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 are actively opposing proposed flight restrictions by the National Park Service (NPS) and FAA at four U.S. national parks.
The draft Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) propose eliminating all air tours at Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and cutting them by 50% or more at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park.
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) argues these restrictions would prevent visitors from enjoying the parks, lead to business closures, and harm local economies.
The NPS and FAA state the purpose of the ATMPs is to protect park resource values, including natural sounds, visitor experiences, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources.

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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.