Comment letters from Alliance result in agency investigation into reports of scenic operators flying low within park boundaries.
The Conservation Alliance submitted a formal comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) urging the agency to conduct a formal investigation into low overflights by scenic helicopter tours over Grand Teton National Park. After a comprehensive flight record analysis, Jackson resident and owner of Flat Creek Ranch Joe Albright determined that Wind River Air, LLC flew below 2,000 feet for nearly 31 miles within the park between September and October of 2021. These low-level overflights did not occur during takeoff or landing, when such flights are necessitated by the situation of the airport within park boundaries.
The FAA has responded to the Conservation Alliance and NPCA’s request and stated that an investigation of these low park overflights is underway.
The letters are linked in chronological order below:
- Joe Albright to Jackson Hole Airport Board
December 8, 2021 - Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance & National Parks Conservation Association to Federal Aviation Administration
January 27, 2022 - Federal Aviation Administration to Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance & National Parks Conservation Association
February 10, 2020
