Feds announce new DC-area restrict aims to ensure airspace safety

An aerial view of Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a presidential memorial in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States. The neoclassical building was designed by John Russell Pope. It was built by Philadelphia contractor John McShain. Construction began in 1939, the building was completed in 1943, and the bronze statue of Jefferson was added in 1947. (Carol M. Highsmith's America, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)

Too little too late?

With President Trump’s backing and in consultation with the secretary of defense, the Federal Aviation Administration will restrict helicopter traffic over the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Wilson Bridge.

These areas include:

  • Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin
  • Haines Point to Wilson Bridge
  • Over the top of DCA

The announcement follows the midair collision on Wednesday, Jan. 29, between American Eagle Flight 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., and a military helicopter. The American flight, a CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines, was about to lane at Reagan National when it collided with a United States Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

All 60 people aboard the American flight — 60 passengers and four crewmembers — and three aboard the chopper died.

The restriction, which takes effect today, exempts helicopters entering this airspace for lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense, or presidential transport helicopter missions that must operate in this restricted area. Any helicopter operations outside these exemptions will be prohibited. These restrictions will remain in place until the NTSB completes its preliminary investigation, at which point it will be reviewed based on the NTSB’s report.

“Today’s decision will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. “This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding our nation’s skies and upholding the highest standards of air travel safety. We will continue to support President Trump’s directive to achieve uncompromised aviation safety. The American people deserve full confidence in our aviation system and today’s action is a significant step towards restoring that trust.”

The head of American Airlines lauded the announcement.

“We are all hurting as we continue to grieve the loss of our passengers and team members. I thank President Trump for his leadership on aviation safety,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a statement. “I applaud him, Secretary Duffy and the Administration for taking quick and decisive action today to restrict helicopter activity around DCA. In the days ahead, we will work tirelessly with the Administration and leaders in Congress to make our aviation system even safer, including by increasing investments in infrastructure, technology and personnel.”

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