Exploring spatial patterns of overflights at Bryce Canyon National Park
Olstad TA , Peterson BA, Hutchinson JS, Beeco JA , Joyce D. 2024. Exploring spatial patterns of overflights at Bryce Canyon National Park. Science Report. NPS/SR—2024/149. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2304315
This study explored spatial patterns of overflights at Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA). Overflights were analyzed from August 14, 2023 to March 12, 2024 using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Phase 1 of analysis focused on all overflights and found airspace use was predominantly by commuter traffic along major flight paths. Phase 2 of analysis focused on low-level overflights that fly below 11,500 ft mean sea level (MSL) and fly within 10-miles of the BRCA boundary. It found that most flights occurred between 9,500–10,500 ft MSL. Flights below 8,500 ft MSL concentrated around the Bryce Canyon Airport just outside the park and the main scenic amphitheater within the park. Phase 3 of analysis removed all overflights that were civil patrol flights, major airlines, and survey flights. The remaining flights were low-level overflights, including air tours. Kernel density analysis revealed that these flights were most concentrated in the northwest corner of the park at an altitude interval of was 501–1,000 ft above ground level (AGL). The greatest percentage of flights were between 1,500–2,000 ft AGL, clustered over the main amphitheater and Fairyland / Tropic Ditch. Midday was the most popular time of day for overflights. Two thirds of the flights were by fixed-wing single engine aircraft, with relatively few rotorcraft. This information can be used for planning and management purposes, as well as a resource and baseline for future research.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Olstad, Tyra; Peterson, Brian; Hutchinson, J. M.; Beeco, J.; Joyce, Damon
- Date of Issue
- 2024-06
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2304315
- Units
- BRCA , NRSS , NSNSD
- Keywords
- ADS-B, Air tours, Aircraft, spatial analysis
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Soundscape | Soundscape