Figures at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are considering introducing permanent restrictions on helicopters flying near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), according to The Wall Street Journal.
Speaking to those familiar with developments, The Wall Street Journal reported that rules prohibiting helicopter flights around landing commercial aircraft would form part of a plan to increase long term safety in Washington DC.
On February 4, 2025, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) to restrict helicopter traffic over the Potamic River near DCA.
The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) said: “If a lifesaving medical, active law enforcement, active air defense, or presidential transport helicopter mission must operate in this restricted area, civilian aircraft will not be allowed in the area to prevent potential conflicts in this airspace. The mix of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operating in the affected area at the same time will not be permitted.”
The latest TFR built on flight restrictions introduced on January 29, 2025, immediately after the Washington DC tragedy involving an American Eagle aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter.
According to The Wall Street Journal, officials will look again at flight restrictions in the area after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) releases its preliminary accident investigation report.
On February 11, 2025, the NTSB advised that it had completed on-scene documentation of the recovered PSA Airlines operated Bombardier CRJ700 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk wreckage.
“Further examination and download of components will occur as needed at NTSB laboratories or manufacturer facilities,” the agency said. “The Helicopter Operations and Human Performance group is continuing their fact-gathering activities and completing interviews of Army aviation personnel.”
On January 29, 2025, a US Army Black Hawk and a PSA Airlines operated plane collided as the passenger jet was about to land in Washington DC.
There were 60 passengers and four aircraft crew on board the American Eagle flight and three US Army soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter. It has since been confirmed that all were killed.
On February 4, 2025, the NTSB confirmed that the US Army Black Hawk was at 300 feet (rounded to the nearest 100 feet) at the time of the collision, but additional information to verify data points from the helicopter was still needed.
On February 11, 2025, a restriction limiting aircraft landings at DCA to 26 arrivals an hour was increased to 28.
