FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2024

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

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, AZ and NV – Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) announced the completion of a commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The agreement will guide the two bodies in managing commercial air tours over Lake Mead National Recreation Area and portions of Grand Canyon Parashant and Avi Kwa Ame national monuments. The agreement enables tour operators to continue running air tours over the parks while adhering to stricter reporting requirements for monitoring. It also establishes flight altitude parameters for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The final voluntary agreement, alongside more detailed information, is available on the National Park Service website.

The NPS and FAA developed the agreement in consultation with Native American Tribes and seven air tour operators. It also underwent public review to ensure aviation safety, promote positive visitor experiences, and protect natural and cultural resources. The Act empowers the FAA and NPS to enter into voluntary agreements as an alternative to setting an air tour management plan for a park. For additional information about air tour management plans and voluntary agreements, visit the NPS site and the FAA site.

About Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Located just minutes from Las Vegas, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the country’s first and largest national recreation area and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It offers visitors Joshua trees, slot canyons, and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way along with fiery red rocks and majestic purple mountains. Follow us on our official website or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Press Contact:
LAKE_public_affairs@nps.gov.
############