Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park

This final rule is one part of an overall strategy to further reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the park environment and to assist the National Park Service in achieving its statutory mandate, imposed by Public Law 100-91, to provide for the substantial restoration of natural quiet and experience in Grand Canyon National Park. This action is issued concurrently with: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Noise Limitations for Aircraft Operations in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park; a Notice of Availability of Proposed Commercial Air Tour Routes for Grand Canyon National Park and Request for Comments; and the Environmental Assessment issued with this final rule. This action amends part 93 of the Federal Aviation Regulations by adding a new subpart to codify the provisions of Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 50-2, Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park; modifies the dimensions of the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area; establishes new and modifies existing flight-free zones; establishes new and modifies existing flight corridors; and establishes reporting requirements for commercial sightseeing companies operating in the Special Flight Rules Area. In addition, to provide further protection for park resources, this final rule prohibits commercial sightseeing operations in the Zuni and Dragon corridors during certain time periods, and limits the number of aircraft that can be used for commercial sightseeing operations in the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area.