Army halts helicopter operations after near-miss incidents at airport
- The Army has paused all helicopter training flights around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following multiple close calls with commercial planes.
- This decision comes after two commercial flights had to abort landings last week due to an Army Black Hawk helicopter's operation.
- The pause reflects ongoing safety concerns in congested airspace and follows a significant midair collision earlier this year.
In the United States, the Army decided to suspend helicopter operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following incidents where two commercial aircraft were forced to abort their landings due to an Army Black Hawk helicopter. This decision comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny over helicopter traffic in the congested airspace surrounding the airport, especially after a tragic midair collision in January 2023 that claimed 67 lives. The commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion emphasized the need for safety, reflecting concerns over the safety measures in place for helicopters operating near commercial flight paths. The events unfolded last Thursday when air traffic control instructed a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to perform go-arounds as an Army helicopter executed an operation near the airport. Both aircraft safely landed on their second attempt, but the urgency of the situation has prompted investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These agencies are scrutinizing how the Army's flight operations are conducted in relation to commercial air traffic and reviewing existing protocols designed to prevent such close calls. Reports indicate that the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved was part of a priority air transport mission, designated to convey top Pentagon officials. However, the FAA had already announced restrictions on helicopter operations in this area due to significant safety concerns. Following the January crash, officials recognized an increase in near-miss incidents in this airspace, highlighting the necessity for stringent regulations and oversight. The recent pause in flight operations, lasting since last Friday, was implemented pending a thorough investigation into these latest incidents. This temporary measure aims to ensure the heightened safety of both commercial flights and military operations in a busy airspace. The Pentagon's frustrations with how federal transportation officials manage air traffic in this region are evident, often exposing the complexities of balancing military operations with commercial air travel safety.