FAA announces new staffing measures for Reagan National following midair collision

The recent midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan National Airport has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement new safety measures. The FAA announced that it will be increasing support for its air traffic controller team at the airport following recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.

One of the key changes includes evaluating the current aircraft arrival rates at Reagan National Airport. The FAA found that the arrival rates were disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour, posing safety risks. As a response, the agency will be working on adjusting and spreading out the arrival rates to ensure a more balanced flow of air traffic.

In addition to the changes in arrival rates, the FAA will also be sending a critical incident stress management team to support the well-being of controllers. This team will provide confidential support for staff following stressful events and conduct regular wellness checks at the facility. Supervisor staffing will also be increased from six personnel to eight, and the airport’s certified professional controller staffing numbers will be reviewed to enhance safety measures.

Reagan National Airport, known for having the busiest runway in the U.S. with over 800 daily takeoffs and landings, has been under scrutiny for safety concerns. A recent incident involving a fight between employees inside the air traffic control tower raised further alarms. The fight led to the arrest of 39-year-old Damon Gaines, identified as an air traffic controller, who is currently on administrative leave pending investigation.

The FAA’s acting head, Chris Rocheleau, testified before senators about the midair collision, admitting that “something was missed” leading up to the tragic incident. Furthermore, a close call between a Delta Air Lines flight and an Air Force jet on March 28th has sparked additional concerns. Both aircraft continued to their destinations, but the FAA is investigating the incident to prevent future mishaps.

These new safety measures and increased staffing at Reagan National Airport are crucial steps towards enhancing air traffic control operations and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The FAA remains committed to addressing safety risks and improving the overall efficiency of air travel in the Washington, D.C. area.