Noise is an issue that helicopter operators deal with on a daily basis – some more than others. For the tour companies who fly over the Grand Canyon it is a battle. Just recently, the National Park Service (NPS) proposed new rules that would limit the total number of flights over the canyon and require the use of “quiet technology” helicopters within 10 years.
Tour operators understand and support the initiative to reduce noise in the park. Many are upgrading their fleets to quieter models like the Eurocopter EC130B4 (also known as the EcoStar); however, they oppose capping the number of flights. Currently, there are just over 400 flights on average per day and the new proposed rule would limit that to 364. Many operators are reporting double-digit growth, so there’s clearly demand to see the canyon by air.
It’s hard for humans to experience the beauty of remote areas of the earth without leaving some evidence of our visit. For example, if some of the hard to reach areas of the canyon were to be explored by tour bus, roads would have to be built destroying the natural state of the landscape. At least helicopter noise leaves no lasting mark. I agree that the natural quiet of these areas should be protected. The emphasis should be on noise reduction not reducing the number of flights and consequently the number of people who can enjoy these areas.
In the coming months the NPS will hold several public meetings in Arizona, Utah and Nevada to hear public input. The comment period ends on June 6, 2011.