In an attempt to restore natural quiet to the Grand Canyon experience, the Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a cap on tour operators' flights over the Grand Canyon. The FAA also foresees more economic benefit as more tourists return to the Grand Canyon if it's a more peaceful atmosphere.

As you can imagine, tour operators are up in arms over this. Some tour operators flights would be cut down to 4 a day, down from up to 30 a day.

Also affected by the proposed flight cap would be the Hualapai Indian Tribe since their reservation is a key stop for many Las Vegas air tour operators. About 100,000 tourists visit the Hualapai reservation annually, supplying millions of dollars in revenues.

I was at the north rim of the Grand Canyon in July of '98 which is high season and don't remember any noise at all. In fact it was almost too quiet, but then that was after leaving the casinos of Las Vegas!

Veronica, I think the FAA should butt out<g>! It seems to me that this type of regulation would fall under the umbrella of the National Park Service, and I would still regret it.

I took an Eagle Air tour to the Grand Canyon about 2 years ago, and it was one of the most enjoyable outings I can remember. We didn't really cruise over the Canyon, just flew into the airport and hopped on a bus, but I think the air option makes Grand Canyon more accessible.

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Daisy-Beyond Vegas Moderator
daisy@talkvegas.com

V & Daisy,
Seems to me like goverment sticking there nose in where it don't belong to me. I hate when Gov. puts restrictions on the working guy, and this time it seems the only goal is to line there pockets.
M2C


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Nothing much surprises me in this national government administration, yet I wonder if this is REALLY an FAA thing. If some other agency determined that there were too many flights and too much noise, I can easily see how they would turn to the FAA to decide how to slice up the pie. Is this a tree hugging example by Algore to save the ears of the rocks from vicious airplane noise? Were certain Indian tribes or parks service or homes along the flight path complaining to get these wheels in motion? I don't know, but it doesn't sound like something the FAA would initiate. Furthermore I would not bet either way.

You don't hear me wanting to be on one of those charter flights, mainly because of air traffic congestion. I'm surprised the FAA hasn't tried to thin them out before now, based purely on congestion. It's scary how many flights go out there.