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

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

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

Key Takeaways:

The federal government is implementing permanent flight restrictions for certain aircraft types near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) following a fatal midair collision almost a year ago.
The FAA's interim final rule, based on NTSB recommendations, restricts helicopter and powered lift operations in specific areas, notably prohibiting helicopters when runways 15 and 33 are active.
These new regulations are part of broader efforts to enhance aviation safety around the nation's capital, with the public invited to submit comments before a final rule is issued.

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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.