The Last Word appropriately goes to the hikers who completed the survey. Thank you, one and all!
Responses to the question “If you felt strongly about aircraft, one way or the other, what are your reasons for feeling this way?”
1. Les and I had no desire to ride on a plane and they did not bother us as far as I can remember. The only concern we had is the distress we felt when we heard about an accident. We do not feel the planes should be allowed “into” the canyon.
2. I think you have it set up very well, but because I was there off-season, airplanes and number of other hikers did not bother my experience too much.
3. Use in canyon only for purposes other than joy riding, especially below the rim.
4. As in Hawaii I found the sound of helicopters very intrusive-especially when being “mesmerized” by the roaring Colorado or watching Hummingbirds “bomb” cacti blooms- a violation of what I sweated to get to!
5. I am a pilot and I enjoy flying and sightseeing from the air. I also enjoy being able to fly direct from one point to another without having to detour around restricted areas. Having to fly around restricted areas is an inconvenience, an added expense, a waste of fuel, a waste of time, and a greater possibility of getting lost. I also feel that it is an intrusion into my personal right to travel freely in a country where this right is guaranteed.
6. It was distracting; too reminiscent of the city which we were “getting away from”, disrupted an otherwise pleasant wilderness experience in an environment new to us.
7. Too loud.
8. NOISE (ruins the backcountry experience). The sight of low level aircraft does not particularly impact the backcountry experience.
9. I was not offended by the number of aircraft I saw while in the Hermit Creek area. I feel that a limited number of aircraft should be permitted into the canyon to allow others who may not be able to hike in the canyon to be able to view its beauty.
10. We noticed an excessive number of helicopters flying in and out of the canyon during our hiking days. They were noisy and bothersome and we felt they detracted from our wilderness experience. We couldn’t tell if these helicopters were on sightseeing flights or on emergency missions but suspect the former. I must admit that my family was transported out of the canyon by helicopter at the end of a river trip we took through the Grand Canyon below Lava Falls. We passengers were taken to Toroweap where we were then flown in Cessnas back to Lee’s Ferry. While it was a thrill, I am willing to forgo this method of leaving the river as part of a commercial trip (Hatch). We have also floated into Lake Mead on an oar trip some years ago (A.R.T.A.) We live in a city which uses helicopters continuously for police patrolling. They are a noisy nuisance! When I go to the wilderness I expect to be free of this sort of airborne visitation. I would strongly favor eliminating any aircraft below the rim, except in emergency cases.
11. Disrupts the solitude of the canyon. Reminds you of what you were trying to leave behind. Lends to the feeling that the National Park Service aids in the exploitation of our resources, rather than beautification.
12. No problem with commercial jets. Light propeller planes haven’t disturbed me too much. But helicopters have been a noise source that I’ve felt was too loud and intrusive in a “wilderness” setting.
13. One of the primary purposes of backcountry hiking is to get away from our society of mechanical intensity. This feeling is lost with the frequency of aircraft noise and sightings. I support rescue, maintenance, and research aircraft; helicopters are most disturbing, but also the most practical way to accomplish these necessary functions. High altitude commercial flights are not significantly disturbing in limited numbers and may even enhance the experience, but the present number of overflights is about maximum. I see nothing that can be gained by the sight-seer through the experience of a low level flight into or over the canyon. Viewing from the various scenic look-out points with binoculars is an equivalent experience, especially since at several of the look-outs one can see the river. The exception, in my opinion, would be the physically handicapped. I don’t know the final outcome on consideration by the Havasupai for daily sight-seeing helicopter flights to the falls, which was being proposed when I was there in 1979, but in my opinion this service would be a disaster to the site.
14. The Grand Canyon is not a total wilderness experience because of its popularity. Aircraft are not contrary to the G.C.N.P. environment and are useful in case of emergency. I felt much better with my family at Clear Creek, knowing I could signal an aircraft if necessary.
15. Greater limitation of use for all uses of the canyon will be needed in years to come, for the sake of preservation.
16. Aircraft, unless very high altitude, ruin your feeling of being in a wilderness. Sounds of machines are much more obtrusive in a desert environment than in other areas. We watched a Park Service helicopter land on a pad on a little knoll between Cottonwood Camp and the South Rim and about three people got out and were looking around the area. No matter what their administrative function was, I think they should have walked down, as it was only a few miles below the rim. Better to spend the money paying people’s wages for walking time, rather than to burn gasoline and bother the park visitors.
17. Experiencing the wilderness is a beautiful, meditative time for me. I prefer not to be pulled back into the technological world by the presence of aircraft if at all possible.
18. My backpacking and river rafting experiences in the canyon have been some of the most precious moments of my life. My memories, however, are greatly marred by the remembrance of how distressed I was by a true paradise where all my senses were so alive, but where I constantly heard the buzz of an engine. I feel extremely strongly about the fact that my backcountry experience was severely affected by tremendous “noise pollution.” And it never went away in the daytime. People do get a tremendous view from the rim. You can either deprive a relatively few people from seeing a different view (admittedly, I am sure, very gorgeous) from the air, or deprive many people of the sense of true wilderness they can get by hiking into the canyon. The people that walk are usually those who are taking the time (and effort) to really appreciate the canyon anyway.
