High Sierra Airlines networl< includes some the largest ski resorts in North America. TheSI! are ~incipally located 

around Tahoe and Salt Lake City and as the network expand. Vancouver and Calgal)'.Thc main tocus wiH b¢ on Tahoe 

which includes Squaw Valley (site of the I 960 Winter Olympics), Alpine Meadows. HomewoOO. Northstar and 

Heawnly. 

Those around Salt Lake City include: Deer Valley, Canyons, Park City, Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude. 

Tbe Canadian ski areas include Whistler via Vancouver (site of the 2010 Wlll(er OlympiCs and Banff'Like Louise> 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 and helmets on board 

and se<~Wnal pronwtiooal passes (in conjunction with seasooal lift ticket\ ete.}. 

Resort Activity 

Phase Two will be the sum ofe~otic resort activity with corme..'tious from las Vegas to La Pax, Loreto and Los Cabos 

(Cabo San Lucas) in Baja California. 

ECO-FINING: Additional Co115idenitiolls 

G~n Oi~el and Aviation Blil' fuel 

• Establish an ere-fining plant produdng green diesel and green jet aviation fuel within the Hawthorne Airport perimeter. 

• Establish a fuel blending facility and tank faint on the Hawthorne airport pc'fimeter (commoo tor airports), 

• The primary feedstock woold be sage brush /juniper pinion as the region is part of a buge Western sage brush bio mas!, 

Ranchers already pay to have sage brush and juniper pinion rcmo>ed from their property ~· so a secondary service could 

be established to pkk up the feedstock and process it-similar to a "tipping fcc~ at a waste dump, The sage brush waste 

after processing would.be burnt to produce power generation and surplus electricity would be sold back to the power grid 

opera tort~. 

Feedstock oo)lection trucks would be powere-d by ~ost etTectiv.: green diesel fuel 

lndmtrial development would require a cheap and constant water source, 

Hawthorne would become both a diesel and aviation jet fuel hub in Western N<Mida. au area !bat has rnany vehicles that 

have diesel engines (IWs etc.) -would hn~ethe potential to be a major RV center 

Surplus jet fuel could be sold to commercial airlines in Re>no and las Vega_~. 

Operational Advantages & Developmental Stimulus 

• The eco-lining plant and the formation of rhe airline will encourage other industries and smaller commercial airlines to 

k1eate or service Hawthorne ( cost effective air service and cheaper diesel and jet fuel). 

Page 8 of9 CO,..FIOE~TIAL & PROPRIETARY WORKPROOIJCT OF NATIOSS fNVE.'>TME;>~T COMPA!'IV 

Prepared by Neil Atkinson 

Page 24 of 25 

U.S. DOT- SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM/ Docket DOT-QST-2012-G069 APPLICATION SUBMISSION 

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES; Executive Summary 

• Using re~tional jets allows the a~rline to oner normal baggage allowances needed by tourists and often restricted by 

small general avtation aircraft. 

• The e.xrfining plant will produce lower cost aviation fuel. which will mean that from the initial service will have a more 

profitable start up break-even point. 

• Eco-fininJ!: plartt will produce carbon credits which can be sold when legislation is tinatir.cd 

• Producing our own jet fi.el minimizes the COSl of fuel hedging. whkh is increMingly impomnt due to the increasing 

cost of crude oiL 

Way Forward 

lllgh Sierra Alrlil'll's 

The actual .. hub-spoke" schedule inetwork archite<:ture is important to tbe profitability of the entire integrated project. 

The tollowing stage will be ro prepare a busines$/implemwtation plllll for potential inveotors ba$00 on the. schedule 

nrehitecture. This has still to be tully developed aod the business plan will incorporate the projected revenue, operational 

costs and cash flow at!alysis, 

Bio Fuels 

Additional work tX-eds to he done on the suitability and yields of Sagebrush or invasive Juniper Pinyon and Cheat grass as 

a viable feedstock fur the e.:o-lining. · 

Page 9of9 CONFIDEi'<TIAL & PROPRIETARY WORKPRODUCT OF NATIONS INVE!ITMENT COMPANY 

Prepared by l"eil Atkinson 

Page 25 of 25 

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

NV-HIGH SIERRA AIR CONSORTIUM 
Fwd: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEY Program- June II th Submission 

