Garfield County Commission approves standards and leases to clear way for helicopter tours from Bryce Canyon Airport

The Garfield County Commission on an unspecified date approved minimum airport standards and a set of lease arrangements to allow a helicopter tour operator to begin flying from Bryce Canyon Airport after a presentation by John Power, owner of 5 Star Helicopter Tours, Bryce Canyon Helicopters and Zion Helicopters.

Power told the commission his company operates sightseeing flights for domestic and international visitors and plans to begin operations from Bryce Canyon Airport with a dedicated helicopter "later this month". He described a mix of short sightseeing products, saying, "We're going to keep it to simple tours. We're gonna fly a 15 minute flight, 30 minute flight." The commission approved the county's minimum standards for FAA purposes and a ground-lease form to permit hangars and related improvements.

Commission action followed a roughly half-hour discussion during which Power outlined his company’s operations, safety protocols…