Review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the incident. 

The FAA is taking a series of steps to improve safety around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that follows the NTSB’s recommendations. FAA Statement on NTSB Recommendations for DCA. 

FAA Statement on Updated DCA Helicopter Charts

As part of the FAA’s continuous efforts to improve safety in the National Capital Region, the agency has published modifications to helicopter zones and routes around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

The new safety measures do not change permanent restrictions, route closures and procedures for urgent missions announced in March after the NTSB preliminary recommendations. The FAA requires all aircraft operating around DCA to broadcast their position and identification using ADS-B Out, with very limited exceptions.  

The boundaries of Zones 3 and 4 were reduced in size, moving them farther away from the airport, ensuring required safe separation between helicopters and other aircraft. A new Broad Creek Transition has been established for helicopters traveling south of the airport, creating greater vertical separation from commercial aircraft on final approach to the airport. The updated chart is effective June 12, 2025. 

The FAA hosted stakeholder engagement meetings with the Department of Defense, DC Metropolitan Police and medical helicopter operators, and participated in Congressional and community engagement to discuss route changes. The FAA issued these changes as part of the standard charting schedule, which occurs every 56 days. The digital copy was available about 20 days before the effective date. Pilots must ensure they are using current and accurate aeronautical data for safety and compliance. Additionally, the FAA trained all local air traffic controllers.  

The agency continues to assess safety data and areas of risk in the Baltimore-Washington area, as well as other cities that have airports with high volumes of mixed traffic.  

April 2, 2025

Statement 
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing support and oversight for the air traffic controller team at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The FAA is also evaluating current arrival rates at DCA.

To support the well-being of controllers, a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team will visit DCA in early April, offering confidential support for staff following stressful events. The FAA will also conduct regular wellness checks at the facility.

Additional Actions:

• Increase Operational Supervisor staffing from six to eight
• Review Certified Professional Controller staffing numbers at DCA
• Review DCA’s arrival rate of aircraft per hour, which is disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour

February 11, 2025

Statement
Runways 4/22 and 15/33 at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) have reopened and we have increased the hourly arrival rate to 28 aircraft. The restrictions on helicopter traffic around DCA remain in effect.

You can look up real-time airport status here.

Background
The regular maximum hourly arrival rate for DCA is 32. The NTSB is leading the investigation into the Jan. 29 accident and will provide all updates. We cannot comment on any aspect of open investigations. 

February 7, 2025

The FAA is clarifying the restrictions on helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). We issued the clarifications based on feedback from air traffic controllers and helicopter operators. We are not changing the initial restrictions. The restrictions on simultaneous fixed wing and helicopter operations within this airspace remain in place and retain the same level of airspace safety. The revised TFR graphic clarifying the restrictions can be viewed here and airspace NOTAM #: 5/1069.

February 6, 2025

On January 31, at Secretary Duffy’s direction, the FAA began restricting helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and stretching to Wilson Bridge. These restrictions will remain in place until the NTSB completes its preliminary investigation of the air carrier incident at which point it will be reviewed based on NTSB’s report.
 
Additionally, we have also begun reviewing other airports with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic nearby.
 
FAA investigators are closely supporting the NTSB-led investigation and we will quickly take any additional necessary actions and conduct appropriate reviews based on the evidence.

January 31, 2025

With the support of President Trump and in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, effective today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will restrict helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and stretching to Wilson Bridge. These restrictions will remain in place until the NTSB completes its preliminary investigation of the air carrier incident at which point it will be reviewed based on NTSB’s report. Review the full announcement.

January 30, 2025

FAA investigators are supporting the NTSB-led investigation of Wednesday night’s midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport. The NTSB is leading the investigation and will provide all updates. We cannot comment on any aspect of open investigations. The FAA will quickly take any actions necessary based on evidence from the investigation.

January 29, 2025

A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.