News Release

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

Date: March 19, 2024

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD STARTS MARCH 20, 2024

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, AZ and NV - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) announce the availability of a proposed commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This agreement would guide the FAA and NPS in the management of commercial air tours over the park. The proposed voluntary agreement addresses many unique challenges while improving the condition of park resources and ensuring safe air tour operations. It was developed between the FAA, seven air tour operators, and the NPS in consultation with Native American Tribes.

A 30-day public review period on the proposed agreement begins on March 20, 2024. Public comments can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website from March 20 through April 19, 2024. The plan and information to provide public comments can be found online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=122471.

The National Parks Air Tour Management Act (NPATMA) allows the FAA and NPS to enter into voluntary agreements with commercial air tour operators. A voluntary agreement manages commercial air tour operations over a national park by establishing conditions for the conduct of the air tour flights. Implementation of a voluntary agreement helps protect park resources and the visitor experience without compromising aviation safety or the air traffic control system.

Commercial air tours have occurred over Lake Mead National Recreation Area for many years without NPATMA-defined operating parameters. The proposed voluntary agreement would establish operating parameters to ensure protection of national park resources and values and visitor experience without compromising aviation safety.

Please visit this NPS site and this FAA site for more detailed 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 and Instagram.