FAA changes flight restrictions for President's visit
-
Flight restrictions when the President comes to town impact tour companies in the Las Vegas area. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- When the President comes to town, flight restrictions go into effect at local airports. But for the first time, the FAA is making some exceptions so local tour companies can still operate.
For some people, the highlight of their trip to Las Vegas is a flight with Maverick Helicopters.
"There's many people who come to Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon," says Bryan Kroten, Vice President of Marketing for Maverick. "We're able to get them to that destination, the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world."
In the past, those flights have been grounded when the president came to town. But this time, things will be different.
"Maverick, along with some other tour companies, government agencies, including TSA, FAA, came up with a great plan that will work for everyone," Kroten says.
From September 30 through October 3, the FAA will staff a temporary air traffic control tower at the Jean airport and allow eight companies to fly in and out of there on Grand Canyon tours.
Maverick will have to transport their guests to Jean.
"It's not the same as a normal operating day," says Kroten. "But anything is better than the ultimate of having to close for those days."
The Secret Service and other government agencies have been working on this plan for months, but this is the first time they're putting it into action. The TSA will also provide agents, so companies will be able to provide tours of the Strip at night.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.