FAA Overhauls Helicopter Safety Rules Near Major Airports

Agency cites 2025 midair collision, as well as more recent close calls.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter [Credit: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has issued new rules suspending the use of visual separation for airplanes and helicopters in Class B and Class C airspace, and Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs).
Air traffic controllers are now mandated to use radar for active management, ensuring precise lateral or vertical separation between aircraft.
These changes aim to prevent mid-air collisions and close calls, addressing an identified overreliance on pilot "see and avoid" operations following a fatal accident near Washington, D.C.
The new regulations may lead to increased restrictions, delays, or route adjustments for operators, especially helicopters, but are designed to proactively mitigate risks and enhance safety.

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The FAA has issued new rules governing how airplanes and helicopters operate while close by—a major focus for aviation regulators since the fatal collision of an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., last year.

A general notice announced Wednesday suspends the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters in Class B and Class C airspace, and Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs). Class B airspace surrounds some of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S., while Class C airspace generally covers medium-sized airports.