19. As I noted earlier, aircraft flying over gave me a sense of security if an accident occurred. There were two of us going into a wilderness area and if an accident occurred I felt that we could signal for help. We were in the canyon in early April, 1983. I don’t remember seeing that many aircraft per day 1 can see where it could be very disturbing if a great number of low-flying planes were flying around all the time. But where we were at that time there didn’t seem to be a problem. (Hiked Grandview trail down and back. ED)
20. I have been buzzed by ‘copters and airplanes while on the river and camped on the Supai. On one occasion – which I reported to the helicopter company with no response – our campsite on Horseshoe Mesa (Grandview Trail. ED.) was minutely inspected for a good fifteen minutes – including buzzing women who were going to the toilet. I have heard the pilots brag about breaking and ignoring regulations and I don’t appreciate this attitude by concessionaires (I worked for Glacier Park, Inc., and I know the attitudes towards the rangers there, ie., they only exist to spoil people’s fun.)
21. Noise is the primary problem in a place otherwise so gloriously quiet. Helicopters in addition produce a direct sensation of being assaulted by a physical thing. So long as aircraft are reasonably quiet, reasonably infrequent and far enough away they are tolerable.
22. Living in Tucson, near Davis Montham Air Force Base, low-flying noisy planes are unfortunately unescapable. But the Grand Canyon doesn’t have to be that way. After hiking down the Hermit Trail what greeted my arrival at Hermit Creek campground? A helicopter arriving and then departing ten minutes later. I realize aircraft are tremendous tools, but they must be used properly. They are a continual presence to someone down in the Grand Canyon. I have hiked a fair amount in Southern Arizona, California, and Wyoming and the sad fact is you can’t escape them totally – but at the Grand Canyon it is out of hand. There needs to be some places where aircraft are not allowed to go – at least not on a routine basis.
23. They disturb the serenity of the canyon and are an invasion of privacy.
24. They should be strictly limited.
25. I don’t feel that strongly about it, I just don’t see a need for sight-seeing aircraft in an area that should remain primitive. Some places should require a little blood, sweat and tears to get to, not just money!
26. Helicopters are noisy and obtrusive – I realize they are necessary for some tasks.
27. My backcountry experience was negatively affected by the number of aircraft.
28. For aesthetic reasons, I would prefer it if there were no aircraft over the park at all. Of course, I don’t know precisely the necessities of park management, emergency operations, etc. are. I don’t think sight-seeing flights are justified, but if I was physically unable to backpack, I might feel differently.
29. For the remote experience objective I backpack for I found the sound and sighting of aircraft disturbing. For tourist purposes I have the feeling that it would deny others not capable of seeing the beauty of the Inner Canyon. Compromise is no doubt in order, but restricting flights to touring and controlled evacuation procedures is peace of mind should something happen.
30. It is very disappointing to spend days of hiking away from our hyped-up society just to find that there is no place (even in the desert wilderness) to hide from aircraft noise and the curious eyes of self-indulgent people who are unwilling to make any basic physical effort (walking) to experience the canyon.
31. While I realize that aircraft can and do provide important services to backcountry users both my friend and I felt that there were too many aircraft and that they were too close. In fact, it seemed we could never really settle into the peace of the canyon because of the persistent noise. So while we realize their necessity, we would rather see their use minimized.
32. The canyon is a magnificent place of serene beauty. The limited size and shape of the canyon cause low-flying aircraft to be too loud and too near. To allow such disturbances on a regular basis is incognizant with the purpose of a natural wonder such as the Grand Canyon.
33. Subtracts substantially from the isolation and peaceful enjoyment of the wilderness that backcountry hikers such as myself want to experience.
34. Peace and quiet is part of the backpacking experience. Aircraft definitely detracts from the total experience.
35. In particular, the sound of the helicopters disturbed the natural atmosphere of the park – I could allow the other aircraft noises to slip by unnoticed but helicopters always intruded.
36. I don’t mind aircraft much, because I am working on a private pilot’s license. People who harp on how much aircraft bother them bug me more! The canyon is such an awesome sight that trivial bull%$#@ seems insignificant. If people cannot tune out small interferences in such an area their midget mentality will never let them enjoy any place in today’s conditions.
37. I am not too disturbed by high-flying commercial aircraft since they are generally low noise and visibility and I realize they are passing by with only minor route deviation while en route to a definite destination. Private aircraft are more bothersome since they fly lower, thus are more noticeable (louder and more visible), but if they, too, are simply passing by “en route”, and maintain a reasonably high altitude then here, too, my objections would not be strong. (My objections to these flights, which are less frequent than sight-seers, are tempered by the reassurance they offer to those who may need to flash a plane (for help). It is the low flyers that I find particularly obnoxious. There seems to be many, at low altitudes, banking and circling and generally (seeming to me) spending an undue amount of time over the canyon. For this reason, tour helicopters are worse.
38. Low flying aircraft detract substantially from the backcountry experience. They are irritating and distracting, especially the noise.
39. Aircraft are an important part of the twentieth century and people will have to learn to tolerate their presence. After spending two years in extremely remote Alaskan backcountry, I’ve realized that there is no place in this country where you can’t hear the sound of a aircraft at some time.
40. In the balanced view of this unique natural wonder, it is difficult to justify the damaging effects of aircraft on so many for the PROFIT of so few. What would happen if the hikers could detract from the pleasures of aircraft riders in commensurate proportions?
