Modification of the Dimensions of the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Free Zones

On April 4, 2000, the FAA published two final rules for Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP). One rule limited the number of commercial air tour operations in the GCNP Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA); the other modified the airspace of the SFRA. The Commercial Air Tour Limitations final rule was effective on May 4, 2000. The airspace modifications were scheduled to become effective December 1, 2000. On 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 from the FAA. On October 11, 2000, the FAA published a denial of the stay request. On October 25, 2000, the Air Tour Providers filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals a Motion for Stay and Emergency Relief Pending Review of an Agency Order. On November 2, 2000, the FAA filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals its Opposition to Petitioners' Motion for Stay Pending Review and Notification of Administrative Stay of Route and Airspace Rules. This document delays the effective date of the Airspace Modification Final Rule so that the FAA may investigate further some new safety issues raised by the Air Tour Providers.