FAA Implements New Helicopter Rules Following January Collision Near Reagan National Airport
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced new helicopter regulations at DCA, Dulles, and BWI Marshall airports following a midair collision in January that resulted in 67 fatalities.
The FAA is making permanent changes instituted after the accident at Reagan National and has updated regulations for helicopter operations near the airports. Authorities stated these revisions aim to enhance safety across the DC area.
Specifically, BWI Marshall will see Route 12 for helicopters shifted to the northwest side of I-95 to maintain greater separation from arriving and departing aircraft. At Dulles Airport, helicopters must now operate at an altitude of 2,000 feet on Route 7, which traverses three of the airport’s runways. This increase of 500 feet is intended to provide additional distance from aircraft conducting go-arounds.
Authorities noted that these changes reflect a broader evaluation of helicopter safety across the United States. In April, similar restrictions were applied near Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas due to concerns over potential collisions between air tour helicopters and other planes.
The FAA emphasized its commitment to ongoing safety improvements in helicopter and airplane operations, with more changes anticipated in the future.