FAA increases supervisor staffing and reviews procedures at Reagan National Airport

The FAA has also responded to recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) by taking measures to alter air traffic operations in and around the airport. This includes restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations and flight path adjustments to reduce risks. The FAA is also implementing new protocols for helicopters on urgent missions, such as life-saving medical or law enforcement operations.

"The FAA is focusing on other airports facing high volumes of mixed traffic," expanding assessments to eight cities, including Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as the US Gulf Coast and offshore helicopter operations.

In the wake of the collision, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran highlighted safety concerns, stating, “Not a single month went by without at least one close call between a helicopter and a commercial jet operating at DCA.”

At a recent Senate hearing, FAA acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged deficiencies that contributed to the tragic incident, admitting, “Something was missed at the DCA crash. I take that seriously. I take that on myself.”

The FAA is committed to working closely with the NTSB to understand what occurred and to prevent future incidents.