Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Summary
On December 31, 1996, the FAA published a final rule, Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park. That final rule codified the provisions of Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 50-2, Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP); modified the dimensions of the GCNP Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA); established new and modified existing flight- free zones; established new and modified existing flight corridors; established reporting requirements for commercial sightseeing air carriers operating in the SFRA; prohibited commercial sightseeing operations during certain time periods; and limited the number of aircraft that can be used for commercial sightseeing operations in the SFRA. In February 1997 the FAA delayed the effective date for the new and modified flight-free zones, SFRA modification, and corridors portion of the final rule and reinstated portions of and amended the expiration date of SFAR No. 50-2. However, that action did not affect or delay the implementation of the curfew, aircraft limitations, reporting requirements, or other portions of the rule. That extension was subsequently extended until January 31, 2000. This action further delays the effective date for the flight-free zones, SFRA modification, and corridors portions of the December 31, 19996, final rule until January 31, 20001, and amends the expiration date of SFAR 50-2 until the FAA issues new regulations to substantially restore natural quite in GCNP.