FAA Makes Temporary Airspace Rules Permanent After Deadly Airliner and Helicopter Collision
The FAA has announced that temporary safety rules implemented after the January 29 collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter near Washington D.C. will become permanent. These rules prohibit helicopters and airplanes from sharing airspace around Reagan National Airport and require military aircraft to broadcast their locations.
The NTSB is set to hold a hearing next Tuesday to discuss factors contributing to the crash, which resulted in 67 fatalities. Families of the victims are advocating for legislative action on NTSB recommendations to prevent future incidents.
The new regulations will take effect on Friday and reinforce the requirement for military aircraft to use ADS-B Out systems. The NTSB indicated that the Black Hawk helicopter involved was operating above the designated altitude and had a likely faulty altimeter. Air traffic controllers had previously warned of safety risks in the area, noting 85 near misses prior to the crash.
