Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Powerless Flight

The National Park Service (NPS) is adopting this final rule to allow powerless flight along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail at times and locations designated by the Park Manager, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. The terms and conditions of a Special Use Permit (SUP) will in all cases prohibit stunt flying, commercialization, advertising, publicity, contests, meets, demonstrations and motor vehicular access on non-public roads. In addition, the Park Manager may require, as a standard condition of the SUP, that all hang gliders using the designated site be qualified pilots licensed by the United States Hang Gliding Association. The frequency of launch sites, level of use, availability of alternate sites and cumulative impacts on the remote recreational experience and character of the Appalachian Trail will be significant factors in determining whether new launch and/or landing sites will be designated.