Rotorcraft
HAI Slams National Parks Air Tour Plan
HAI president James Viola believes a proposed parks overflight plan could put air tour operators out of business.
HAI president James Viola believes a proposed parks overflight plan could put air tour operators out of business. (Photo: Maverick Helicopters)
HAI president James Viola believes a proposed parks overflight plan could put air tour operators out of business. (Photo: Maverick Helicopters)

Testifying before a Senate transportation subcommittee yesterday, Helicopter Association International president James Viola expressed “grave concern” regarding the implementation of air-tour management plans developed by the FAA and the National Park Service covering flights some 23 national parks. Viola said the strategy driving the draft plan “is to cut back flights to such a degree that it is no longer economically feasible for air-tour companies to stay in business” and that it ignores the future potential of quieter electric aircraft. 


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