41. Very much enjoy the G.C. backcountry for wilderness experience. Noise particularly detracts from that experience, whether from aircraft or from noisy hikers in camp (particularly large groups -which can be from 4 up.) Realistically, I doubt aircraft can be eliminated, any more than motors from the river. Though both bother me, I can see some value in them, for others. However, the canyon is not a carnival experience. The quick river trip or flight below the rim only serves that purpose. Controls on the number of flights and altitude are needed to maintain the wilderness experience of hikers and boaters. For our wilderness experience, we value freedom from man-made noise equal with freedom from other effects of man.
42. Aircraft were not a nuisance. If they were, I might feel differently, but many people might only be able to enjoy the Canyon by air.
43. Jet streams affect picture-taking. Small aircraft noise takes away the serenity of the enjoyment of being away from noises, people, machinery, telephones, etc. Occasional military jets flying low over the canyon were encountered on one trip down the Kaibab trail.
44. I do feel that some aircraft use is necessary even in tourist travel, but that limitation should be set to preserve the canyon.
45. I hike in the canyon to get away from civilization. At times, the aircraft make it noisier than some urban areas. Near Ruby Canyon (west of Hermit/Boucher. Ed.) I observed a small herd of Big Horn Sheep for several hours. They visibly shuddered every time an aircraft passed near. I would much rather have Big Horn in the canyon than aircraft.
46. The noise pollution was a major problem. I was leading a trip for my store and there were two Vietnam vets who had been going through post-war syndrome recently and they were freaking out when the helicopters came over. I also was offended and thought my backcountry experience suffered from the sight and noise of aircraft.
47. I felt that the constant noise of the aircraft really took away from having a “wilderness” feeling, and that is the reason I backpack, to get away from our modern world.
48. I feel my appreciation of the aesthetics of the canyon was lessened by the familiar buzz of the planes going over it, and I couldn’t help being jealous that others were getting monetary benefits at my expense.
49. Once you have found yourself one with nature in a timeless era, you get a Harvey-copter (reference presumably to Fred Harvey enterprises on the South Rim, which sells tickets for such flights but does not own any tour helicopters. ED) to remind you of the civilization you’re trying to get away from.
50. Enjoying and experiencing any wilderness is made more piquant by the effort of getting there. Aircraft remove one from the wilderness by their immediate visual and audible pollution, and by destroying any sense of isolation acquired by personal effort, by the intrusion of mechanized artifacts.
51. They diminish the wilderness experience, but I also feel that, at the present rate, the “damage” is tolerable (barely) under the assumption that more people are therefore obtaining an appreciation of the canyon (this assumption may not be valid.)
52. I was enjoying the scenery, the serenity, and quietness of the area around Salt Creek Campground (between Hermit and the Corridor. ED.) when I heard about every four to five minutes the hum of the aircraft. It drove me crazy for two to three hours. I felt I was robbed temporarily of my freedom from civilization.
53. Helicopters are the only aircraft that have ever bothered me because of how loud they are – this annoyed only because of the frequency that they visit parts of the park (they seem to be at Thunder River Falls too often) – (constantly).
54. Noise – noise – noise. The invasion of privacy – of peace and quiet, the invasion of all the reasons why a person packs into the canyon in the first place. If they can’t be eliminated, fly them far above the rim in aircraft with no noise.
55. Noise was the worst part about aircraft over the park. I visited the park on the “off-season” but even then the buzz of aircraft was annoying. I believe that aircraft over the canyon violates the basic purpose of a national park, “Preservation of national treasures in their natural state for all generations to enjoy.”
56. One chief aspect of my wilderness experience is the solitude and isolation from the noise of civilization; numerous aircraft certainly detract from this. Also as disturbing is the effect on wildlife.
57. They make too much noise and detract from the unique experience available while hiking.
58. Wildlife disturbance. Noise to animals and people.
59. Nature should be appreciated in one way only – the “natural” way. If one is too lazy to hike into the canyon or can’t appreciate it from the rim – tough! We shouldn’t make the Grand Canyon an amusement park.
60. Too much noise – interruptions of solitude, especially early mornings and evenings.
61. I fly professionally, and from my experience, flying so low as to make your presence known to those on the ground results in only a marginally better view at best. With something the size of the canyon, a higher altitude results in a different view which may be more pleasing to some. Flying at the lower altitudes does create enough noise to be irritating to someone who is carrying several days soiled toilet tissue in order not to disturb the wilderness.
62. As indicated by my response to this questionnaire, I do indeed feel that aircraft diminish the quality of the visit and attenuate the grandeur of the canyon.
63. To me, the Grand Canyon is an exclusive club for 300 million (give or take a few. ED) Americans. It holds an almost religious peace that dates back millions of years. All I have to do to understand the hectic pace of modern life is stand in the utter extreme silence of the oldest, largest ravine on earth. I truly love that place.
64. Utilize aircraft more for camp and trail maintenance.
65. I can’t say I feel strongly one way or another, but I did not like the experience of aircraft flying over the backcountry. I did not mind seeing them, just the noise. I do not feel the privilege of scenic tours can be taken away from others unless it is hurting, in any way, wildlife, vegetation, or even the beauty of the canyon.
66. I would not object to certain parts of the canyon being open to aircraft, but I do feel the noise in the side canyons is a definite detriment to a rewarding backcountry experience.
67. Aircraft should be managed properly and flights most certainly not be increased. Again, I feel that the handicapped should be the only ones to be allowed to fly over the canyon. The other select few should experience it on foot.
