Penobscot Island Air restores flying connection for islanders.

By Tom Groening, Bangor Daily News, Maine Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Feb. 22--June Pemberton has a dentist's appointment this morning, and she's running late.

But she has a good excuse.

Her ride is a little late.

Pemberton, 52, lives on Matinicus Island, 15 miles out to sea from Owls Head. She is relying on a newly revived effort to ensure Penobscot Bay islanders have speedy access to the mainland: Penobscot Island Air and its Cessna 206, a single-engine four-seater.

Pemberton is among Matinicus residents who describe Island Air as an essential part of their lives.

On a recent sunny Thursday morning, the Cessna arrives and Pemberton climbs aboard.

Shortly after the plane touches down at Knox County Regional Airport on the mainland in Owls Head, Pemberton climbs out and is about to be on her way to the dentist's office. But seeing pilot and air service co-owner Kevin Waters standing on the tarmac talking to a reporter, she turns, puts a hand on Waters' back, and says, "This man is a saint."

It's easy to understand the regard islanders have for the pilot, …