Over the last decade, significant changes have occurred in the airline industry. Network carriers are facing challenging financial conditions and low-cost carriers are attracting passengers away from some small community airports. These changes, and others, have challenged the ability of small communities to attract adequate commercial air service. In response to these challenges, Congress has established two key funding program--the Essential Air...

This is the story of Billy Davies, an aviation mechanic and inspector who dedicated 35 years of his life to flight safety. He lived in Las Vegas and much of his post-military career as a civilian aircraft mechanic was spent operating maintenance departments for small airlines operating sightseeing tours over the Grand Canyon.