Roosevelt, AZ - Tour helicopters and private fixed-wing aircraft have been flying dangerously close to the Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings and other National Park Service archeological sites in Arizona for several years. Studies show flying close to archeological sites, cliff dwellings, and historic structures can cause serious damage to these culturally significant sites. Vibrations from these events can easily destroy or irreparably harm the 700-year-old ceilings and masonry walls of the Lower and Upper Cliff Dwellings at Tonto National Monument.
To protect archeological sites, and other noise sensitive areas, The Federal Aviation Administration advises pilots to fly no lower than 2,000 feet over National Park units. Damage to these sites caused by irresponsible flying can result in civil and criminal penalties.
These sites are part of the shared history of the United States of America and remain an important part of our local communities.These sites are ancestral and sacred places for Native Americans, they support the local tourist economy, and they offer opportunities to discover the fascinating and complicated history we all share. Helicopter companies and private pilots must take a more active role in protecting our heritage resources. Companies must be responsible stewards of archaeological sites and our shared history by flying responsibly and respectfully.
For more information contact:
(928)467-2241 and e-mail us or visit:
https://www.nps.gov/tont
https://www.facebook.com/TontoNPS
https://www.instagram.com/TontoNPS
https://twitter.com/tonto_nps
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov (file://inpmocafs01/public/News%20Release%20Templates%202019/www.nps.gov), and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