Fwd: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program -June 11th Submission 

From: Shelley Hartmann <shartmannmceda@sbcglobal.net> 

To: raymond Mason <RMason@nationsinvestmentco.com> 

Priority: Normal 

Date 06-05-2012 05:40 PM 

Shelley Hartmann, MCEDA 

Mineral ColU1ty Economic Development Authority 

'We are all about jobs' 

Begin forwarded message: 

From: Gene Etcheverry< :J,etchewrrvriolandercountynv.org > 

Date: JlU1e 5, 2012 8:15 55 AM PDT 

To: Shelley Hartmann< shartmannmc~·dariilsbcglobal.n(:t > 

Subject:Re: SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program- June 11th Submission 

Good Morning, Shelley, 

I will take the letter of support for 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 of upgrading 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 

Executive Director 

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 carrier to rural Nevada. 1 

believe this will help every rural coW1ty enhance tourism, take product to 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. 

Warm est regards 

' Shelley 

Shelley Hartmann, MCEDA 

Mineral ColU1ty Economic Development Authority 

'We are all about jobs' 

. Begin forwarded message: 

From: Raymond Mason< RMa&nv2i!nationsinvestmentco.com > 

Date: June 5, 2012 5:30 00 AM PDT 

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:SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORT DEV Program- June 1 lth Submission 

Reply-To: Raymond Mason< R\lason,,/)natlonsmvestrnentco corn> 

All, 

As each of your airports are included in the PHASE 1 roll-out for HIGH SIERRA AIRLINES 

(" HSA "), Nations Investment Co had hoped that you would have responded to our initial 

suggestion to join our conference call on the Small Community Air Service Development 

Program Grant solicitation. Understanding the timing was less than convenient, we are 

hoping that you have since had time to review the information distributed and the HSA 

Initiative welcomed. It is our desire that all of you consider being Public Partners in the 

Initiative explicitly, but at least minimally to acknowledge your support for the Initiative. 

I will be reaching out to each of you over the next couple of days to this end. Please take a 

look at the attached Draft Letter of Support or Partnership. Let us know your interests in 

participating and if we can discuss the implications to your Airport, Community and County 

as currently scoped. 

Do not hesitate to call me. Thank you for your consideration. 

Best Regards, 

Raymond Mason, Chief Operating Officer & VP 

NATIONS INVESTMENT CO 

r~o3 -~ -13 a phone 

(.~03 6~ -:31 S fax 

http://ox.myappservice.com/ox6/ox.html 

Page 2 of2 

6/9/2012 
6220 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 of Transportation 

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 of Transportation 

On May 8t11 2012 the United States Department of Transportation ("DOr) through Docket DOT-OST2012-0069 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 subsidy for 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 Nevada Development District 

Small Community Program 

United States Department ofTranspomrt:ion 

Washington, DC 

RE: Letter of Support 

('rrant Application ~ Small Community Air Service Development Program 

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 of the following Nevada counties: 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 

of the 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 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, liSA 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. 

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 part of 

the WNDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The presence of a viable, rural-focused 

regional airline will stimulate growth and make reality the promise of sustainable job creation through 

reliable year~round scheduled air service. 

Therefore, WNDD is supportive of this HSA implementation plan and its SCASDP grant application. 

This project would be beneficial to the economic development of the WNDD region. 

Sincerely, /) 

/ . . ! ., ! 'IJ. !f) ., I ( 

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

Ronald J. RUt 

Executive Director 

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

(775) 883-7333 • Fax (775) 883~0722 
Dear. Aloha Ley, Associate Director. Small Community Program 

United States Department of Transportation 

June 7, 2012 

On May 8'" 2012 the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT") through Docket DOT -OST -2012-0069 invited 

solicitation of proposals from commun.ities 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 service and airfare in their communities. The SCASDP provides for a Private Public 

Partnership ("3P") framework so as to establish a Consottium for partnering in the submission. NATIONS INVESTJ\1£NT 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 

approptiation 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. 

The Mineral County Commission 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. Mineral County Commission believes that HSA's 

Business Model will provide a strategic business solution that is desperately needed for the transportation network of rural Nevada. 

The presen<:e 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 1 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. 

Sincerely,