Army pauses helicopter training flights around Pentagon after 2 disruptions to commercial flights last week
Share this @internewscast.com

The Army has paused all helicopter training flights around the Pentagon near Washington after disruptions to two commercial flights last Thursday.

An Army representative confirmed to Fox News on Monday that there’s a temporary halt in place while an investigation is conducted. This follows last week’s incident at Reagan National Airport (DCA), where two flights were redirected after a Pentagon tower instructed an Army helicopter on a training flight to orbit the Pentagon one more time before landing. 

Officials revealed that around 2:30 p.m. that day, air traffic control directed a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to execute “go-arounds” at DCA due to the approach of an Army Black Hawk helicopter to the Pentagon Army Heliport, as per statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The FAA said the Black Hawk was a priority air transport helicopter.

Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River

The FAA says it is working to update technology after the DCA crash that claimed 67 lives. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Thursday’s disruptions come less than one month after the FAA increased staffing and oversight for the DCA air traffic control team.

Earlier in March, the FAA declared that it would permanently limit “nonessential” helicopter activities around the airport and discontinue the mixing of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft traffic.

The agency also prohibited the simultaneous use of runways 15/33 and 4/22 when helicopters that are conducting urgent missions are operating near DCA.

It is unclear how the incident took place, given the new guidelines.

The airport’s main runway is the busiest runway in America, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Fox News’ Chad Pergram, Landon Mion, Grady Trimble and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Lamborghini yacht sinks off Miami Beach

Lamborghini Yacht Sinks Off the Coast of Miami Beach

The U.S. Coast Guard said the 63-foot boat began taking on water…
Thousands of machinists union members go on strike at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney

Thousands of Unionized Machinists Stage Walkout at Pratt & Whitney Jet Engine Plant

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Approximately 3,000 union laborers initiated a strike…
Two women embrace at a train station while waiting for news about delayed trains.

Travel Disruptions in Spain: Train Delays and Cancellations Following Cable Theft, Following Recent Power Outage

THIEVES have stolen copper cables from Spain’s high-speed train network, causing service…
Man accused of strangling Alabama pageant queen charged in murder-for-hire plot enters not guilty plea

Alabama Pageant Queen’s Alleged Strangler Pleads Not Guilty in Murder-for-Hire Case

An Ashford man involved in a case concerning the alleged strangulation of…
Is there a New England serial killer? Former FBI agent with regional ties reveals his theory

Could a Serial Killer Be Active in New England? Former FBI Agent with Local Connections Shares His Thoughts

Authorities in New England have been criticized for withholding “enough” information that…
From debate to dialogue: In a contentious era, 'Ethics Bowl' offers students a gentler alternative

Encouraging Civil Discussions: How the ‘Ethics Bowl’ Provides a Softer Approach for Students in a Divisive Time

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — A contrast: At the National Speech and…

Study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Reveals Shift in Property Tax Burden to Homeowners

CHICAGO (WLS) — A new study was just released Monday morning from…
Met Gala Monday is here! Who's attending? What's the theme? Here's a preview.

Met Gala Monday has arrived! Who’s on the guest list? Discover this year’s theme in our sneak peek.

NEW YORK, NY — It’s the first Monday in May and that…
Patrick, Brittany Mahomes pack on the PDA at F1 Miami Grand Prix 

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes Show Affection at F1 Miami Grand Prix

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes were spotted looking lovey-dovey at the Formula One…
Glendale, Arizona, shooting inside restaurant leaves 3 dead, 5 injured, police say

Tragic Shooting at Glendale, Arizona Restaurant: 3 Dead, 5 Injured, According to Police

On Sunday evening, a tragic shooting in a Glendale, Arizona restaurant resulted…
Violent humanoid robot snaps — attacks factory workers: video

Aggressive humanoid robot goes on rampage, assaults factory employees: video footage

It was like a real-life Rock ’em Sock ’em. The concept of…
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) says at Ultimate Women's Power lunch she will not run for reelection

Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky Announces She Won’t Seek Reelection at Women’s Power Lunch

CHICAGO (WLS) — Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced Monday she will not run…