68. I feel that since the Bright Angel Trail is so populated, aircraft are justified there. I see no reason for aircraft elsewhere (tourists) except for park business and study. Commercial flights didn’t bother me. Helicopter joyrides up the plateau and then dropping into the canyon are for the amusement of people similar to a roller coaster ride. Watching these irritated me. However, some people for physical reasons can’t walk down the way we did. They should be given a chance to see what we saw.
69. In a way, it is good to have this, but only if you can keep some control over it.
70. I didn’t feel strongly about aircraft, but I wasn’t there at the height of the season, and the numbers were few. I would have been disappointed if I had encountered more than two a day.
71. Aircraft, snowmobiles, motor boats and coaches alienate the individuals from the environment. An experience via motor and the lack of intimacy reduces the experience to merely a visual one. Such a reductionistic encounter gives rise to a “ho-hum” experience and does not represent what the Grand Canyon could be with a fully rounded appreciation of sight, sound, touch, and taste. There is a lack of appreciation hence lack of advocacy. As for the noise, it is a distraction, an annoyance, even vulgar, with no justification or meaningful rationalization. Quality versus quantity type of an argument I lose patience with. Parks, I feel, find their highest use as re-creation of the primal human spirit – reminding us we belong here – came from here – will be here forever.
72. One reason to go into a backcountry area is to feel somewhat removed from such high-tech. noises and visual input. Also we saw little wildlife which probably wasn’t directly connected with the noise but may have been. Also I found it annoying to feel buzzed by helicopters and aircraft.
73. I believe that people can benefit most from the canyon by approaching it as a place to escape (at least temporarily) from certain facets of our technological and industrial society that we encounter routinely in our daily lives, a place to find solitude and meet nature more directly, unencumbered by distracting signs of modern society, and as a unique, wild, and beautiful place to physically and/or psychologically challenge oneself. These rare, but important, experiences can be had, although to a greater or lesser extent, during direct contact with the canyon ranging from a walk along a quiet undeveloped portion of the canyon rim (let’s make sure most of it stays that way) to a strenuous hike into the more remote corners of the park. From seven years of varied experience at the canyon I know that the sight and sound of aircraft spoils the types of experiences I have mentioned above. These aircraft are seen and heard on a daily basis even on long hikes I have taken into very remote terrain. It has been the major disappointment of my visits to the canyon. Restricting or banning aircraft over and in the canyon does not infringe upon anybody’s right or opportunity to visit the canyon, but rather would be a great courtesy to every one who visits, particularly those who make the effort to explore the canyon’s backcountry.
74. The noise was annoying.
75. I was not in the park long enough to be bothered by aircraft, but I strongly feel rescue missions are important along with the disabled being allowed to view the canyon from an aircraft.
76. If there are emergencies, or disabled people, I believe aircraft make sense but even then I think the aircraft should be limited to non-backcountry areas. You expect traffic and noise on the main non-backcountry trails and airplanes are less noticeable there.
77. Have no strong feelings one way or another. If aircraft numbers are to be regulated, but not eliminated because of safety reasons, I feel it would be logical to reduce the numbers flying over.
78. The canyon is over 200 miles long. Couldn’t the planes fly in areas away from hiking trails? Would that disturb wildlife too much? My feelings are ambiguous. There is something I don’t like about carrying one and a half gallons of water to get to Clear Creek (off the Corridor. Ed.) and having planes overhead. I also don’t know the effects of the plane traffic on wildlife.
79. If they don’t want to walk let them watch it on T.V.
80. Don’t overadministrate; aircraft – it’s O.K.
81. When you try to see what is left of true American wilderness you do not wish to run into the same #$%*%$# you see every day in this modern world we live in.
82. I certainly do not have anything against planes. They have never bothered us one iota when we were in the canyon. I consulted with others in our group and they all agreed we had never even seen nor heard planes on any of our backpacking. Again I say that those people who are seeing Grand Canyon by plane are probably seeing it the only way they can and should be commended for it. We all have an interest in our National Parks – not just a few exclusive groups.
83. As long as they don’t fly so low as to cause a lot of noise they don’t bother me.
84. I love the canyon. I feel fortunate that I am strong, healthy, and determined enough to be able to hike it and explore it on foot. I strongly feel, however, that all people should be given the opportunity to explore, experience, and appreciate the canyon on whatever level they can. Some people, due to handicaps or just poor physical condition or lack of interest/experience in backpacking cannot explore the canyon by hiking. If flying through the canyon enhances their enjoyment/knowledge I feel it should be allowed as long as it does not greatly disrupt the environment or other people’s experience in the canyon.
85. This may have some problems but we enjoy the canyon so much that we didn’t pay particular attention to it. I do desire the quiet sereneness of the out-of-doors without major distractions from human technology.
86. I love to fly – and I think it would be quite an experience for anyone to see my favorite spot (Grand Canyon) from the air.
87. They really intrude on the wilderness – noisy and obtrusive. It’s like you never really get away from that stuff – noise and pollution.
88. The Grand Canyon is a wilderness. It is especially susceptible to noise pollution. I have heard a single thunderclap echo for minutes. Aircraft noises are very bothersome. Tourist helicopters should be prohibited from flying below the rim.
