Helicopter Tour Operators Fight Proposed National Park Restrictions

Certain parks could limit or eliminate air tours if proposed rules take effect.

Jonathan Welsh

Thursday, June 08, 2023 at 10:01 AM ET

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Helicopters tours could be eliminated from certain national parks under proposed new rules.. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Helicopter tour operators, led by the Helicopter Association International (HAI), are actively opposing proposed flight restrictions at four U.S. national parks.
The National Park Service (NPS) and FAA's draft plans would eliminate all air tours at Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and cut tours by 50% or more at Hawai’i Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks.
Operators argue these restrictions would prevent visitor enjoyment, cause business closures, and harm local economies, while the NPS and FAA state the purpose is to protect park resources, natural sounds, and visitor experiences.

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Helicopter tour operators are pushing back against flight restrictions proposed at four U.S. national parks that would affect or eliminate access to the parks by air tours.

The Helicopter Association International, or HAI, has called on its members and supporters to comment on the draft air traffic management plans published by the Nationals Park Service and the FAA, including “their reasons why the flights should continue.” The period for public feedback ends June 20.