The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a crucial safety recommendation aimed at reducing the risk of mid-air collisions involving helicopters near Washington Reagan National Airport. This move comes in the wake of a tragic incident in January that resulted in the loss of 67 lives.
In a letter addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the NTSB articulated its concerns, stating there is a “risk of mid-air collisions between helicopters,” as reported by Reuters. To mitigate this risk, the NTSB suggests that the FAA establish an alternate flight route for helicopters whenever the two lesser-used runways at Reagan National are operational.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted the gravity of the situation during a recent press conference. She emphasized that the existing rules governing the two secondary runways at Reagan National pose “an intolerable risk to aviation safety,” noting that there could be as little as 23 meters separating a helicopter from an approaching aircraft at these runways.
Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is slated to share insights on these findings in an upcoming press briefing.
The accident involved a Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying a crew of three, colliding with an American Airlines jet that had 64 passengers and crew members on board. Unfortunately, the wreckage from the collision ended up in the river, with no survivors reported.
In the aftermath of this catastrophe, the FAA enacted an interim measure prohibiting civilian aircraft from occupying the same airspace when police, medical, or presidential transportation helicopters are active around Reagan National.
Notably, the NTSB’s latest recommendation would permit helicopter operations while airplanes use Runway 1 at Reagan National, a runway that accommodates approximately 90% of the airport’s air traffic.
The group Airlines for America, which represents major carriers including American Airlines, urged the FAA last week to implement permanent restrictions on helicopter traffic in proximity to the airport. They advocated for the suspension of certain helicopter routes, with limited exceptions for essential military or medical emergencies.
This airline association also called on the FAA to explore options for relocating helicopter routes that could potentially conflict with aircraft operations at Reagan. They have recommended an immediate review of air traffic patterns surrounding major airports.
In his comments, Secretary Duffy has insisted that non-essential military helicopter flights near Reagan National should be halted. “If we have generals who are flying in helicopters for convenience through this airspace, that’s not acceptable,” he asserted. “Get a darn Chevrolet Suburban and drive; you don’t need to take a helicopter.”
This comprehensive evaluation by the NTSB and the FAA is essential in prioritizing safety above all in air transport.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
