Air tours of Grand Canyon National Park are on the increase.
Arizona Sen. John McCain is applauding an announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration. It will allow more than 1,700 additional flights at the Grand Canyon, for air tour operators using quiet technology.
McCain says he’s pleased more air tours are being made available to park visitors who choose quiet technology aircraft. He says the air tours offer a unique sightseeing experience and are an important part of the northern Arizona economy.
Congress last year directed the National Park Service and the FAA to implement a noise reduction program for flights over the Grand Canyon. Under the new law, both agencies are required to promote quiet technology aircraft by increasing allocations of flights to operators who install systems aimed at not increasing noise in the park.