Following a federal review triggered by the tragic January mid-air crash between a military helicopter and a passenger jet in Washington, D.C., significant safety issues have been identified at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.
This disaster claimed the lives of 64 individuals aboard the American Airlines Flight 5342 en route to Reagan Washington National Airport and the three crew members of the Black Hawk helicopter, marking the deadliest air accident in the United States since 2001.
In response to this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a nationwide assessment of “hotspot” airports, which feature a mix of air traffic from various aircraft types.
Chris Rocheleau, the Acting FAA Administrator, stated that after conducting their review, immediate measures were taken to improve safety at Harry Reid International Airport.
Local helicopter operators had previously been instructed to avoid the arrival and departure corridors used by airplanes; however, these critical areas were found to lack both vertical and lateral measurements.
Furthermore, it was noted that tower controllers did not provide traffic advisories for the return trips of tourist helicopters intersecting with commercial air traffic.
Rocheleau emphasized the FAA’s swift actions, stating, “We took quick action, including exercising positive control over the helicopters and issuing more traffic advisories to pilots. As a result, the number of traffic alert and collision avoidance system reports decreased by 30 percent in just three weeks.”
Plans for further action include addressing safety protocols at additional airports in and around Las Vegas as well as in other regions, such as Hollywood Burbank Airport and Van Nuys Airport located 10 miles apart in the greater Los Angeles area.
These airports share closely spaced arrival and departure paths for a diverse mix of aircraft.
Pilot and aviation expert Reed Yadon commented on the FAA’s focus on improving communication within the busy airspace surrounding Harry Reid.
“I think in the case of Harry Reid, they were a little bit concerned about helicopters coming back inbound and mixing, remixing with fixed-winged aircraft. I think they were concerned about separation procedures and the communication procedures,” Yadon explained to NBC affiliate KSNV of Las Vegas.
The Clark County Department of Aviation, which manages Harry Reid International Airport, directed all inquiries regarding safety concerns to the FAA.
The FAA previously announced a permanent ban on non-essential helicopter flights around Reagan Washington National Airport following the January crash and committed to assessing areas with high traffic congestion from different aircraft types.
At a recent roundtable discussion, Rocheleau highlighted that potential collisions between helicopters and planes are just one of many hazards in aviation, adding that “the top causes of accidents are loss of control and striking an object during low-altitude operations.”
He also noted the dangers of intentionally or unintentionally flying into adverse weather conditions.
Rocheleau mentioned that this ongoing initiative was already underway months before the unfortunate Hudson River helicopter crash in New York earlier this month, where six people tragically lost their lives.
Following the New York incident, helicopter flights in the area were grounded and the involved flight operator announced its closure.
A rulemaking committee comprising aircraft manufacturers, air tour operators, and aviation safety experts has been established to address these issues.
The committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on May 20 and aims to provide recommendations to the FAA by late September 2025.
“While flying remains the safest mode of transportation, we must always strive to do better,” Rocheleau remarked.
He emphasized the need to identify trends and utilize data effectively, stressing the importance of implementing corrective actions when necessary.
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, representing some families affected by the January crash in Washington, has welcomed the FAA’s proactive measures to enhance safety protocols.
“As a frequent critic of the FAA, I must say that the FAA deserves recognition for taking these steps to protect the traveling public,” Cliffords said, acknowledging the inherent risks associated with helicopter travel.
He concluded by asserting that heightened vigilance from the FAA could ultimately save numerous lives.
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