Rocky Mountain National Park has so far been spared
the headache – and earache – of commercial scenic overflights for
one reason: no tour operators exist yet. Hoping to head off
possible conflicts, Transportation Secretary Federico Peûa has
proposed a ban on commercial overflights in the park. Peûa’s
May 11 recommendation came with three alternatives: no action, some
restrictions of overflights, or voluntary agreements to be made
with tour operators. A public comment period extends until Aug. 7,
after which Peûa will make his final decision. Direct letters
in triplicate to Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Chief
Counsel, Rules Docket (AGC-200), Docket No. 28577, 800 Independence
Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20591, or via e-mail at
nprmcmts@mail.hq.faa.gov. All comments must be marked Docket No.
28577.
For its part, Rocky Mountain National
Park strongly supports the air tour ban, says assistant
superintendent Sheridan Steele. He can be reached at
970/586-1202.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Can the silence be unbroken?.
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