Commercial Overflights To Be Banned At Canyon De Chelly National Monument

By

Compiled from NPS releases

Published Date

December 23, 2024

White House Ruins, Canyon de Chelly National Monument/Kurt Repanshek

Commercial overflights at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona will be banned by the National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration under an air tour management plan the agencies crafted.

The plan approved Friday prohibits commercial air tours over the park and within one-half mile outside its boundary to protect natural and cultural resources, sacred tribal places, wilderness areas, and visitor experiences. It takes effect in 180 days.

“Prohibiting commercial air tours protects these lands’ cultural and spiritual significance to the Navajo Nation,” said Canyon de Chelly Superintendent Lyn Carranza. “Canyon de Chelly National Monument’s Air Tour Management Plan honors the unique nation-to-nation relationship regarding decisions affecting the park and helps to preserve one of the most important archeological landscapes in the Southwest.”

The plan addresses many unique challenges while improving the condition of park resources and values, ensuring safe air tour operations, and being responsive to concerns raised by the Navajo Nation. It was developed through a collaboration of the FAA and the NPS in consultation with the Navajo Nation.

The Final ATMP and EA reflect public input received during a 30-day public comment period. For changes in response to those public comments, refer to the Final ATMP and Final EA/Errata from the PEPC project website.

Commercial air tours have occurred over Canyon de Chelly for many years without operating parameters. Implementation of an ATMP helps protect park resources, visitor experience, and tribal lands within the ATMP boundary, without compromising aviation safety or the air traffic control system.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of several national parks for which the NPS and FAA have developed or are currently developing an air tour  management plan or voluntary agreement to meet the requirements of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act. Each ATMP or voluntary agreement is developed to manage commercial air tours in a way that is consistent with the NPS’s mission, the individual park’s purposes, and the FAA’s authority regarding aviation safety.

The final ATMP is available at the Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CACHATMP.

Stories about:

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks