FAA Proposes Air Tour Limits Over Golden Gate and Parks
Published Date: 12/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA and National Park Service have teamed up to propose a voluntary agreement that sets rules for commercial air tours over Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods National Monument. This plan aims to protect these parks and keep visitors happy while making sure flights stay safe. People have until January 2, 2026, to share their thoughts on the proposal.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Commercial Air Tour Operators Covered
The FAA and National Park Service propose individual voluntary agreements that set conditions for commercial air tours over Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods National Monument. Part 135 operators with interim operating authority for those parks and operators who have applied to conduct tours are included in the agreement process. The agencies say development of voluntary agreements is appropriate to comply with the National Parks Air Tour Management Act before the end of the court's stay on February 28, 2026.
Park Resources and Visitor Experience Protected
The proposed voluntary agreement is intended to protect park resources and the visitor experience at the Golden Gate, San Francisco Maritime, Point Reyes, and Muir Woods parks while keeping flights safe and maintaining the air traffic control system. The agreement is presented as an alternative to an air tour management plan and is meant to manage commercial air tour operations to reduce impacts on these parks.
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