[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E206-E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the National Parks 
Air Tour Act of 1999.
  This bill is identical to provisions which passed the House by a 
voice vote during the 105th Congress. It was supported by the Friends 
of the Smokies, United Air Tour Association, Grand Canyon Airlines, 
National Air Transportation Association, and the National Parks and 
Conservation Association.
  The legislation represents an agreement which strikes a balance 
between air tour and environmental concerns, native American interests 
and jurisdictional areas between the Federal Aviation Administration 
and the National Park Service.
  It seeks to promote safety and quiet in national parks by 
establishing a process for developing air tour flight management in and 
around our national parks.
  It also ensures that the FAA has sole authority to control airspace 
over the United States and that the National Park Service has the 
responsibility to manage park resources.
  These two agencies would work cooperatively in developing air tour 
management plans

[[Page E207]]

for air tour operators and both would share the fundamental 
responsibility to ensure that air tours over national parks and tribal 
lands are conducted in a safe, efficient and unintrusive manner.
  Mr. Speaker, during the 105th Congress, there were a number of 
hearings on this issue both in the House and the Senate. At that time, 
it appeared that it would be extremely difficult to be able to reach a 
consensus on how to handle air tours over our national parks.
  However, with resolve and determination differences have been worked 
out, and we crafted legislation acceptable to all concerned.
  This is an outstanding bill which will ensure that ground visitors 
and the elderly, disabled, and time-constrained travelers may continue 
to enjoy the scenic beauty of our national parks for future generations 
to come.

                          ____________________