Introduction
(Reuters) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Tuesday the decision to make permanent restrictions on helicopters flying near Washington Reagan National Airport. This decision follows a mid-air collision that occurred in January, resulting in the tragic loss of 67 lives.
Safety Recommendations
Mr. Duffy responded to an urgent safety recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which highlighted the “risk of mid-air collisions between helicopters.” The NTSB’s recommendation urged the creation of an alternate route for helicopters when the two secondary runways at Reagan National are operational.
NTSB’s Concerns
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that the previous rules for these lesser-used runways posed “an intolerable risk to aviation safety,” citing potential separation of just 75 feet between a helicopter and a plane.
Aftermath of the January Crash
Following the January 29 crash involving an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River, the FAA temporarily restricted helicopter operations near Reagan National, located in Arlington, Virginia.
The crash, which had no survivors, led to wreckage plunging into the river. In response, the FAA imposed interim restrictions preventing civilian planes from sharing airspace with helicopters during certain operations.
Industry Recommendations
Airlines for America, representing major U.S. carriers, urged the FAA to permanently reduce helicopter traffic around the airport, suggesting a suspension of nearby helicopter routes except for essential military or medical emergencies.
FAA’s Ongoing Review
The FAA is conducting a review of helicopter routes near other airports to ensure safety. Mr. Duffy has advocated for ending non-essential military helicopter flights near Reagan National, stating, “If we have generals who are flying in helicopters for convenience through this airspace, that’s not acceptable.”
