Grand Canyon air tour noise controversial

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., July 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Park Service and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Tuesday released new proposals for low-flight air traffic over the Grand Canyon.

The Arizona Daily Sun reported the proposals come after long and unsuccessful attempts to reduce tourist helicopter and low-altitude plane noise. The new proposals present various alternatives in trying to strike a compromise between tourism companies, environmentalists and tribes.

The possibilities include raising the minimum altitudes for planes over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and providing financial incentives or longer flight hours to air-tour companies using "quiet" technology.

Canyon Superintendent Steve Martin said low flights over the Grand Canyon barely meet federal limits on number of flights and noise. Martin said he wants to make some of the back areas -- such as the Hermit Trail and near the Little Colorado River -- quieter.

"Our goal is to do that and to preserve the opportunity for spectacular overflights," he said.

Martin said he does not wish to interfere with tribal aircraft tourism, the newspaper reported.

"They're sovereign, and we don't want to affect them," he said.