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If you’re out hiking or walking in residential Sedona and experience a low-flying helicopter over forest land, canyons or residential areas, please video the helicopter or take a note to determine time, location and helicopter’s color and number. This provides the necessary information the Sedona airport manager needs to make a complaint to the company. You can then register a complaint with the Sedona Oak Creek Airport Authority (SOCAA). If this link is broken, please contact us.
The voluntary Fly Friendly program initiated by KSB with helicopter tour companies sets limits on where tour helicopters can fly and how high. You can read more about the agreement here.
The Sedona Airport Authority takes violations of the agreement very seriously and works quickly to address them. They will act decisively if you have objective evidence of the violation.
Background
Sedona’s air noise challenges are rooted in complex jurisdictional issues. The airport is owned by Yavapai County, surrounded by City of Sedona land, and regulated by the FAA for in-flight operations. While Sedona has legal precedent for ground noise regulation, efforts to influence airport expansion or operations have been met with resistance from Yavapai County, which has no noise restrictions.
Tourist helicopter flights became a significant nuisance as Sedona grew in popularity. In response, local officials, KSB, the Chamber of Commerce, and helicopter operators developed the voluntary Fly Friendly agreement, aiming to reduce air noise disruptions. This agreement, though limited to helicopter tours, has made a meaningful impact by encouraging operators to adopt quieter practices.
Despite its success, the Fly Friendly program does not address noise from fixed-wing aircraft, leaving a gap in noise control efforts. Continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential to manage these broader challenges and preserve Sedona’s tranquil environment.
Contact Your Elected Officials
To contact local elected officials, refer to the information on this KSB webpage.