Safety concerns prompt the airspace restriction following the January collision that killed 67 people.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a permanent ban on helicopter flights along a route near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, following the investigation of the deadly midair collision between a passenger plane and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people in January. The decision follows recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which warned of ongoing risks due to congested airspace.
While most helicopter operations will be prohibited, exceptions remain for presidential, law enforcement, and emergency medical flights. The FAA will also assess airspace safety in other major cities and offshore helicopter routes, using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify additional risks.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressed the importance of preventing similar accidents by addressing air traffic congestion. The Army’s 12th Aviation Battalion, whose Black Hawk helicopter was involved in the January crash, expressed support for the FAA’s actions and will use alternative routes for its missions.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has requested more information on the Army’s flight practices, including the frequency of missions without transmitting location data, ahead of the Senate Commerce Committee’s hearing to further investigate the crash.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senator Cruz as he chairs the committee investigating the collision and actions to increase air traffic safety.
- For NTSB Chair Homendy as she provides recommendations to federal transportation agencies.
- For Secretary Duffy to be led by the Lord as he heads the Department of Transportation.
- For God’s comfort for the families who lost loved ones in the D.C. midair crash in January.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, MSN, Reuters
