|
NTSB identifies current DCA practice on mil helis and passenger aircraft ‘an intolerable risk’
Deconflict Airplane and Helicopter Traffic in the Vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National AirportThe NTSB's investigation of this accident is ongoing; however, preliminary findings suggest that the existing separation distances between helicopter traffic operating on Route 4 and aircraft landing on runway 33 are insufficient. Therefore, the NTSB concludes that existing separation distances between helicopter traffic operating on Route 4 and aircraft landing on runway 33 are insufficient and pose an intolerable risk to aviation safety by increasing the chances of a midair collision. Therefore, the NTSB recommends that the FAA prohibit operations on helicopter Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge when runways 15 and 33 are being used for departures and arrivals, respectively, at DCA. As noted previously, runway 15/33 only accounts for 5% of departures and 4% of arrivals, respectively, so the prohibition of using Route 4 would likely be infrequent, although it could still negatively impact public safety helicopter operations. Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2025-03-13 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=745809 |