FAA Stops All DCA Traffic When Marine One Nearby

The FAA announced new airspace rules at Reagan Washington National Airport, one of which brings all traffic at the airport to a complete stop when the President is flying nearby on Marine One.

The changes are intended to enhance airspace security, and airlines have adapted by carrying extra fuel in the event of extended holds or diversions to alternate airports. The FAA says delays of up to an hour should be expected.

Other changes at DCA include a reduction in flights per hour, and the elimination of “visual separation,” commonly used to allow helicopters to maintain their own visual separation from other aircraft. They will now be required to maintain “radar separation” of at lease 1.5 miles horizontally and 500 feet vertically from other aircraft.

Washington, D.C. Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton had urged the Pentagon to completely halt all helicopter transports in the National Capital Region except for the president, vice president, and national emergencies. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth she said that convenience for government officials should not come before aviation safety.

The FAA said in a statement, "The new policy provides exceptions for lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense, or presidential helicopter missions. We will review the current policy once the National Transportation Safety Board completes its preliminary investigation."

FMI:  www.faa.gov/