Biplane Tours Over Civil War Battlefield Proposed

Planning to fly out of Shannon Airport in Spotsylvania County, air tour company Helmet and Goggles Adventures has reached a tentative agreement with the FAA and the National Park Service (NPS) to provide tours over Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Tours would be conducted in a restored World War II-era Stearman biplane.

The tentative agreement provides for a maximum of 200 tours annually during daylight hours; a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and no rain.  Other conditions include routes and altitude that can be flown as well as reporting requirements.

The FAA and the NPS have requested public comments on the plan.  The agencies will accept comments through May 20.