WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today published updated helicopter route charts as part of its regular 52-day update cycle, including permanent changes following the January 29 midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This also includes modifications to helicopter zones at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

The updated charts reflect the following safety improvements at DCA: 

• Helicopter Routes 1 and 5 remain restricted to priority aircraft only medical, and law enforcement unless specifically authorized by air traffic control – a change made immediately following the DCA midair collision.  
• The FAA reduced the boundaries of Zones 1, 2, and 5.
• Additional notes were added to the DCA helicopter chart to improve clarity around altitude and operational instructions. 

The FAA also added modified routes for Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). These changes are a precautionary measure that will add an additional buffer between aircraft and increase the separation between helicopters and airplanes operating into and out of each airport, as noted below.  

Additional FAA Actions at DCA Following January Midair Collision 

The FAA will continue to support the NTSB-led investigation into the January mid-air collision and has taken these additional actions at DCA:  

• Established procedures to eliminate helicopter and fixed-wing mixed traffic near the airport  
• Permanently closed Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge  
• Revised agreements with the military to require ADS-B Out broadcasting  
• Discontinued take offs from the Pentagon until the FAA and Department of Defense updated procedures and fixed technical issues at the Pentagon Heliport  
• Eliminated the use of visual separation within 5 miles of the airport  
• Published modifications to helicopter zones and routes moving them farther away from flight paths at the airport  
• Increased support, oversight and staffing at DCA  
• Collaborated with industry partners and stakeholders