FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 August 2024

National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration Announce Final Voluntary Agreement to Manage Air Tours for Lake Mead National Recreation Area

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, AZ and NV – Today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) announced the completion of a voluntary agreement to manage commercial air tours for Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The agreement will guide the two organizations in managing commercial air tours over Lake Mead National Recreation Area and portions of Grand Canyon Parashant and Avi Kwa Ame National Monuments. The agreement allows tour operators to continue to operate air tours over the parks while complying with more stringent monitoring reporting requirements. It also establishes flight altitude parameters for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The final voluntary agreement and more detailed information are available on the National Park Service website.

NPS and FAA developed the agreement in consultation with Native American tribes and seven air travel operators. It also underwent public review to ensure aviation safety, promote positive visitor experiences, and protect natural and cultural resources. The law authorizes FAA and NPS to enter into voluntary agreements as an alternative to creating an air travel management plan for a park. For more information on air travel management plans and voluntary agreements, visit the NPS website and the FAA website.

About Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Just minutes from Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the country’s first and largest national recreation area and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It offers visitors Joshua trees, slot canyons, and night skies lit by the Milky Way, as well as fiery red cliffs and majestic purple mountains. Follow us on our official website or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Press contact:
[email protected].
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