Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park

On December 31, 1996, the FAA published a final rule that codified the provisions of Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 50-2, Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP); modified the dimensions of GCNP Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA); established new and modified existing flight-free zones; established new and modified existing flight corridors; established reporting requirements for commercial sightseeing companies operating in the SFRA; prohibited commercial sightseeing operations during certain time periods; and limited the number of aircraft that can be used for commercial sightseeing operations in the GCNP SFRA. On February 21, 1997, the FAA delayed the implementation of certain portions of that final rule. Specifically, that action delayed the effective date for 14 CFR 93.301, 93.305, and 93.307 of the final rule and reinstated portions of and amended the expiration date of SFAR No. 50-2. However, that action did not affect or delay the implementation of the curfew, aircraft restrictions, reporting requirements or the other portions of the rule. This amendment will delay the effective date for 14 CFR 93.301, 93.305, and 93.307 of the December 31, 1996 final rule until January 31, 2000. Additionally, this rule will amend the expiration date of those portions of SFAR No. 52-2 that were reinstated in the February 21, 1997 final rule and extended in the rule published on December 17, 1997.