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 regarding aircraft flight operations over Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP). The first rule, the Commercial Air Tour Limitations final rule, limiting the number of commercial air tour operations in the GCNP Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), was effective on May 4, 2000. The second rule, the Airspace Modification final rule, modifying the airspace in the SFRA, was scheduled to become effective December 1, 2000. However, on November 20, 2000, the FAA published a final rule delaying the effective date of the Airspace Modification final rule until December 28, 2000, so that the FAA could adequately evaluate new safety issues raised by the air tour operators. On December 28, 2000, the FAA further delayed the airspace modifications final rule until April 1, 2001. The FAA has completed its evaluation and determined that it is necessary to delay implementing changes to the airspace, including two flight free zones in the east-end of GCNP, pending resolution of the safety issues. In a companion document in this Federal Register the FAA also makes available a map depicting commercial air tour routes in GCNP.