The Nation : Tighter Rules for Grand Canyon Flights

Tighter restrictions on sightseeing flights over the Grand Canyon were announced by the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce noise levels and improve safety. The FAA said that beginning next Sept. 22, such flights must remain outside of four designated “flight free” zones and elsewhere must fly at higher altitudes than before. Commercial sightseeing flights will have to remain outside the four restricted zones and no lower than 5,000 feet above sea level in the western section and 7,500 feet over the Boundary Ridge-Sunpai Point area of the park, the FAA said. Special flight rules will apply to any pilot operating below 15,000 feet above sea level, the agency said. The FAA last year adopted restrictions to forbid flights in the inner gorge and below the canyon rim except in emergencies.