FAA Tightens Helicopter Rules Near DCA After Fatal Collision

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tightened helicopter operation rules near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), introducing new flight boundaries and mandating tracking technology to mitigate midair collision risks in the busy airspace.

The changes follow the Jan. 29 collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342, which tragically claimed the lives of all aboard both aircraft. The accident occurred near the Pentagon, about one mile northwest of DCA.

In response, the FAA has redrawn the boundaries of flight zones 3 and 4, moving them further from the airport to ensure safer separation between helicopters and other aircraft. A new transition route, Broad Creek, was also established for southbound helicopter traffic, providing greater vertical separation from commercial aircraft on final approach. This replaces previous route segments that crossed closer to the Potomac River.

“These safety measures do not alter the permanent restrictions, route closures, or emergency procedures introduced in March following preliminary recommendations from the NTSB,” the FAA clarified.

Since March, the FAA has permanently restricted nonessential helicopter flights near DCA and closed the route used by the Army Black Hawk in January’s crash. Additionally, all aircraft operating near the airport are now required to use ADS-B Out (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast Out) to transmit their position and identification, with limited exceptions.

“Pilots operating around DCA must use ADS-B Out to ensure their position and identification are clearly transmitted, with very few exemptions,” the FAA emphasized.

The FAA has also provided updated training for local air traffic controllers and reminded pilots to rely on precise and current aeronautical information. “Pilots must ensure their aeronautical data is accurate and up-to-date to maintain safety and regulatory compliance,” the agency reiterated.

The new route structure and airspace changes were developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense, the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and medical helicopter operators. Input from the US Congress and local community stakeholders was also considered.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the January 29 incident, is expected to complete its review within a year. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed this timeline during a closed-door meeting with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, according to Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS).