FAA Restricts Helicopters, Powered Lift Aircraft Around Washington National

Interim rule implementing NTSB recommendations for the airspace will go into effect on Friday.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 05:15 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Black Hawk helicopter over Washington [Credit: U.S. Air Force/Nicholas A. Priest]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is implementing new permanent restrictions on helicopters and powered lift aircraft operating around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).
These restrictions, which prohibit most helicopter operations when runways 15 and 33 are in use, are based on NTSB recommendations following a fatal midair collision in January 2025.
The measures aim to enhance aviation safety in the nation's capital and build on previous actions, such as closing hazardous helicopter routes and requiring military aircraft to use ADS-B Out in the area.

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Close to one year after a fatal midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., the federal government is moving to permanently restrict certain aircraft types from operating around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that the FAA is formalizing restrictions for helicopters and powered lift aircraft in certain areas near Washington National unless they are conducting essential operations.