HAI President Matt Zuccaro and Government Affairs Vice President Ann Carroll on Thursday met with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)to discuss concerns of air tour operators, especially those who operate over Grand Canyon National Park. With Zuccaro and Carroll for the meeting were Alan Stephen and John Becker of Papillon Helicopters, and Brian Brusa of Maverick Helicopters.

HAI members who operate air tours over the Grand Canyon have been gravely concerned by legislative action that has given the National Park Service authority to restrict flights over the park. Language to mitigate some of the potential negative effects of the National Park Service authority has been added to a Highway authorization bill passed last week by the Senate.

Differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill will need to be resolved by a conference committee.