89. Don’t feel too strongly. Not much of a problem for me or the groups I lead.
90. As a commercial pilot and flight instructor, I feel strongly that the number and proximity of aircraft was very detrimental to our experience. It takes hours, even days, to get into the rhythm of the canyon, and one low-flying aircraft can take a person out of that rhythm in seconds. I was particularly annoyed by a Lear jet flying right down on the Inner Canyon, and several military aircraft which were well below the rim. Helicopters are always obnoxious because of the quality of their sound, and the fact that they fly so slowly, and generally lower than the fixed-wings. I enjoyed flying my own plane over the canyon, but was perfectly happy to stay above 9,000 (feet? Ed.) and use a low r.p.m.
Of course, I also think it would be great fun to fly an F-16 at Mach 2 a hundred feet above the rim of the Inner Canyon at sunset, bu I’ll have to wait until I’m the last man on Earth.
91. I am a commercial pilot and do not believe low-flying aircraft should be allowed over the canyon.
92. We just got tired of hearing the helicopters.
93. Feel aircraft should stay above rim or at minimum altitudes. Do not feel that they should be banned from the canyon. The canyon should belong to all of us.
94. They are definitely beneficial as far as search and rescue missions go, but other than those flights that are necessary, air traffic over the canyon should be averted.
95. I didn’t notice it while I was there but I can imagine it becoming a problem and hope any disruption of the natural environment will be kept to a minimum.
96. Please do not misinterpret some of my answers about aircraft over the Grand Canyon. I am not against them. But I do think they should be more restricted. As I said, too early and too low. I have been involved with aviation for 27 years and I do believe they fly too low to be safe. Also, the noise factor; when you are in those canyons and a helicopter comes through the sound can be deafening, also the heavy echo could cause slides.
I suppose to be fair about the whole thing you should not keep helicopters and light aircraft from the Grand Canyon; it’s theirs also to enjoy in any way they choose. But they should not be allowed to fly into or between canyon walls and they should not be allowed to fly low or over the canyon until 9 A.M. and not past 3 P.M.
97. The peacefulness, tranquility, and timelessness of Grand Canyon is one of its most precious resources. The interruption of this tranquility by aircraft can in no way enhance an enjoyable backpacking trip. I realize that elderly, handicapped, and people with little time would like to experience Grand Canyon, too. But, it is the hiker who is out for the ultimate “canyon” experience and this includes the silence of the canyon broken only by the roar of the rapids.
Therefore, the backpacker should be given priority over commercial air tours.
I understand a theater is going to be built in Tusayan which will show films of “the canyon”. What a great idea! This can accommodate the people that cannot afford air tours and possibly cut down on the number of flights over Grand Canyon. I know that the commercial air tours have interest in other places so no one is going to go broke over a reduction in aircraft flights over Grand Canyon. Keep it wild! Thank you.
98. There is an ageless quality to the experience in the canyon, a kind of time warp that is magical and special and ruined by the droning of airplanes. If people didn’t have planes available to them, they could get on their feet and walk as far as their interest allowed. No one needs to go farther than their energy into the canyon.
99. I felt the low-level flights, especially their noise, substantially detracted from the wilderness experience of the canyon. Several members of my group felt the same way.
100. I feel aircraft would be justified only for items in number seven. Scenic tours are not high priority. Jet flights should not be allowed.
101. I am a pilot holding commercial and flight instructor certificates. It is unfair to restrict people from flying over the canyon just because they don’t have the stamina for backpacking. However, the privilege is being abused and restrictions against flying below the rim are largely ignored. The worst case was an F-15 fighter flying at the altitude of the Tonto plateau between Grandview and Phantom Ranch. This was still one of the best hikes I’ve been on and I’m looking forward to doing it again.
102. Aircraft interrupt the solitude and natural surroundings people come to the canyon to experience. Being repeatedly buzzed by aircraft while hiking the Esplanade (Western Canyon. Ed.) in an otherwise remote-seeming area, didn’t leave me with a feeling of having experienced the wilderness.
103. Jetliners were OK – because they are so high up – no noise. In fact, I enjoyed watching them. The small aircraft and ‘copters are bad – too noisy – too low.
104. No strong feelings, but certain areas away from the village area should have definite restrictions on flight numbers.
105. Just as backcountry and river use is regulated so should use of the park’s airspace. Exactly how to do this is a question I will leave up to you. As I mentioned earlier, you might consider use periods (of either the year or the day) and use areas, though.
106. The aircraft were basically noisy and distracting to the serenity of the canyon. Lazy people should stick to bus tours – although I feel that handicapped and the elderly should have the opportunity to see the canyon, but not necessarily in droves that seemed as if you had camped near a major airport.
107. I believe they can serve multiple purposes as indicated. Pilots must be experienced – learners should not fly in the canyon. Good way to set up backcountry access points to allow for difficult hikes.
108. Even though I flew for Scenic Airlines, I have always felt that air tours of the Grand Canyon have a negative effect on the wilderness experience of those within the canyon itself- Propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft should be required to fly higher, and helicopter flights (other than medical emergencies) should be eliminated altogether.
109. Noise and intrusion of low-flying aircraft. Willing to accept Park Dept. aircraft on administrative or management business but trust this will be held to truly necessary flights.
110. Planes have spotted signaling by incapacitated hikers.
111. The sound and sight of aircraft over and in the Grand Canyon reduces the total pristine environment!
112. The nearly constant (or oft-repeated) sound of aircraft reduces the wilderness experience by association of sounds we commonly hear in non-wilderness situations.
