US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is formalising a set of permanent restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift from operating in a number of key areas near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – unless they are conducting essential operations.
The restrictions were put in place immediately following the American Airlines 5342 crash in January 2025, and are now set to be enforced permanently.
The FAA has published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that aims to significantly reduce any midair-collision risks and implement a new National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation that will prohibit certain helicopter operations whilst Runways 15 and 33 are in use.
Whilst the interim final rule took effect yesterday (22 January); the public has been invited to submit written comments, which will be considered prior to the FAA issuing a final rule.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, said:After that horrific night in January, this Administration made a promise to do whatever it takes to secure the skies over our nation’s capital and ensure such a tragedy would never happen again. Today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment.
The safety of the American people will always be our top priority. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the NTSB on any additional actions.
Initially, the FAA took immediate action in order to restrict mixed traffic around DCA, implementing permanent helicopter route changes following recommendations made by the NTSB. Additional actions included:
- Establishment of procedures to eliminate helicopter and fixed-wing mixed traffic near the airport
- A closure of Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge
- Revised agreements with the military to require ADS-B Out broadcasting
- Discontinued take offs from the Pentagon until the FAA and Department of War updated procedures and fixed technical issues at the Pentagon Heliport
- Elimination of the use of visual separation within 5 nautical miles of DCA
- Publishing of modifications to helicopter zones and routes moving them farther away from DCA flight paths
- Increase of support, oversight and staffing at DCA
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, said:We took decisive action immediately following the January 2025 midair collision to reduce risk in the airspace.
This is a key step toward ensuring these improvements remain permanent and we’re continuing to work with the NTSB to ensure an accident like this never happens again.
