Commercial Air Tour Limitations in the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area; Modification of the Dimensions of the Grand Canyon National Park Flight Rules Area and Flight Free Zones

On April 4, 2000, the FAA published two final rules for Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) limiting the number of commercial air tour operations in the GCNP Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and modifying the airspace of the SFRA. One rule limited commercial air tour operations of each operator, the other redefined the SFRA airspace. A Notice of Availability of commercial routes in the GCNP SFRA also was issued on the same day setting forth new routes available. The Commercial Air Tour allocations final rule was effective on May 4, 2000. The new routes and airspace modifications become effective December 1, 2000. In July 31, 2000, the United States Air Tour Association and seven air tour operators in GCNP requested a stay of the compliance date for the rules. This document informs the public of the FAA disposition of this request for a stay of the compliance date for the final rules.