113. Overuse of aircraft in the Grand Canyon can only cause harm to wildlife and distraction for hikers.
114. For those who cannot or do not choose to view the canyon below the rim on trails, the view from the rims suffices for appreciation of its beauty and grandeur. Furnishing thrill-seekers with flights within the canyon should not be the purpose of the National Park Service.
115. I have hiked inside the Grand Canyon twice. I felt that aircraft didn’t interfere or lessen my experience in the canyon. I would like to express my belief that the canyon should be experienced by everyone. Either by foot, mule, car, or by air, and no one should deny another person the right to see the park by either of the methods I previously mentioned.
116. Helicopters are a necessary evil. Restricted times and limited areas might help. To me the high-flying tours are annoying more people (at a given point in time) than the routine “deep” service flights. Perhaps keeping tours low in, say, Bright Angel and Pipe areas (the Bright Angel Corridor. Ed. ) would save the rest and “improve” some people’s tours by going right into the canyon.
117. As an Army Air Traffic Controller I have quite a large amount of experience dealing with aircraft and the problems they can cause. The only aircraft that were detracting from my trip were the helicopters. As compared to other light aircraft the noise that is transmitted from the rotors is much more noticeable and aggravating than standard light fixed-wing aircraft. One of the beauties of the Grand Canyon is the stillness and solitude that can be found, even above the rim. The aircraft, especially the helicopters so greatly detract from the canyon that I would ban all ‘copter flights, except as noted in this questionnaire, and all flights of all types of aircraft below the rims.
118. I don’t like aircraft because they are too noisy. I like to go hiking to get away from the noise.
119. It seems to me that aircraft could be routed away from high-density hiking areas, except for emergencies. Tourist flights could be eliminated or restricted to the handicapped. Management flights hopefully would be rare. The only thing I disliked was aircraft noise. The silence and grandeur of this place is unforgettable. It is unfortunate that rules must be made, but from a hiker’s point of view I believe stricter management of aircraft is necessary.
120. I feel the noise of aircraft is disturbing to the ecology of the canyon. While it does detract from my own enjoyment of the wilderness, that alone isn’t the problem. I feel human impact on wilderness areas should be minimal, even if this means limiting certain types of experiences for certain groups of people. Management, upkeep, surveys, and research studies I believe should be conducted by backpacking and river whenever possible. When aircraft flights are absolutely necessary, as for search and rescue or fire patrol, they could stay above the rim and depend on more sophisticated optics to scan and locate problems rather than flying lower.
121. I hike the canyon for solitude and a feeling of vastness – only to be periodically invaded by mankind’s commercialism. “Shoot down the planes” (figure of speech).
122. Fixed-wing small aircraft do not demand my attention as does a low flying, noisy, sometimes hovering helicopter (I am a fixed-wing pilot.) I personally feel that flying below the rim subjects a pilot to a decision he cannot make – ie., a safe emergency landing. Five hundred feet above the rim might give him a chance to get down safely.
123. A major value in backpacking into the Grand Canyon is solitude. Low-flying aircraft destroy, at least temporarily, the peace and quiet, and the feeling of remoteness, that constitutes solitude.
124. I and many others in my group experienced a low-flying military aircraft that created a sonic boom. It was definitely inappropriate in the canyon.
125. I personally don’t see the need to fly over (at a low level) especially when you can backpack into the canyon. I feel there should be more backpacking and less mules and aircraft.
126. The aircraft involved on the Kanab trip flew so low, fast, and were so loud that everyone in the party was momentarily frightened. Horses would have spooked. Other flights – jets and small planes – tend to interrupt the wilderness experience.
127. (1). Noise, noise, and more noise: eliminates sense of isolation; cannot hear for rocks falling or gauge approach of thunder storms; can’t hear birds. In times and places silence is an essential part of the canyon/desert experience.
(2) Visually intrusive – especially from rim and upper South Kaibab and Tonto (Bright Angel Corridor. ED.)
Far and away, the most intrusive are the helicopters because they are noisier and slower moving. Ideally all planes should be banned except for emergencies. Reluctantly, I accept the need for aircraft use for administrative and scientific activities provided they are used sparingly. For example, a daily patrol of the backcountry would seem unnecessary. Also, if it happens to be helicopter trash day when you are hiking from Monument to Indian Gardens, the experience can be most unpleasant. Indeed, we were plagued for several hours one morning by helicopter noise in the Hermit-Monument area on a previous trip. While our Bass Canyon trip was relatively aircraft-free, perhaps because of the crummy weather, other days on the South Rim, South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails this year were marred by excessive numbers of aircraft. The entire Park should be closed to tourist and siqhtseeing aircraft under say 20,000 feet at all times! The National Park Service should reject the notion that all means of park visitation are appropriate simply because enough people will pay to make it profitable. Surely someone would like to put in a rim-to-rim cable car and it would blight a lot less of the canyon than sightseeing aircraft do at the present. The point is that preservation of the integrity of the landscape in the largest sense of the word should be a primary objective and limitation of visitor access to those that can accept this mission is appropriate. Aircraft should go.
128. The frequent flights detract from the wilderness experience and violate the very essence of the canyon. Rim access is more than adequate for the casual visitor to enjoy the canyon. Without aircraft, James Watt would have seen the whole canyon.
