Pleasure flight operators at the Grand Canyon are being encouraged to curb aircraft noise with lower fees payable for sightseeing trips over the National Park.
Effective from January 1, operators with technology installed to cut engine noise will be eligible for a reduced fee of $20 per flight. Operators yet to meet noise reduction targets will continue to pay the existing $25 per flight.
Hikers on the ground have long complained of excessive noise levels caused by frequent pleasure flights which disrupt the general tranquility of the Grand Canyon’s surroundings.
Working in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Federal Aviation Administration came up with a formula to assess whether aircraft can be considered quiet based on noise certification levels and number of seats per aircraft.
According to park spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge, around 60% of air tour companies operating at the Grand Canyon have already achieved the necessary standard.
"Any kind of a reduction from noise is going to provide a better experience for park visitors. It’s not quiet but it’s quieter than the standard technology," said Oltrogge.
She also said that with full conversion, operators would save around $250,000 a year in reduced fees.
Similar quiet technology is also in use at other national parks including Haleakala in Hawaii and New York’s Statue of Liberty.
