The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken significant action following a fatal mid-air collision that occurred earlier this week. The agency has indefinitely shut down the low-altitude helicopter corridors involved in the tragic incident.
The collision took place between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in the loss of 67 lives. The incident occurred in clear weather conditions, raising concerns about the safety of the airspace in the area.
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was utilizing helicopter Route 4, a specialized corridor designated for law enforcement, medevac, military, and government helicopters flying east of Reagan National Airport. According to FAA charts, helicopters in this corridor are required to maintain an altitude at or below 200 feet above sea level.
The FAA has announced the closure of Route 4, which is located north of the Wilson Bridge connecting Washington D.C. and Virginia. Additionally, Route 1, a helicopter corridor south of the Key Bridge linking Georgetown in D.C. to Rosslyn in Virginia, has also been shut down by the administration.
This decision comes as part of the FAA's efforts to enhance safety measures in the airspace surrounding the nation's capital. By closing these helicopter routes, the FAA aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure the protection of both air travelers and those on the ground.
The closure of these corridors will impact the operations of various helicopter services in the region, including law enforcement, medical evacuation, and military flights. The FAA is working closely with stakeholders to address any potential disruptions caused by the shutdown and to develop alternative flight paths where necessary.
As investigations into the mid-air collision continue, the FAA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies in the skies above the Washington D.C. area.
