DOI OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES MEMORANDUM (OPM) - 56
Subject: Grand Canyon National Park - Special Flight Rules Area
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: November 10, 2022
Expiration Date: December 31, 2026
1. Summary of Changes. None.
2. Background. The Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area (GCNP SFRA), 14 CFR Part 93, Subpart U, extends from the surface to 17,999 feet MSL and affects all aircraft operations. This includes tour, general aviation, airline, military,...
3. Purpose. This OPM establishes policy requiring DOI bureaus to use the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued to DOI to conduct flight operations within the GCNP SFRA.
5. Policy.
United States Department of the Interior
Office of Aviation Services
300 E Mallard Drive, Suite 200
Boise, Idaho 83706-3991
DOI OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES MEMORANDUM (OPM) - 56 Subject: Grand Canyon National Park - Special Flight Rules Area Effective Date: January 1, 2026 Last Updated: November 10, 2022 Expiration Date: December 31, 2026 1. Summary of Changes. None.
2. Background. The Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area (GCNP SFRA), 14 CFR Part 93, Subpart U, extends from the surface to 17,999 feet MSL and affects all aircraft operations. This includes tour, general aviation, airline, military, and other government agency aircraft.
3. Purpose. This OPM establishes policy requiring DOI bureaus to use the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued to DOI to conduct flight operations within the GCNP SFRA.
4. Authority. This policy is established by the Director, Department of the Interior, Office of Aviation Services (OAS) in accordance with the provisions of Departmental Manual 112 DM 12, 350 DM 1; and Secretarial Order 3322 dated August 23, 2012.
5. Policy.
A. All DOI bureaus that have operational control of aircraft that conduct flight operations within the GCNP SFRA shall conduct those flight operations in accordance with the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued to the Department of the Interior (July 27, 1989).
B. All DOI bureaus that use end product contracts that conduct flight operations within the GCNP SFRA shall issue specifications that require the contractor or cooperator conduct those flight operations within the GCNP SFRA in accordance with the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued to the Department of the Interior (July 27, 1989).
C. All DOI bureaus whose mission preplanning indicates that they will cross, or approach commercial air tour operator routes shall not conduct those missions unless additional authorization has been received from the DOI GCNP SFRA oversight office at 208-433- 5077.
OPM - 56 Page 2 D. Flight crews operating for DOI in the GCNP SFRA shall have a thorough understanding of Federal Aviation Regulation 93, Subpart U, and must successfully complete online training and testing for authorization prior to entering this special use airspace. Upon successful completion of the training and testing program at <http://www.iat.gov>, an FAA form 7711-1 authorization will be electronically generated for each pilot-in-command (PIC).
This authorization must accompany pilots whenever they are operating aircraft in the GCNP SFRA. Each PIC is responsible for complying with the electronically generated FAA form 7711-1 and all “special provisions.” FAA form 7711-1 does not constitute a waiver to deviate from other applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, such as "see-and- avoid" responsibilities and other portions of Part 91, etc.
The information in the online training program meets the FAA requirements of the waiver for training, testing, and record keeping.
For questions regarding the implementation of the online training process, call the OAS Training Division, DOI Office of Aviation Services, Boise, ID, 208-433-5090 For questions regarding flight operations within the GCNP SFRA, call the GCNP SFRA Coordinator, DOI Office of Aviation Services, Boise, ID, 208-433-5077.
Susan E. Bates Director, Office of Aviation Services