D.C. Midair Triggers FAA Overhaul

Good morning! Apologies for the delay on this newsletter—I’ve been recovering from a week-long illness that landed me in the ER. And, of course, it happened right in the middle of spring break with the family. Perfect timing, right? On a side note, I can now say with absolute certainty: if you’re traveling somewhere warm with just your spouse, it’s a vacation. But if the kids are along for the ride, it’s just a trip. 😆 

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• FAA Rewrites the Rules for Reagan Airspace

• Around the Skies: Fiery landing shocks passengers, Homecoming at last for Starliner crew, Volunteer pilots changing disaster relief, FAA awaits new leadership pick, New Pilatus PC-12 Pro

• PilotTube: The Helicopter: An Engineering Marvel

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

FAA Grounds Nonessential Helicopters at DCA

The FAA is making big changes at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), cutting down on helicopter traffic after the NTSB called for “immediate action” following January’s fatal midair collision. Effective immediately, all “nonessential” helicopter operations are permanently banned, with exceptions only for urgent missions like medical emergencies, law enforcement and presidential flights. To further separate rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, the FAA is barring simultaneous use of runways 15/33 and 4/22 when helicopters are present.

One of the biggest moves is shutting down Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge—the same corridor where the collision occurred. Investigators found that helicopters using this path often had less than 75 feet of vertical separation from commercial airliners, a gap that even the most skilled pilots would agree is uncomfortably close. The NTSB’s preliminary report revealed a troubling history of near misses at KDCA, with over 15,000 incidents between 2021 and 2024 where helicopters and planes got a little too cozy, including 85 cases classified as serious “close calls.”

But the FAA isn’t stopping at Reagan Airport. The agency is now reviewing helicopter operations at other major U.S. airports, including those in New York, Los Angeles and Houston, to see if similar risks exist. To assist in the effort, officials are using artificial intelligence to scan reports, analyze multiple data sources and detect potential collision hotspots before they become real problems.

With more scrutiny on mixed air traffic, these changes could set the stage for tighter helicopter regulations nationwide. While AI helps flag risks, the key to safer airspace will still come down to clear rules, better coordination and enough controllers to manage the traffic.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations, only for a fire to break out as it taxied to the gate. A mayday call was declared, and all 172 passengers evacuated via slides, overwing exits and the jetway. Fourteen passengers sustained minor injuries, while the FAA and NTSB investigate the cause.

🛩️ After spending more than nine months on the ISS—far beyond their planned eight-day mission—NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally returned to Earth yesterday. Their prolonged stay sparked speculation about being stranded, but NASA attributed the delay to safety checks and scheduling. They made their journey home aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, splashing down off the Florida coast at 5:57 p.m. ET.

🛩️ Operation Helo and Robinson Helicopter are partnering to enhance disaster relief by connecting volunteer pilots with real-time rescue and aid missions. Unveiled at Verticon 2025, their new app streamlines pilot coordination, while Robinson supports training and outreach. With cutting-edge tech and a growing network, they’re proving helicopters are a vital lifeline in crises.

🛩️ Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford is the frontrunner to lead the FAA, bringing over 30 years of aviation experience and a pilot’s license to the role. President Trump formally nominated him for the position on March 17th. Bedford has led Republic since 1999, transforming it into a regional powerhouse. If confirmed by the Senate, he will fill a position that has been vacant since January.

Pilatus has upgraded the PC-12 with the PC-12 Pro, the first aircraft certified with Garmin’s G3000 Prime avionics suite. Featuring touchscreen displays, a cursor-control device and autoland capability, it offers pilots advanced tech and safety. With a $6.8 million price tag, this turboprop proves even legends can level up.

PilotTube

Helicopters have been making headlines lately, but how do these gravity-defying machines actually work? This video takes a deep dive into the mechanics of a Bell 407, using physics and 3D visuals to break it all down. From rotor dynamics to precision controls, it explains the science and engineering that keep these machines flying.

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