A comprehensive federal investigation into helicopter safety practices around heavily trafficked U.S. airports was undertaken following the tragic midair collision in January involving a passenger jet and an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C. This review unveiled concerning flying conditions at the Las Vegas airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) disclosed on Tuesday that potential risks of collisions between air tour helicopters and airplanes at Harry Reid International Airport necessitated immediate revisions to flight regulations. This led to a significant decrease of 30% in collision alerts for airplanes within the first three weeks following the implementation of such changes.
In response to the deadly event involving an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in January, which resulted in 67 fatalities, the FAA announced plans to leverage artificial intelligence to analyze the extensive report data it gathers. This initiative aims to identify other high-risk zones for helicopter activities, including Boston, New York, Baltimore-Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and coastal regions on the Gulf.
According to Chris Rocheleau, the FAA’s acting administrator, Las Vegas became a focus point in their study due to inadequate definitions in agreements with helicopter operators concerning vertical and lateral separation as helicopters approached the airport. Additionally, air traffic controllers were reportedly not providing necessary traffic advisories for incoming helicopters and airplanes.
“Quick actions were undertaken, including exercising more control over helicopters and enhancing traffic advisories for pilots,” stated Rocheleau. He assured continued efforts to address these issues not only in Las Vegas but also at other airports identified as having potential risks.
Luke Nimmo from the Clark County Department of Aviation directed inquiries regarding the findings to the FAA.
Following an April 10 incident where a sightseeing helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River, resulting in six deaths, the FAA announced the formation of a rule-making committee tasked with recommending improvements for commercial air tour safety.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA, highlighted that the swift reduction in collision alerts reveals a previously existing significant hazard. “Characterizing the severity of the hazard is challenging,” he remarked, “but it’s another component that can lead to accidents, as seen previously in Washington, D.C.”
Guzzetti noted that addressing Las Vegas first was logical due to its complex airspace with both helicopters and commercial traffic. “Certainly, there will be concerns at other airports, though possibly not as severe as those found in Vegas,” he mentioned.
Jim Hall, former NTSB Chairman, critiqued perennial safety issues within the helicopter tour industry, warning that it often risks becoming an adventure rather than a safe experience. “Regrettably, it often takes accidents to prompt regulatory attention,” he commented.
The January midair clash near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport remains the deadliest aviation mishap in the U.S. since 2001, sparking worries about air travel despite its overall safety. Helicopter operations remain a particular area of concern, though Rocheleau said that the fundamental safety issues are linked to operational and maintenance shortcomings. Key causes of helicopter accidents involve loss of control and collisions during low-altitude flights.
The FAA’s safety data review has broadened to include airports hosting varied aircraft types and closely situated airports. Proximity between Hollywood Burbank Airport and Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles has been flagged as problematic, given their less than 10-mile separation and closely aligned flight paths.
Representatives from Hollywood Burbank Airport deferred questions to the FAA, while no immediate response was received from Van Nuys Airport.
“Flying is indeed the safest mode of travel, yet there’s room for improvement,” Rocheleau emphasized. “It’s imperative to understand trends, optimize data usage, and ensure the execution of corrective measures.”
Aviation lawyer Robert Clifford, representing several families affected by the D.C. plane crash, commended the FAA’s commitment to enhancing helicopter secure flights. “While I’ve often criticized the FAA, their decisive actions deserve acknowledgment as it ensures greater safety for travelers,” he said. “Helicopters, being notoriously risky, will benefit greatly from this heightened FAA vigilance, potentially saving numerous lives.”