129. I am concerned with the amount of air traffic near the canyon and I did find it distracting while in such primitive areas. I don’t know what can be done to help with the distraction it causes but I believe no commercial tours should go near the inside of the canyon.
130. Detracts from wilderness experience, solitude. Not nearly as restricted as other activities, like backpacking, river running. Helicopters and airplanes in the vicinity of Thunder River are terrible.
131. Bad experiences with Phantom Creek Canyon and Thunder River area especially with echo chamber effects with helicopters.
132. Solitude is disrupted! It seemed like being next to an airport! That feeling of “getting away from it all” was lost. Silence is an intricate part of wilderness which also should be preserved. Please get the aircraft out!
133. I do feel strongly that aircraft should not be permitted to fly over the wilderness areas of the Grand Canyon due to the disruption of the atmosphere, such as air pollutants, noise pollutants, visual eye sore. Only for the purpose of medical, or environmental hazard, should this be allowed to continue.
134. If the planes made no sound, they would be fine, but as they hinder the backwoods experience of those willing to sweat to get it, let them get their cheap thrills elsewhere.
135. Aircraft penetrate almost every portion of airspace in the country, though most is benign or unnoticed due to relative noise and population of most areas. My opinion is that some areas, specifically parks and natural areas, could and should be kept aircraft free for those willing to use their bodies to propel themselves to remote areas. Some people are incapable of using self-propulsion, through disability or sloth, and it has always been that way!! Let’s make the reward rewarding for those able and willing to grunt it to someplace, and the rest can view it from the parking lots, view areas, rims, roads, and their cars. We all know there’s enough of those as it is, to keep that segment happy. Non-essential aircraft just makes the experience mediocre for everyone.
136. While hiking across the Tonto (Plateau. ED.) from various points on the North and South Rim – the noise pollution of flying aircraft is very disrupting. The sound of an engine, be it on an airplane or a river raft is completely unnecessary and an invasion of the complete canyon experience.
137. The only aircraft I have ever been disturbed greatly by while backpacking is low-flying military aircraft. This experience did not occur in the Grand Canyon. However, having lived beneath an Air Force Base route for four years, I am fairly immune to all but the most obnoxious aircraft!
138. Noise from small aircraft below the rim and from helicopters in the Inner Gorge detract from the wilderness experience.
139. On both my trips in the canyon I was disturbed in the quiet of early morning by aircraft. The awesome serenity along the Boucher Trail by Dripping Springs was repeatedly destroyed by planes diving from the plateau into the canyon to impress their customers.
140. I would not want to restrict tourism-by-air from the canyon but I would like to see it curtailed. Solitude and serenity are very important parts of the wilderness experience – they’re negatively affected by aircraft.
141. While I don’t feel that aircraft should be banned altogether because they provide a different experience of the canyon, I do feel that they intrude on the silence and solitude of the canyon which is one of the main reasons why I go. There has got to be a happy medium between a total ban and the situation as it stands now.
142. I was once rescued by a helicopter (not in Grand Canyon) so can appreciate their value in medical emergency. Also, they seem justified if otherwise used for park preservation and improvement. However, the annoyance and noise and disruption of peace and serenity seem to me to outweigh the pleasure of “scenic flights.”
143. I have seen aircraft but have never heard one. They have not interfered with my hiking enjoyment in any way.
144. The aircraft issue is a complicated one. Several ideas beyond those listed might lessen the number of aircraft and make their continued presence of greater benefit to the canyon.
(1) Requiring the commercial tour services to maintain a file and restricting the frequency that an individual might take a tour (perhaps once every five years or perhaps once in a lifetime.,)
(2) Adding a surcharge to each passenger’s fare which goes to the Park Service for maintenance – an extra 10 dollars per head would help a great deal, I’m sure. The higher price should lessen the demand somewhat.
(3) Have a progressive fare schedule for repeat flyers; $10 surcharge for the first flight, $20 second flight, $50 third flight, etc.
145. The noise is quite bothersome, as is the color and visual impact of helicopters, since they may fly so low. Small aircraft not so bad. Silence is one of the awesome attributes of the backcountry.
146. Visual and noise pollution from the aircraft is ridiculous in such a beautiful setting.
147. Interrupts the solitude and creates a feeling of commercialism.
148. I have spent considerable time in Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Tetons, Yellowstone (sometimes four weeks at a time) and nowhere are the low-flying aircraft as annoying as at Grand Canyon. I left earlier than I had planned because of sight-seeing aircraft. How can you get any feel of backcountry or peace and quiet with continual aircraft noise. High-flying commercial jets may cause a slight annoyance but they aren’t the problem. Sightseeing aircraft are bad. Although mules kick up a lot of dust they do offer a way for persons in poor physical shape to get into the canyon. So keep out aircraft.
149. Aircraft travel in the canyon has never bothered me that much on my trips into the canyon. I feel that the level of traffic should not increase any more than at the present. If the level of traffic needs to be reduced, I think that the allowable flight ceilings for commercial and military air traffic should be raised. Tours, inspections, etc. should all be reduced on an equal basis. Rescue flights I feel are a necessity, especially considering the heavy usage of the Inner Canyon. I don’t think that elimination of air traffic in the canyon is necessary.
150. I enjoyed my flight over the canyon, and the number of planes I saw/heard while in the canyon did not detract from my backpacking experience – I didn’t think there were that many (living near an airport has probably acclimated me to where I don’t really hear or see aircraft unless I am paying specific attention to them.)
151. You lose the concept of wilderness by noise and clutter of aircraft. We need to protect our environment and must ensure that the wilderness effect is not disturbed.
152. Noise and sight interruptions, too many aircraft. Significantly diminishes quality of a deep canyon hiking experience.
I have considerable Grand Canyon hiking experience and the trip this past summer was the worst as far as being disturbed by aircraft – everyday – and one very low-flying helicopter.
153. Not everybody can or wants to backpack to see the Grand Canyon so aircraft sightseeing tours should be permitted, but perhaps they could be limited to only certain portions of the canyon.
154. I like to take photographs on my backpack trips and I find that jet trails from commercial airliners ruin many beautiful views.
155. I like to know that there’s a helicopter around to help you if you run out of water or get lost. It would be a good idea to have them make regular rounds of the canyon, especially towards the bottom and around the East Rim area.
156. Low level flight aircraft create a noise hazard which upsets the security and pleasure of backcountry and wilderness camping. Also, this same type of aircraft increases chance of safety hazard, especially helicopters.
157. I feel that the Grand Canyon is best enjoyed in its natural state. Unnatural sounds – like aircraft – detract from this.
158. My responses were based on my experience in April. I can clearly see that later in the year the increase in traffic of all kinds might make for real problems.
159. Noise and subsequent visual appearance is somewhat of a distraction.
160. People should be allowed to experience the canyon in more than one way. If aircraft damage the canyon significantly then their use should be limited.
But, hiker use also hurts the environment. It is good that there is more than one way to experience the canyon.
161. The Grand Canyon is a huge beautiful place. I believe all persons who wish to see the canyon should not be excluded. Schedule times and/or dates are my preference. There are lots of places to hike in Arizona where there are no aircraft, no people, no rangers, no rules, etc.
162. Intermittent aircraft and distant helicopter noise is OK. I don’t like to see jet vapor trails as it screws up my pictures which always include lots of sky. I don’t like to hear nearby helicopters – I don’t like to hear aircraft and distant helicopters more than ten percent of the time.
I think Grand Canyon National Park should establish an airplane flight path, even at a low safe level, and a separate helicopter path/set-down area in areas where backpackers don’t frequent. The amount of enjoyment could increase to visitors who cannot (or maybe will not) hike in. I don’t want to see things screwed up for us backpackers but some of us are a bunch of #*%%$# elitists!
163. The amount of noise should be limited to only instances in the canyon that have a life-threatening situation.
164. Very concerned about noise – has no place in a wilderness experience. There is hardly any place to get away from aircraft noise (note that Big Bend National Park has almost no aircraft noise while Joshua Tree National Monument is dominated by continuous aircraft traffic and noise – how I wish I could go to Big Bend more often!)
165. It gave one hope to know that someone was alive and feeling no pain.
166. I don’t like the noise pollution.
167. I have experienced the intrusion of low-flying (less than 50 feet) aircraft on saddles (Shiva) and rims (Swamp Point, etc.) at 10 to 20 per hour and object to both the noise and visual distraction.
Enforce or pass laws which would have all aircraft stay several thousand feet above all rims, saddles, pinnacles, and floors of Grand Canyon permanently preventing less than 50 foot fly-overs of canyon foot visitors.
168. Aircraft intrusion was not a problem in April, but judging from the number of unused craft on the apron could be serious during summer. Flew commercial jet from Seattle to Las Vegas to canyon rim and return – did not have car and could not have done trip without air service to the rim.
169. The canyon is a place of extreme scenic beauty. The noise of the aircraft greatly distracts from the potential enjoyment of the canyon. Restricting them to eliminate the noise and disturbance is essential. If they could be modified with better noise-abatement systems, it would be tolerable.
170. It’s nice feeling like your away from civilization, away from the daily problems and fast-paced life, away from the high-tech., back to nature, appreciating nature, and confronting nature, and every half-hour a plane flies over. It’s just a real contrast and a real pain and a distraction. If flights are scheduled only for early morning and late evening while hikers are in camp I believe it would not be as noticed.
171. Stop trying to regulate everything.
172. Reverberating effects within the canyon but especially side canyons. A single aircraft could be heard long after passing over a given point and emanating therewith.
173. There are few “wilderness” areas, especially in California and the west (Alaska is a possible exception) where the quiet and the wilderness experience aren’t marred by aircraft overflight.
174. I have a pilot’s license and so favor the aircraft.
175. What are you people trying to do, justify a restriction on aircraft? I read this as a neutral and believe me this is an extremely biased questionnaire.
176. The purpose of a National Park area is to create a wilderness area – untouched by modern conveniences – airplanes destroy the quiet and natural feeling which we work so hard to keep in our park areas.
177. While being in Grand Canyon, I feel thousands of miles away from my everyday world. The ever-present buzz of planes and helicopters is annoying enough to spoil that feeling.
Some parts of the canyon not used much by hikers could be open to airborne tourism, while the hiking areas are made off-limits to aircraft.
178. I was raised in a quiet rural area. I have never become completely accustomed to the noise of Phoenix nor of our computer age (employed at Honeywell.) The quiet of my surroundings when I am backpacking is important to me. I do feel that aircraft should be limited in Grand Canyon National Park.
End of comments for the question “If you felt strongly about aircraft, one way or the other, what are your reasons for feeling this way?”
Mi Mayan Hamaca 