FAA Immediate Release:

Reagan Airport Safety Improvements

Executive Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing new safety measures around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in response to recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The FAA is also expanding its safety review to other airports with similar risks.

Key Provisions

• Helicopter Operations Restriction:

• The FAA is permanently restricting non-essential helicopter operations near DCA.
• Helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft will no longer share traffic routes.

• Route Closure:

• Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge will be permanently closed.
• The FAA will evaluate alternative helicopter routes as recommended by the NTSB.

• Urgent Helicopter Missions:

• If a helicopter must fly through the airspace for urgent missions such as lifesaving medical, priority law enforcement, or Presidential transport, the FAA will ensure these helicopters maintain specific distances from airplanes.

• Runway Use Restrictions:

• The simultaneous use of Runways 15/33 and 4/22 will be prohibited when urgent helicopter missions are operating near DCA.

• Visual Separation Limits:

• The FAA will limit the use of visual separation to specific Coast Guard, Marine, and Park Police helicopter operations outside restricted airspace.

• Ongoing Safety Review:

• The FAA will continue working with the NTSB-led investigation and adjust measures as needed to maintain public safety.

• Broader Airport Safety Measures:

• The FAA is analyzing airports with high volumes of mixed traffic, particularly in eight major cities:
• Boston
• New York
• Baltimore-Washington area
• Detroit
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• The FAA is also reviewing helicopter operations along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
• Corrective action plans will be developed for identified risks.

Source: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-statement-ntsb-recommendations-dca