Faa Restricts Helicopter Routes In Dc Region

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday announced it would restrict helicopter routes in the Washington region following a deadly collision this week between an Army Black Hawk and a commercial jet airliner that killed 67 people.

The FAA said it would restrict helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., where the crash occurred on Wednesday night.

The restricted areas include the Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin; Haines Point to Wilson Bridge; and over the top of National Airport.

Restrictions will remain in place until a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report is completed, which is expected within roughly 30 days. At that point, the FAA said a review will determine next steps.

There are some exemptions to the restriction, including lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense, or presidential transport helicopter missions, the FAA said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the decision "will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic."

"This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding our nation’s skies and upholding the highest standards of air travel safety," he said in a statement. "We will continue to support President Trump’s directive to achieve uncompromised aviation safety. The American people deserve full confidence in our aviation system and today’s action is a significant step towards restoring that trust."

Not much is known about the crash as the military, FAA and NTSB scramble to understand why the helicopter flew into the American Airlines flight returning to National Airport from Kansas with 64 passengers and crew, none of whom are believed to have survived after crashing into the Potomac River.

The Pentagon has temporarily grounded the 12th Aviation Battalion responsible for operating the Black Hawk.

The Army on Friday also identified two of three soldiers who were operating the Black Hawk when it crashed.

The Army identified Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Ga., and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Md., in a press release.

The Army said it would not at this time identify the third soldier, who is believed to be a captain, according to the ranks released by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Erika Holownia, commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion that operated the Black Hawk, said "each of our fallen Soldiers were exceptional leaders and teammates. Their legacy and honorable service to our Nation will forever remain."

"As we mourn this tragic loss, our top priority is supporting their families, friends, and fellow Soldiers," Holownia said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families and friends of American Eagle Flight 5342."