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SedonaAirNoise.com
Reducing Helicopter Noise is All About Natural Quiet in Red Rock Country
Seen from the air, spectacular vistas take on a new and beautiful aspect – a unique experience prized by visitors from around the world.
However, noise from helicopter tours is a challenge to sustaining natural quiet, an essential part of the Sedona experience.
Following discussions with teh Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and other partners, in June 2020, Sedona helicopter tour perators made voluntary flight changes that reduce resident and visitor exposure to helicopter noise. Guidance Air and Apex Air follow Fly Friendly guidelines. The agreement is annually reviewed and revised.
- Tours do not overfly the City of Sedona or major resorts and neighborhoods outside the city limits.
- Tour helicopters do not hover above or near sensitive archeological sites.
- Operators are sensitive to the impact of noise on areas sacred to indigenous peoples.
- Operators observe the same protocols near historical heritage sites.
- Tour fly only from 8 a.m. to dusk.
- Adapted takeoff and departure routes from Sedona’s one-runway, non-towered airport atop a west Sedona mesa help reduce perceived noise.
These adaptations are made with safety uppermost in mind and do not diminish the thrilling experience tour operators offer.
Reducing helicopter noise is one of 61 tactics of the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan, a community-crafted plan adopted by the Sedona City Council in 2019. The City of Sedona, Yavapai County, the Sedona Airport Authority, Keep Sedona Beautiful and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau all participated in the negotiations.
You can contribute to Sedona’s sustainability by taking the Sedona Cares Pledge today.
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