House Democrats urge Pentagon to decrease air traffic near DCA post fatal crash.
Ten House Democrats, led by Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia, urged the Pentagon to reduce air traffic near Reagan Washington National Airport following a fatal collision in January between an Army helicopter and a passenger plane that claimed the lives of 67 individuals on board. The lawmakers called on the Federal Aviation Administration and the Defense Department to permanently decrease air traffic around DCA, establish a new route for helicopters to avoid residential areas, review current traffic levels, and mandate the use of the ADS-B Out tracking system for pilots in the vicinity. The members emphasized that reducing helicopter traffic would ease airspace congestion and prevent potential conflicts from redirected aircraft. Recently, the FAA announced permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations near DCA, prompted by a National Transportation Safety Board report detailing multiple close encounters between planes and helicopters in the region. A hearing on the incident has been scheduled for March 27, where FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, and Army Aviation Director Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman are expected to testify. Additionally, Senators Jerry Moran and Ted Cruz will lead the examination of the NTSB report.
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