New restrictions planned at Grand Canyon National Park

Wednesday, March 29, 2000 | 10:59 a.m.

The Las Vegas area's eight air tour operators are expected to join a suit against the federal government, which announced new rules on sightseeing trips over the Grand Canyon.

Flights would be limited to help quiet manmade noise in the landmark under new rules announced by President Clinton.

The Federal Aviation Administration rules would increase a "no-fly zone" from 45 percent of Grand Canyon National Park to 75 percent of the park. Planes and helicopters would have to fly about 3,500 feet higher and the number of flights also would be capped at present levels.

Air tour operators immediately attacked the rules, saying they could be driven out of business. Sightseeing flight companies have opposed the new rules since they were formally proposed last year.

"If this rule is implemented in the Grand Canyon it will have a devastating effect on these companies and a devastating effect on the 20 percent of people visiting the Grand Canyon who do so by air," said Steve Bassett of the U.S. Air Tour Association.