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
Chevy Chase opens up about memory issues in upcoming documentary

Chevy Chase Candidly Discusses Memory Challenges in Upcoming Documentary

Chevy Chase has opened up about experiencing memory loss following a significant…
Tentative deal reached between hockey league and union players, ECHL says

Breaking News: ECHL and Players’ Union Strike Tentative Deal to End Standoff

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association…
Knicks survive near meltdown vs. Hawks, 128-125

Knicks Triumph Over Hawks in Tense 128-125 Victory

Karl-Anthony Towns is hitting his stride, and the New York Knicks’ young…
Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly ties the knot with Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty

Holly Ramsay and Olympic Swimmer Adam Peaty Celebrate Their Wedding Day

In a delightful union that has captured public attention, Holly Ramsay, the…
Chicago crime: 17-year-old suspect's weapon fires during struggle with police officers on West 71st Street in West Lawn, CPD says

Teen Suspect’s Gun Discharges During Intense Police Confrontation in Chicago’s West Lawn: CPD Reports

In a tense encounter on Chicago’s Southwest Side, a firearm was discharged…
NY bans anonymous child abuse reports to prevent misuse as harassment

New York Implements Ban on Anonymous Child Abuse Reports to Curb Harassment and Misuse

Starting next year, a new law will mandate callers to New York’s…
Houston chemical leak: 44 treated after sulfuric acid leak at BWC Terminals industrial facility, Texad officials say

Chemical Spill at Houston Facility: 44 People Receive Treatment Following Sulfuric Acid Leak at BWC Terminals

A sulfuric acid leak at a southeast Texas industrial facility has resulted…
Nigerian villagers in Jabo are rattled by US airstrikes that made their homes shake and the sky glow red

US Airstrikes Shake Nigerian Village: Jabo Residents Witness Sky Turn Red

JABO, Nigeria — On a seemingly ordinary Thursday night in the Nigerian…
Woman, 73, pummeled by stranger in Harlem subway elevator in argument over attacker’s child

73-Year-Old Woman Assaulted in Harlem Subway Elevator Following Dispute Involving Attacker’s Child

Authorities are on the hunt for a woman who allegedly assaulted a…
Two players ejected after punches thrown during Pelicans-Suns game in wild scene

Chaos Erupts: Players Ejected After Intense Brawl at Pelicans vs. Suns Game

Sparks flew during the Phoenix Suns’ 123-114 victory over the New Orleans…
Former University of Illinois Chicago hospital contractor Glenn Rhymes pleads guilty after showing patient gun in facility lobby

Ex-Contractor at University of Illinois Chicago Hospital Admits Guilt in Shocking Gun Incident with Patient

In a startling case out of Chicago, a former employee of the…
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating 2025’s Unsung Heroes: First Responders and Ordinary Citizens Who Became Lifesavers Across America

This year, amidst numerous disasters, it was the quiet acts of bravery…