Policy shifts air traffic control procedures from visual separation to radar-based spacing
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford recently announced safety measures requiring air traffic controllers to use radar-based separation instead of visual separation when helicopters cross arrival or departure paths near busy airports. The previous method contributed to the midair collision between a military helicopter and a commercial airliner in January 2025.
“We’ve implemented numerous changes to protect the skies over our capital and keep the traveling public safe,” said Secretary Sean Duffy. “But the job isn’t done. Using innovative data analysis, the safety team at the FAA has identified the need for enhanced protocols at all airports across the National Airspace System.“
“We are proactively mitigating risks before they affect the traveling public,” said Administrator Bedford. “Following the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), we looked at similar operations across the national airspace. We identified an overreliance on pilot ‘see and avoid’ operations that contribute to safety events involving helicopters and airplanes.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford as they oversee the coordination of the new air traffic procedures.
- For air traffic controllers, pilots, and emergency operators as they implement radar-based separation requirements in busy airspace.
Sources: Department of Transportation
