News Release

National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration Announce Final Air Tour Management Voluntary Agreement for Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Date: August 20, 2024

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, AZ and NV – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) announce the completion of a commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The agreement guides the FAA and NPS in managing commercial air tours over the park and portions of Grand Canyon Parashant and Avi Kwa Ame national monuments.
 
Operators may continue conducting air tours over the parks with more consistent reporting requirements for monitoring and with flight altitude parameters for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The final voluntary agreement and more information are available on the National Park Service website.
 
The agreement was developed in consultation with Native American Tribes, seven air tour operators, and with public review. It ensures aviation safety, positive visitor experiences, and natural and cultural resource protection. Under the National Parks Air Tour Management Act, the FAA and NPS may enter into voluntary agreements as an alternative to establishing an air tour management plan for a park.
 
Please visit this NPS site and this FAA site for more general information about air tour management plans and voluntary agreements.
 

- NPS -

 
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just minutes from Las Vegas, offers Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. The park’s rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties. Lake Mead is the country’s first and largest national recreation area and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Follow us at www.nps.gov/lake or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.